From order-of-magnitude screening to contractor-ready control estimates — CAF Corporation provides AACE-aligned cost estimation support calibrated to real market data, so every number you present is defensible.
AACE Class Alignment
Support at Every Estimation Gate
Our team works alongside your engineering, procurement and project controls teams to develop cost estimates aligned with AACE International classification — from Class 5 screening through Class 2 control.
5
AACE Class 5
Concept Screening
Order-of-magnitude estimates using capacity-factor models and benchmark ratios. Accuracy -50% / +100%. Ideal for early feasibility and go/no-go decisions.
4
AACE Class 4
Study Estimate
Factored estimates based on process flow diagrams and major equipment lists. Accuracy -30% / +50%. Used in project selection and alternative comparison.
3
AACE Class 3
Budgetary Estimate
Semi-detailed estimates from P&IDs and preliminary equipment specs. Accuracy -20% / +30%. Foundation for funding requests and sanction budgets.
2-1
AACE Class 2-1
Control Estimate
Detailed take-off based estimates with full equipment and material lists. Accuracy -10% / +15%. Used for contract award, change management and project control.
Service Scope
What We Deliver
A complete estimation service from first principles to final delivery, integrated with your project team workflow and documentation standards.
01 — Equipment Costing
Process Equipment Budgets
Vendor-calibrated budgetary prices for rotating, static, heat transfer and specialty equipment using Kpex cost models and real market data.
02 — Factored Estimates
Lang / Factored Methods
Rapid total installed cost (TIC) estimates using industry-standard factoring ratios scaled to facility type, process complexity and location.
03 — Civil & Structural
Civil Works Cost Build-Up
Detailed civil cost build-up using local labor rates, productivity factors and material unit costs calibrated to the project geography.
04 — Indirect Costs
Engineering & Home Office
EPCM and home office cost modeling using Z.1 Engineering module benchmarks — covering all disciplines, procurement and project management.
05 — Contingency
Risk-Based Allowances
Structured contingency determination using AACE guidelines and CAF PDRI/CRI assessment tools to quantify project definition maturity and risk exposure.
06 — Documentation
Estimate Basis & Deliverables
Complete estimate documentation including basis of estimate, assumptions log, exclusions, quantity take-offs and cost breakdowns ready for stakeholder review.
Specialist Service RAN
Replacement as New (RAN) Valuation for Insurance
One of the most demanded — and most frequently underestimated — services in asset-intensive industries. RAN valuation establishes the cost to rebuild your entire process plant from zero at today's prices, providing the technically grounded sum insured that insurance carriers and brokers require.
Plant owners and operators are often over-insured on paper but under-protected in reality — because their declared insurable value is based on book value or outdated appraisals, not on what it would actually cost to rebuild the plant today. CAF Corporation provides independent, third-party RAN valuations that are technically rigorous, market-calibrated and fully documented for submission to insurers.
RAN
Replacement as New
The full cost to replace the plant with an equivalent new facility at current market prices — no depreciation applied. This is the basis for the declared sum insured in property damage and business interruption policies.
RAV
Replacement Asset Value
The depreciated replacement cost — RAN minus physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and economic obsolescence. Used for asset management, financial reporting and maintenance benchmarking.
RCN
Replacement Cost New
Insurance appraisal terminology equivalent to RAN. The current cost to construct a similar facility of like utility using modern materials, methods and codes — the standard metric for property insurance coverage limits.
DRC
Depreciated Replacement Cost
RCN adjusted for age, condition and remaining service life. Used for fair value accounting (IFRS 13) and regulatory asset base calculations in regulated industries.
CAF RAN Deliverables
100%
Independent
TIC
Total Installed Cost
Kpex
Data-Calibrated
196
Countries Covered
Scope of Valuation
Process EquipmentPiping & ValvesElectricalInstrumentsCivil & StructuralBuildingsFire & GasEPCM IndirectsCommissioning
Who Needs RAN Valuation
Plant OwnersInsurance BrokersUnderwritersLenders & BanksM&A Due Diligence
Every estimate we produce is backed by proprietary data assets, structured methodology and independent review — giving your organization a competitive edge at every project gate.
Kpex Data Platform Access
All estimates are calibrated against the Kpex cost database — thousands of executed project data points across industries, geographies and project types.
Independent & Objective
As an independent cost engineering firm, CAF Corporation has no supplier relationships or commercial bias — our estimates reflect market reality.
Global Location Coverage
Location factor adjustments via the CAF LFI module cover projects across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
Time & Cost Escalation
Historical and forecast cost indices (CAF CAI) ensure estimates are correctly adjusted for inflation, market escalation and project schedule.
Embedded Team Model
Our consultants work as an extension of your project team — attending reviews, estimate workshops and aligning with your schedule milestones.
AACE-Compliant Output
All estimates are structured and documented to meet AACE Recommended Practice requirements for classification, basis and deliverable format.
Ready to Build Your Next Estimate?
Talk to our cost engineering team about your project scope, phase and timeline.
Monday to Friday · 9:00–18:00 (CET). We answer email within 1 business day.
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