Methods
Mechanical estimating and costing is an important skill for engineers who need to develop a business plan, set detailed budgets, predict resources required and control project costs. A reliable cost estimate is the key to this process. It can also help a company decide whether to pursue a particular project and determine whether it is feasible.
One of the most popular methods of estimating is analogous costing, which uses historical information from similar projects to determine the cost of a new project. This technique is most accurate when the project team members have extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Another common method of estimating is bottom-up costing, which estimates each component of the work package or activity in the most detail possible. It involves analysis of each component to the greatest degree of detail for reporting purposes.
This book provides the accepted standards and procedures for takeoff and pricing HVAC systems, piping, plumbing, fire protection and all the major mechanical systems in new building construction. It includes up-to-date cost data and estimating examples, and it is organized for ease of use. It is written for both students and practicing engineers who need to understand the principles of mechanical estimating.
Equipment
Equipment is a vital component of any mechanical system. It can be costly to replace, but its value is recouped through its life cycle and the profit it generates. Several methods can be used to estimate the cost of equipment. One of the most popular is the equipment factored estimate (EF), which uses a combination of subcontracted costs, direct labor costs and materials needed for installation to arrive at total project costs.
This method is particularly useful when estimating the cost of large machinery and heavy equipment, since it allows for a larger range of equipment pricing than the other methods. Another method is the Lang method, which differentiates for solids and liquids and uses equipment prices free at site as a basis. The method has some advantages, but it requires additional information about the project to use it effectively.
This comprehensive manual provides a wealth of labor and price data, formulas and charts to aid in mechanical estimating, as well as numerous estimating examples. Whether you’re a contractor, owner or anyone else involved in mechanical estimating, this book will help you produce reliable and accurate estimates quickly and easily. It also includes a glossary of mechanical terms and definitions, symbols used on mechanical plans, and other helpful features.
Materials
The materials you use in a project are essential to the final outcome. They affect how the job goes and what you have to pay for it. The best way to get the right materials is to estimate them before you start the job. Then you can work with the blueprints and plans to determine the quantities, type, and cost of the materials.
This book is intended for students of mechanical engineering as well as practicing engineers. It has plenty of solved examples and unsolved problems for practice. It also covers the entire syllabus of the subject. It has been written in a very easy and simple language so that students can understand the subject without much difficulty. It is a very useful resource for estimating and costing in mechanical field.
There are many different types of materials that you might need for a project. Some are standard off-the-shelf items that are used widely in construction and other fields. Others are custom designed to meet specific needs. In some cases, these materials must be ordered in large quantities to ensure that they are available for the project.
Other materials are specialized for the project and require special machining or fabrication. These can be costly and time-consuming to produce. However, they are worth the extra expense to ensure that you have the proper materials for your project.
One of the most common ways that you can estimate your material costs is to take a physical count of the materials you plan on using. You can either do this manually or you can use computer software to perform this process. You can even use a spreadsheet to calculate the exact costs of the materials you are planning on using.
Another way that you can estimate your material costs is to look at historical data. This can help you determine the expected buying prices for materials and equipment. It can also allow you to forecast the future price of materials and equipment so that you can budget for them in advance.
Labor
Whether you’re in the business of building a new facility or just putting together the family budget, it pays to know what you’re paying for. This book makes it easy to get the best deal by providing the big picture as well as the little stuff. It is packed with useful information spanning a myriad of mechanical systems and applications. It also comes with a hefty dose of common sense, a healthy helping of skepticism and a few surprises along the way. If you’re in the mechanical or construction business, you’ll find this book in your office or on the go at all times.