Replies

1. 
   69STINGRAY | Jan 18, 2004 10:04pm | #1

   Not sure how accurate it is, but it will be a start:

   http://www.building-cost.net/

1. 
   JohnCollins | Jan 18, 2004 11:40pm | #3

   Thanks, I tried http://www.building-cost.net/.  It breaks the estimate into individual categories but does not break them down to show where the totals come from.  I’d like something more specific to work with.

   I will try the RSMeans books when I can get to a good bookstore (that’s at least a half day event where I’m from).

   Any other suggestions anyone…?

1. 
   BobKovacs | Jan 19, 2004 01:00am | #4

   Yes- get pricing for the work from your subs and suppliers, or pay a local estimating firm to develop the estimate for you.  Any figures in the books and/or software are meaningless- they're not based on what you'll really be paying for the work.

   What happens if the book or software generates a cost estimate of $200,000, and the bank funds that amount, and you later find out the work will cost $220,000???

   Bob

2. 
   FastEddie1 | Jan 18, 2004 10:33pm | #2

   RSMeans sells several versions of estimating books, updated annually.  They are available for commercial, residential, site work, and about 6 more variations.  Many of the large book stores carry them, but usually not a full spectrum.  Residential versions are available for new construction, remodeling, and square foot costs.  Look carefully at the book beofre you buy it to see if it presents the data the way you want, and the way you can understand it.  Some of the books also give assembly costs.  If you know your stuff, you can use the itemized method and find a cost for every single component and get a total.  If you are a little unsure, or maybe don't need a lot of detail, the assembly costs might be better.  For example, they give a complete cost to build a roof, including rafters, sheathing, tar paper, drip edge, and shingles, in a dollars/sf format, so all you have to do is apply your sf to the complete cost.

   The Means books are also available on cd, which includes a program that lets you build an estimate.  Look at their web site for all the details.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

   
   

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   Edited 1/18/2004 2:39:28 PM ET by ELCID72

3. 
   Jemcon | Jan 19, 2004 02:32am | #5

   Try the site http://www.get-a-quote.net . It has alot of the costbooks all on one site. Do it today because tommorrow may never come.