Whether you work as an individual construction estimator or as part of a team, accurate construction estimating is essential to your business. Construction estimating books can help you develop an understanding of the principles behind this important process and then apply them to your work.
This practical guide covers estimating techniques, pricing, quantity takeoff and more. The second edition also includes new topics including profit and contingencies.
Cost Data Manuals
A number of different companies produce construction cost estimating manuals. The most well known is the National Construction Estimator, used in a lot of estimating courses. While it is a good resource to get started, it’s not always accurate enough for real projects.
There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that it represents an industry standard rather than an actual project. It is also possible that there are significant differences in circumstances that can’t be easily reflected in the prices in the data manual. These may include distant travel requirements, increased regulation or administration oversight. In addition, there is the potential that specialty crews will be less experienced in a particular process than other crews and therefore require a greater learning curve.
Despite these issues, a commercial construction estimator can’t completely discount the value of a good cost data manual. The data provides an estimate of the costs for a certain type of construction work and can help establish a baseline figure. This is important because there are often occasions when a client will question the accuracy of the costs for a project.
For the purposes of this class, labor and material costs are going to be based on the National Construction Estimator. While new editions of the NCCE come out each year, using the 2018 edition will allow this course to remain current with the latest pricing data for most materials and labor.
Reference Data Manuals
There are several reference data manuals used in construction estimating, which can be purchased from book stores and online. They provide estimates for materials, labor and equipment. These are helpful for budgeting and preparing to bid on a project. They can also help with scheduling and identifying risks. Some reference data manuals also include information about the industry, including local pricing and regulations.
Some of these reference books include cost indices that help users compare different price points. Others offer location-specific costs and detail on items such as concrete, steel and labor. They can also be updated regularly, ensuring that the numbers are accurate and reflect real-world costs. This makes them useful for both general contractors and homebuilders.
In addition to these cost indices, some reference data manuals contain detailed descriptions of construction processes and procedures. One such example is “Building Estimating,” which breaks down the estimating process into a series of clear, easy-to-follow steps. It also includes sample estimates for common projects in a variety of categories, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural.
For construction managers, another valuable reference is the “Construction Management JumpStart.” This handbook provides a thorough breakdown of a CM’s essential duties and includes an updated list of relevant OSHA regulations and new technologies. In addition, the book lists performance guidelines that help builders better manage customer expectations during a remodel or build.
Software
Construction estimating software automates much of the underlying calculations. It also reduces the amount of time estimators spend on repetitive tasks like data entry and formula creation. In addition, many software tools can display a graphical view of an assembly or item to facilitate accurate estimating.
Some estimating software is free, but most programs have a monthly fee of $60 to $250 per estimator. Desktop tools that require a one-time installation can cost as much as $600. The cost of software often depends on the features that are included, as well as how easy it is to use.
Project managers need software that combines cost estimating, bid day analysis and digital takeoffs with bidding management and reporting capabilities. These types of products offer a wide range of capabilities in a single dashboard, which makes it easier to keep track of changes and compare estimates. They can also simplify record keeping and financial reporting, and eliminate errors that result from handwritten notes.
Some estimating programs provide more precise cost models than spreadsheets by using real-world localized material prices, regional contingencies and current labor estimates. Other programs, such as Buildxact and Clear Estimates, offer a parts library with up-to-date pricing and integration with business solutions that companies already use. They can also model the impact of different assumptions on project costs and provide a graphical comparison of alternate estimate versions.
Reference Books
Few aspects of a construction project are more fundamental than the cost estimate, which can make the difference between a professionally executed project and a financial or legal disaster. That’s why it is critical that professionals have access to the right reference materials when creating an estimate for a commercial construction project. Whether using a hard copy of a manual or a fully-digital estimating program, these specialized resources can help ensure that an accurate price estimate is built with the latest data and the best information possible.
A number of commercial estimating books are also available for those who prefer to work with paper instead of a computer program. These books are a useful addition to any toolkit and offer easy-to-use methods for gathering information on materials, labor and other project costs. Some of these manuals also include diagrams, reference tables, chemical and mathematical formulas, and summaries of relevant regulations. These books can be used by contractors, appraisers, adjusters, architects, engineers, home craftsmen and by students in construction management and estimating classes.
A construction estimating book can also help beginners understand the basics of starting a business in the industry. This guide offers useful budgeting and estimating practices and tips for tracking expenses, finding customers and managing crews. It also outlines the basic elements of a construction business plan and provides proven strategies for keeping a construction company profitable as it grows.