Using North America's most recognized construction cost data from RSMeans, this step-by-step guide develops problem-solving skills through over 300 sample problems and exercises. All of the major construction items, including site work, concrete and masonry, wood and metal framing, doors and windows, and more are covered. Access to a password-protected web site is included, which contains the instruction version of RSMeans Cos/Works, the electronic version of RS Means Building Construction Cost Data, and sample building plans and spreadsheets, enabling you to practice creating a complete construction estimate.
This comprehensive reference covers the full spectrum of technical data required to estimate costs for major construction projects. Widely used in the industry for tasks ranging from routine estimates to special cost analysis projects, the book has been completely updated and reorganized with new and expanded technical information. RSMeans Estimating Handbook will help construction professionals: Evaluate architectural plans and specifications Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs Compare design alternatives and costs Perform value engineering Double-check estimates and quotes Estimate change orders FEATURES: This new edition includes expanded coverage of: Construction specialties—green building, metal decking, plastic pipe, demolition items, and more Preliminary or square foot estimating tools Updated city cost indexes to adjust costs—by trade—for 30 major cities Historic indexes to factor costs for economic effects over time Complete reorganization to the newest CSI MasterFormat classification system
This updated edition includes over 300 sample estimating problems to show how to estimate a wide range of construction elements. Two sets of plans allow users to practice estimating techniques in the context of an actual project. Includes a fully functional instructional version of Means CostWorks CD-ROM.
This comprehensive reference explains everything you need to know about taking off and pricing detailed, unit price construction estimates. The book takes you through every step of the estimating process — from receipt of the plans, to detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing, to bidding strategies, and finally, cost control. Also includes electronic estimating forms you can access to download and customize from the book’s own website. Organized for quick reference, the book features: Estimating guidance for every segment of construction by CSI MasterFormat division — the most recognized industry standard for organizing construction projects and costs Checklists and forms to streamline the estimating process What to watch out for — common errors and omissions How to calculate and apply direct and indirect costs, including overhead and profit A complete, fully updated sample cost estimate An appendix with labor hours for common construction operations
How to succeed in the construction business step-by-step guidelines for estimating To be competitive, contractors and homebuilders need to know how to generate complete, accurate estimates for labor and material costs. This book guides readers through the entire estimating process, explaining in detail how to put together a reliable estimate that can be used not only for budgeting, but also for developing a schedule, managing a project, dealing with contingencies, and ultimately making a profit. Completely revised and updated to reflect the new CSI MasterFormat 2010TM system, the Second Edition of this practical guide describes estimating techniques for each building system and how to apply them according to the latest industry standards. Cost considerations and quantity takeoff and pricing are included for virtually every type of work found in residential and light commercial projects, from demolition, concrete, and masonry to windows and doors, siding, roofing, mechanical and electrical systems, finish work, and site construction. Complete with many new graphics and references to professional construction cost databases, the new edition provides experienced contractors and novices alike with essential information on: How to correctly interpret plans and specifications, reflecting updates to contract documents since the first edition Computer estimating techniques and new estimating software for performing quantity takeoff The best methods for conceptual estimating as well as the extremely useful topic of parametric estimating How to allocate the right amounts for profit and contingencies, and other hard-to-find professional guidance How a unit price estimate is built along with labor issues and budgeting for subcontractor work
An easy-to-follow guide to the theory and practice of project scheduling and control No matter how large or small the construction project, an efficient, well-thought-out schedule is crucial to achieving success. The schedule manages all aspects of a job, such as adjusting staff requirements at various stages, overseeing materials deliveries and equipment needs, organizing inspections, and estimating time needs for curing and settling—all of which requires a deep understanding on the part of the scheduler. Written by a career construction professional, Construction Project Scheduling and Control, Second Edition has been fully revised with up-to-date coverage detailing all the steps needed to devise a technologically advanced schedule geared toward streamlining the construction process. Solved and unsolved exercises reinforce learning, while an overview of industry standard computer software sets the tone for further study. Some of the features in this Second Edition include: Focus on precedence networks as a viable solution to scheduling, the main part of project control The concepts of Dynamic Minimal Lag, a new CPM technique developed by the author A new chapter on schedule risk management By combining basic fundamentals with advanced techniques alongside the robust analysis of theory to enhance real-world applications, Construction Project Scheduling and Control is an ideal companion for students and professionals looking to formulate a schedule for a time-crunched industry in need of better ways to oversee projects.
Simplify the estimating process with the latest data, materials, and practices Electrical Estimating Methods, Fourth Edition is a comprehensive guide to estimating electrical costs, with data provided by leading construction database RS Means. The book covers the materials and processes encountered by the modern contractor, and provides all the information professionals need to make the most precise estimate. The fourth edition has been updated to reflect the changing materials, techniques, and practices in the field, and provides the most recent Means cost data available. The complexity of electrical systems can make accurate estimation difficult, but this guide contains all the necessary information in one place. An electrical estimate represents the total cost for materials, labor, overhead and profit, but accuracy is virtually impossible without a basic knowledge of the field, and real-world experience in the type of work required. Inaccurate estimates lead to problems with customer satisfaction, which often create payment issues. A thorough, complete, and accurate estimate is in the best interest of all parties involved in the work. Electrical Estimating Methods provides more than just data. Detailed discussions about the work itself help highlight factors that may escape notice, and access to the latest cost data helps tie everything together. Features include: Discussion of current equipment, materials, and processes Means data for both residential and commercial projects Case studies that illustrate best practices Online access to the latest Means data for fast access on the job The book discusses specific situations as well as general practices, and provides comprehensive guidance to the creation of a true, current, estimation of costs. For electrical contractors and estimators, Electrical Estimating Methods contains must-have content that simplifies the estimating process.
Now completely updated and revised to the UNIFORMAT II classification of estimating, this book is an essential reference for anyone who creates conceptual, construction, or appraisal estimates. You will learn: Time-saving techniques for producing reliable conceptual estimates Step-by-step demonstration of building elements selection and its cost impact on the total budget How to use the RSMeans database for reliable feasibility studies and early project planning Also included is an overview of the CostWorks CD-ROM Square Foot and Assemblies Estimating software.
The RICS New Rules of Measurement mean that the construction industry now has a way of allowing a more consistent approach to the measurement and estimating of buildings from the start of a project, right through until the end, and beyond. Estimating and cost planning using the New Rules of Measurement offers comprehensive guidance on all the technical competencies concerned with estimating throughout the precontract stages. It provides a full commentary to the NRM, with detailed and comprehensive examples of how to measure estimates and cost plans in accordance with this new prescriptive approach. For both students and practitioners, the acquisition of technical competencies is by practice so this book offers step-by-step worked examples to follow as well as an exercise on each topic. Key Features • helps dispel anxieties about using a new method in an important area of fee generation • based on the author’s successful Roadshows, organised by the RICS to promote the NRM • companion websites provide support for learning: http://ostrowskiquantities.com and www.wiley.com/go/ostrowski/estimating
The acknowledged bible of the industry, Means Building Construction Cost Data offers unchallenged unit price reliability in an easy-to-use arrangement. Over 20,000 unit prices for 1996 are given.
