Construction Cost Estimation: Need information

Can you afford any books?

The RS Means books are popular:

http://www.bookmarki.com/Means-Estimating-Handbook-3rd-Edition-p/9780876292730.htm

or get them from a library?

Thanks. I have looked at the books as well. Actually a lot of the software I have looked at are not that expensive and are usually cheaper than the books. But after a year of unemployment I really rather conserve my finances since I have finally gotten back to work, even if it is only temporary.

Members of My family, including myself at one time, have been involved in construction for several generations

I have used Means, Local Bid Exchanges, but find Craftsman does an excellent job at a much lower price.

http://craftsman-book.com/

http://craftsman-book.com/products/index.php?main_page=cbc_product_book_info&cPath=44&products_id=617

Thanks for the reply. I looked at it the books you spoke of and that is now a serious option. Thanks for the info.

You are welcome and I have found that they work very well.

Hi LJ,

Why not really 'impress' and do the same amount of work on a 'proper' Estimate rather than a scientific wild ass guess?

The sight below will list free software for building quantities etc free download software.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q= Construction estimating cost and quantities free software

Good luck and a Happy New Year!

At the stage of design you seem to be, I would look into RS Means commercial square foot cost book. They have broken down several buildings by type and end use and it is easy to use without flipping through a lot of pages.

Just a note.. You do not want to be the low estimator for this budget cost, so your level of accuracy and detail is not as important as if you were a contractor trying to add this project their portfolio. Maybe you could add a 20% design/study contingency cost.

On the other hand an estimate too high may scare the the owner into abandoning the project.

just a thought, if estimating budget is tight. Try a library or even a used book store.The book is updated each year, but older years can still work for your purpose if you add in factors for inflation and common sense.

You might want to contact some colleges to see if their engineering departments have anything.

http://rsmeans.reedconstructiondata.com/

http://www.contractor-books.com/RS_Means_Cost_Guides.htm

Means Cost Estimating manuals are popular.

The books by John Page are industry standard for piping and fabrication. www.amazon.com/Estimators-Piping-Man-Hour-Manual-Library(the link will supply the suggestions for his other books).

If you can get access to government unit price published averages that may give you more information. However, a little information can be a dangerous thing if what is included is not understood.

If you are at the stage where you are ready to go for budget quotations, you are best to proceed, but ensure that the proviso that it is for budget only, and does not form an offer or any agreement to enter into the work, especially if the scope is at an early stage.

Your best bet on pre-budget 'SWAG' is to speak with contractors that you would be considering for the work. Chances are you will get a good education about what is involved, and an educated ballpark on the work.

When I was a contractor, I never refused an opportunity to educate or share with a consultant or owner any information request. It was just good business, as we would always be considered for the work later.

The most crucial thing in all of this is an accurate description and understanding of your scope - from both the owner and the constructor sides. Poor scope definition coupled with a consultant 'SWAG' that became a budget is the cause of many contract disputes.

Also have a look at the AACEI - Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International aacei.org. Lots of free information and best practices articles about the pitfalls of cost and schedule. Access to certified cost engineers too.

Good luck.

BTW free software is called a spreadsheet ;)

Another good source of information for cost estimating is www.get-a-quote.net Similar to RS Means in that it has labor and material costs. I agree with the earlier post that Craftsman is a good resource as well. Don't forget to take into account growth, local labor conditions, weather, site conditions, location, cost of money, insurance, bonds, overhead, risk, exclusions, assumptions and contingency. Make sure you have a good and solid scope of work to avoid contract disputes later. Good luck.