Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     xi
About the Authors     xiii
Estimating Methods     1
Purposes of Estimating     1
Determine the Price for a Job     1
Establish a List of Materials     2
Use the Estimate to Help in Design and Marketing     2
Scheduling     3
Job Cost Control     3
Communication     3
Types of Estimates     4
Square-Foot Method     4
Component Method     8
Detailed Estimate Method     9
Quantity Takeoff     11
Preliminary Considerations     11
Familiarization with the Plans     11
Site Visit     13
Account for Waste     13
Perform the Takeoff     13
Establish and Use a Checklist     13
Land Costs     14
Site Work     14
Footings and Slabs     19
Batter Boards     19
Formwork     13
Reinforcing Steel     20
Porous Fill     20
Termite and Soil Treatment     20
Vapor Control     20
Concrete     20
Masonry     20
Fireplaces     21
Mortar     21
Metal     21
Framing     22
Roofing     22
Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning     23
Insulation     23
Drywall     23
Interior Trim     24
Paint and Wall Covering     24
Floor Covering     24
Cabinets and Appliances     24
Exterior     25
Other Considerations     25
Cost Division     27
Direct Job Costs     27
Material Costs     28
Labor     28
Equipment     30
Major Equipment     30
Support Equipment     31
Small Tools     32
Trade Contracts     32
Organize Direct Job Costs     33
Job Overhead     33
General Overhead     35
Profit     35
Relationship of Costs     36
Prepare a Detailed Estimate     37
Pricing Direct Costs     37
Pricing Materials     37
Pricing Labor     38
Pricing Equipment     38
Pricing Trade Contracts     38
Accuracy     39
Contingencies     39
Computerized Versus Manual Estimating     39
Manual Example     40
Comparisons     83
Computerized Estimating     85
Advantages     85
Built-in Checklists     85
Accuracy     86
Standardization     86
Alternative Scenarios     86
Report and Document Preparation     86
Select a Computer Estimating System     87
Basic Elements     87
Gather Information     87
Implement Your System     87
Get Started     87
Consultants     88
Establish and Maintain a Database     88
Utilize Your Spreadsheet     88
Advanced Options and Future Trends     89
Digitized Software     89
Sequence     89
On-Line Pricing     89
Integrations with Computer-Aided Design     89
Packaged Programs     90
Summary     90
Common Areas and Volumes     91
Conversion Tables     93
Enlarged Floor Plan     103
Enlarged Front and Rear Elevations     107
Glossary     111
Resources and Recommended Reading     115