I keep getting these offers in the mail for a free trial of 2007 Guide to Construction Costs by Design and Construction Resources. Has anyone perused this book or used it to bid a project? Is it accurate in it’s pricing? Would you recommend it? I just thought that I’d investigate a little before throwing the latest offer in the trash. Any info is appreciated.
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"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
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PTP,
I bought a copy of it years ago and found it interesting but simply wrong.. It's impossible to take into consideration all the variables involved in construction..
Grim as it sounds practical experiance is really the only true guide to cost estimates..
Those guides simply cannot adapt to market forces or site conditions.
I hate that answer..
I wanted something where I could check on bids and estimates to ensure that I wasn't being cheated. I was willing to pay a fair price but with no experiance I simply didn't want to be taken advantage of.. conversely I didn't want to waste a lot of time (mine and contractors working for me) while I got myself an education at their expense to learn what a fair price would be..
Hometech has a book that is researched for each geographical area. It takes an average for the going rate for almost all phases of construction. But it doesn't factor in each specific job site, how can it? It gives a great base from which to begin an estimate. I have found it indispensible. I call it the Bible. I use it for a basic indication of what other contractors might be charging for the same work, then add up for a difficult project, or subtract for an easy one. It's worth it for me.
Is this the same Hometech that has the CostEstimator online estimator?
I subscribe to it and use it frequently as a pricing resource/starting point for my estimates. I often do small and handyman type jobs, though I just took on a house reno that's going to take at least six months. Anyhow, it's a great tool for what I do.
I'm still looking for the drop-dead fantastic easy-to-use estimating software for remodeling and repairs. I don't think it will ever exist, as others were saying about job-site conditions and experience being two huge variables that an estimating tool could not account for.
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