What is the main difference between gross and net cost estimates?

The main difference between gross and net cost estimates lies in how expenses are accounted for in each approach. Gross costs encompass the total expenses involved in a project, which includes direct costs such as materials and labor as well as indirect costs like overhead and administrative expenses. By capturing the complete financial picture, gross costs provide a comprehensive view of what the project will require in terms of funding.

In contrast, net costs take this a step further by deducting any expected income or earnings that are anticipated from the project. This means that net costs reflect the actual financial outlay required after accounting for potential revenue, giving stakeholders a more nuanced understanding of the project's financial implications. This distinction is crucial for financial analysis and project budgeting, as it allows for better decision-making based on the anticipated financial flow of a project.

The other responses hint at variations of costs or documentation requirements, but they do not capture the fundamental distinction regarding how gross costs represent the total expenses while net costs adjust for expected revenue.