Means Mechanical Estimating Methods: Takeoff & Pricing for HVAC & Plumbing, Updated 4th Edition / Edition 4

by Melville Mossman, Carl W. Linde

Overview

An easy-to-use tool for estimating heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, with up-to-date cost data and estimating examples. This all-in-one reference gives you the accepted standards and procedures for takeoff and pricing HVAC systems, as well as piping, plumbing, and fire protection. Includes all of the major mechanical systems in new building construction.

The book will show you how to:

• Evaluate mechanical plans and specs so you can estimate all cost components
• Measure, quantify, and perform takeoffs for materials, labor, and equipment
• Identify and correctly apply direct and indirect costs, including overhead and profit
• Use forms to improve accuracy and efficiency –  with electronic forms now available on the book’s own website
• Compare materials and methods and select the most cost-effective way to get the job done
• Train new estimators with clear instructions for estimating the mechanical trades
• Make the best use of RSMeans Mechanical Cost Data and RSMeans Plumbing Cost Data

Organized for easy reference, the book gives you quick access to whatever aspect of mechanical estimating you need. It includes a glossary of mechanical terms and definitions –  plus symbols used on mechanical plans, useful formulas, checklists, and conversion tables.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780876290170
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	08/23/2007
Series:	RSMeans , #6
Edition description:	Updated
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.80(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Melville Mossman and Carl W. Linde are the authors of Means Mechanical Estimating Methods: Takeoff & Pricing for HVAC & Plumbing, Updated 4th Edition, published by Wiley.

Date of Birth:

April 10, 1827

Date of Death:

February 15, 1905

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part 1 – The Estimating Process.

Chapter 1: Guidelines for Estimating.

Chapter 2: Types of Estimates.

Order of Magnitude Estimates.

Square Foot & Cubic Foot Estimates.

Assemblies (or Systems) Estimates.

Unit Price Estimates.

Scheduling Estimate.

Chapter 3: Before Starting the Estimate.

Chapter 4: The Quantity Takeoff.

Summary.

Chapter 5: Pricing the Estimate.

Sources of Cost Information.

Types of Costs.

Chapter 6: Direct Costs.

Material.

Labor.

Equipment.

Subcontractors.

Project Overhead.

Bonds.

Sales Tax.

Chapter 7: Indirect Costs.

Taxes & Insurance.

Office or Operating Overhead.

Profit.

Contingencies.

Chapter 8: The Estimate Summary.

Chapter 9: Pre-Bid Scheduling.

Chapter 10: Bidding Strategies.

Resource Analysis.

Market Analysis.

Maximizing the Profit-to-Volume Ratio.

Chapter 11: Cost Control & Analysis.

Productivity & Efficiency.

Overtime Impact.

Retainage & Cash Flow.

Life Cycle Costs.

Chapter 12: Estimating Considerations for Historic Buildings.

Labor Considerations.

Specifications.

Installation.

Part 2 – Components of Mechanical Systems.

Chapter 13: Piping.

Steel Pipe.

Screwed Fittings & Flanges for Steel Pipe.

Steel Weld Fittings & Flanges.

Grip Type Mechanical Joint Fittings.

Cast-Iron Pipe.

Cast-Iron Soil Pipe Fittings.

Copper Pipe & Tubing.

Copper Fittings & Flanges.

Plastic Pipe & Tubing.

Fittings for Plastic Pipe & Tubing.

Pre-Insulated Pipe or Conduit.

Valves.

Pipe Hangers & Supports.

Chapter 14: Pumps.

Chapter 15: Plumbing Systems.

Fixtures & Appliances.

Drains & Carriers.

Chapter 16: Fire Protection.

Standpipe Systems.

Sprinkler Systems.

Chemical, Foam, & Gas Fire Suppression.

Chapter 17: Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning.

Heating Boilers.

Hydronic Terminal Units.

Chillers & Hydronic Cooling.

Air-Handling Equipment.

Fans & Gravity Ventilators.

Chapter 18: Ductwork.

Chapter 19: Insulation.

Chapter 20: Automatic Temperature Controls.

Chapter 21: Supports, Anchors, & Guides.

Part 3 – Sample Estimates.

Chapter 22: Using Means Mechanical & Plumbing Cost Data.

Format & Data.

Unit Price Costs.

Assemblies Cost Tables.

Estimating References.

City Cost Indexes.

Chapter 23: Square Foot & Systems Estimating Examples.

Project Description.

Square Foot Estimating Example.

Systems Estimating Example.

The Estimate Summary.

Chapter 24: Unit Price Estimating Example.

Project Description.

Getting Started.

Plumbing.

Fire Protection.

Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning.

Summarizing the Unit Price Estimate.

Appendix.

Index.