Synopses & Reviews
Estimating Building Costs
Wayne J. DelPico
Step-by-Step Methods for Successful Contractors
Estimating is not a simple task, and estimates are not guesswork. No one ever purchases "about a dozen 2 x 4s" or agrees to pay a subcontractor "around $5,000." Accurate construction estimating is an essential skill of every successful contractor. Without it, you take on a heavy burden of risk, or you fail to be competitive.
Every contractor has a unique system for putting a bid together ... but when you submit a price, you must be prepared to back it up with a reliable estimate. This book gives you a step-by-step process for organizing all the information you need to assemble an estimate you can rely on... so you'll be competitive and know that you'll make a worthwhile profit.
Follow these methods and you'll create well-organized, complete estimates by:
Correctly interpreting plans and specifications.
Developing accurate and complete labor and material costs.
Understanding direct and indirect overhead costs ... and accounting for time-sensitive costs.
Using historical cost data to generate new project budgets.Plus hard-to-find, professional guidance on what to consider so you can allocate the right amount for profit and contingencies.
Includes a detailed look at every construction specialty explaining all the components, takeoff units, and labor-hours for site work, concrete and masonry, framing, roofing, siding, and finish work plus HVAC, plumbing and electrical, and special construction.
With a review of computer estimating software and sample Project Overhead Sheets
Synopsis
Every contractor has a unique system for putting a bid together. But when you submit a price, you must be prepared to back it up with a reliable estimate.
Estimating Building Costs gives you a step-by-step process for organizing all the information you need to assemble an estimate you can rely on. You’ll be competitive and know that you’ll make a worthwhile profit. Follow these methods and you’ll create well-organized, complete estimates by:
- Correctly interpreting plans and specifications
- Developing accurate and complete labor and material costs
- Understanding direct and indirect overhead costs and accounting for time-sensitive costs
- Using historical cost data to generate new project budgets
The book includes a detailed look at every construction specialty – explaining all the components, take-off units, and labor hours – for site work, concrete and masonry, framing, roofing, siding, and finish work. Plus, you'll get data on HVAC, plumbing and electrical, and special construction and hard-to-find professional guidance on what to consider so you can allocate the right amount for profit and contingencies.
About the Author
p>About the Author
Wayne J. DelPico is Vice President of The Mulligan Company, Inc., where he currently oversees residential and commercial development and building projects in southeastern Massachusetts. He has more than 25 years' experience in construction management and estimating, and has been involved in projects throughout most of the United States. Mr. DelPico holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, where he teaches construction estimating and project management. He is the author of Plan Reading & Material Takeoff, also published by RSMeans, and is a lecturer on construction estimating topics in programs presented throughout the U.S.
Table of Contents
Foreword.About the Author & Contributors.
Introduction.
Chapter 1: The Working Drawings.
The Role of the Drawings.
Design Development.
Organization of the Working Drawings.
Graphic Formats Used in Drawings.
Drawing Conventions.
Conclusion.
Chapter 2: Understanding the Specifications.
The Role of the Specifications.
Organizing Specifications by CSI MasterFormat.
The Project Manual.
Conflicts Between Drawings & Specifications.
Modifications to the Contract Documents.
Conclusion.
Chapter 3: Calculating Linear Measure, Area, & Volume.
Units of Measure.
Decimal Equivalents.
Linear Measurement.
Area & Square Measure.
Volume & Cubic Measure.
Conclusion.
Chapter 4: The Quantity Takeoff.
Reviewing the Documents.
Beginning the Quantity Takeoff.
Rules to Follow for Accurate Takeoffs.
Accounting for Waste.
Other Factors that Affect Quantities.
Pricing the Estimate.
The Unit Price Estimate.
Pricing the Quantities.
Submitting a Bid.
Conclusion.
Chapter 5: Understanding Material & Labor Costs.
Materials.
Labor.
Indirect Overhead.
Profit.
Conclusion.
Chapter 6: General Requirements.
Fixed & Variable Costs.
Collecting General Requirements Cost Items.
Applying Prices to General Requirements Items.
Conclusion.
Chapter 7: Site Construction.
Civil Drawings.
Subsurface Investigation Reports.
Site Preparation.
Excavation & Backfill.
Hauling.
Rock Removal.
Piping & Precast Structures.
Underpinning.
Paving & Subbase Preparation.
Curbing.
Dewatering.
Landscaping & Irrigation.
Site Improvements.
Miscellaneous Considerations.
Demolition.
Conclusion.
Chapter 8: Concrete.
Concrete Materials.
Ready-Mixed Concrete.
Formwork.
Flatwork.
Expansion Joints.
Control Joints.
Curing.
Reinforcement.
Precast Concrete.
Cementitious Decks.
Embedded Items.
Vapor Barriers.
Conclusion.
Chapter 9: Masonry.
Mortar.
Brick.
Concrete Masonry Units (CMU).
Stone.
Masonry Reinforcement.
Grout.
Masonry Anchors & Ties.
Masonry Restoration.
Masonry Cleaning.
Masonry Insulation.
Flashings.
Cutting Masonry Units.
Formwork for Masonry.
Items Furnished by Other Trades.
Control Joints.
Incidentals for Fireplace & Chimney Construction.
Freight of Masonry Units.
Staging & Scaffolding for Masonry Work.
Cleanup.
Conclusion.
Chapter 10: Metals.
Structural Steel.
Open-Web Steel Joists.
Metal Decking.
Light-Gauge Metal Framing (LGMF).
Studs & Track.
Miscellaneous & Ornamental Metals.
Miscellaneous Costs.
Conclusion.
Chapter 11: Wood & Plastics.
Rough Carpentry & Framing.
Finish Carpentry.
Architectural Millwork.
Casework & Cabinetry.
Conclusion.
Chapter 12: Thermal & Moisture Protection.
Waterproofing.
Dampproofing.
Insulation.
Vapor Barriers.
Air Infiltration Barriers.
Exterior Siding.
Roofing.
Firestop Systems & Sprayed Fireproofing.
Conclusion.
Chapter 13: Doors & Windows.
Architectural Drawings.
Hollow Metal Frames & Doors.
Wood Doors & Frames.
Sliding Glass Doors.
Special Doors.
General Notes on Doors.
Overhead & Coiling Doors.
Entrances & Storefronts.
Wood & Plastic Windows.
Metal Windows.
General Notes on Windows.
Finish Hardware.
Glass & Glazing.
Conclusion.
Chapter 14: Finishes.
Plaster Systems.
Gypsum Wallboard Systems.
Metal Stud Framing & Furring.
Tile.
Acoustical Ceiling Systems.
Flooring.
Painting.
Wallcoverings.
Conclusion.
Chapter 15: Specialties.
Conclusion.
Chapter 16: Equipment, Furnishings, & Special Construction.
Equipment.
Furnishings.
Special Construction.
Conveying Systems.
Conclusion.
Chapter 17: Mechanical Systems.
Fire Protection Systems.
Plumbing.
Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning (HVAC).
Conclusion.
Chapter 18: Electrical Systems.
Raceways.
Conductors & Grounding.
Wiring Devices & Boxes.
Starters, Boards, & Switches.
Lighting.
Special Systems.
Equipment Hook-ups.
Miscellaneous Electrical Work.
Electrical Labor.
Conclusion.
Chapter 19: Estimating by Computer.
Estimating Software.
Project Overhead Summary Sheets.
Conclusion.
Chapter 20: Profit & Contingencies.
Profit.
Contingencies.
Conclusion.
Estimating Resources.
Unit Cost Estimating.
Using Cost Databases & Means Contractor’s Pricing Guides.
Conclusion.
Index.