Replies

1. 
   McDesign | Nov 19, 2009 05:03am | #1

   Yes - I gut-checkled all my quotes by going through their itemized pages.  

   I even used it as supporting documentation for my pricing in court, when I had to sue a client for non-payment.

   I won - a bit over 45 grand.

    

   Forrest

2. 
   RedfordHenry | Nov 19, 2009 05:49am | #2

   I have, and no I don't.  Maybe if you were estimating a 30-lot subdivision of tract homes, but not a single home, an addition, or reno work.

3. 
   Oak River Mike | Nov 19, 2009 06:21am | #3

   I have tried to use them a few times but the numbers don't work our for my area...always seem too high to be competitve.

   BUT, I do like having the full description of the job listed out as it helps me make sure I account for everything.  So while the dollar amounts may not be right, the time and job scopes are helpful.

1. 
   BenM | Nov 19, 2009 04:20pm | #4

   Too high????!!!!  I use Means all the time but only for productivity rates and crew hours.  If I used their hourly rates my estimate would be HALF or less what it really should be.  And that is even taking into account the City Cost Indexes.

1. 
   frammer52 | Nov 19, 2009 05:49pm | #5

   Ben.  Where do you live.  I have the same problem Mike has, even though the gap seems to be closing.

1. 
   BenM | Nov 19, 2009 08:27pm | #6

   Most of the estimates are for the northeast (NJ, NY).  Theoretically, the City Cost Index should take care of that but it's not enough.

1. 
   frammer52 | Nov 19, 2009 09:22pm | #7

   Then I suggest your own multiplier?

   I like the means book, even though I only buy it now and then.  They give me the the complete rundown so I don't forget about parts of jobs.

2. 
   Oak River Mike | Nov 19, 2009 10:36pm | #8

   Yeah guys if I use the Means cost WITHOUT the multiplier in my area, my numbers are too high.  Let alone if I add the multiplier cost.

   And I have confirmed this as I have sat down on the same job and used specific bids for the subs and the total cost is less by about 7-10%...which is often the make or break amount for a small job.

   I would LOVE to charge and make what they state as it would make estimating a whole lot easier but I haven't been able to.  I think one hold up might be HOs will go and buy a book like that, run the numbers on the low end without the multiplier and then expect all the bids to be that number or less.

4. 
   Clewless1 | Nov 21, 2009 07:18pm | #9

   Yes I have ... when I HAVE to, but they are no substitute for real estimating. Better than nothing, but not as good as real numbers. Use them as an occasional guide only, but you need to do your own reality check. It's a mistake to use them universally IMO. Definately a good resource, but all real estimators I've talked to will not rely on them exclusively ... just one tool in the many tools of the estimating tool belt. Use them all.