Unit Price Estimating Methods

by John H. Chiang (Editor), Phillip R. Waier (Editor)

Overview

This comprehensive reference explains everything you need to know about taking off and pricing detailed, unit price construction estimates. The book takes you through every step of the estimating process — from receipt of the plans, to detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing, to bidding strategies, and finally, cost control. Also includes electronic estimating forms you can access to download and customize from the book’s own website.

Organized for quick reference, the book features:

• Estimating guidance for every segment of construction by CSI MasterFormat division — the most recognized industry standard for organizing construction projects and costs
• Checklists and forms to streamline the estimating process
• What to watch out for — common errors and omissions
• How to calculate and apply direct and indirect costs, including overhead and profit
• A complete, fully updated sample cost estimate
• An appendix with labor hours for common construction operations

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780876290163
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	05/22/2007
Series:	RSMeans , #5
Edition description:	4th Edition, Updated
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

John H. Chiang and Phillip R. Waier are the authors of Unit Price Estimating Methods, 4th Edition, Updated, published by Wiley.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD.

INTRODUCTION.

CHAPTER 1: ESTIMATE TYPES.

Order of Magnitude Estimates.

Square Foot and Cubic Foot Estimates.

Assemblies (Systems) Estimates.

Unit Price Estimates.

CHAPTER 2: BEFORE STARTING THE ESTIMATE.

CHAPTER 3: THE QUANTITY TAKEOFF.

CHAPTER 4: PRICING THE ESTIMATE.

Sources of Cost Information.

Types of Costs.

The Paperwork.

The Estimate Summary.

CHAPTER 5: PRE-BID SCHEDULING.

CHAPTER 6: UPON COMPLETING THE ESTIMATE.

Bidding Strategies.

Cost Control and Analysis.

Productivity and Efficiency.

Retainage and Cash Flow.

Life Cycle Costs.

CHAPTER 7: USING MEANS BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COST DATA.

Format & Data.

Unit Price Section.

Square Foot and Cubic Foot Costs.

Building Unit Prices and Assemblies for Your Own Work.

Repair & Remodeling.

City Cost Indexes.

Reference Tables.

CHAPTER 8: COMPUTERIZED ESTIMATING METHODS.

Basic Spreadsheet Programs.

Spreadsheet Add-on Programs.

Complete Stand-alone Estimating Solutions.

Pulsar Estimating Software.

Summary.

CHAPTER 9: ESTIMATING BY MASTERFORMAT DIVISION.

Sample Estimate: Project Description.

Division 1: General Requirements.

Sample Estimate.

Division 2: Site Construction.

Sample Estimate.

Division 3: Concrete.

Sample Estimate.

Division 4: Masonry.

Sample Estimate.

Division 5: Metals.

Sample Estimate.

Division 6: Wood and Plastics.

Sample Estimate.

Division 7: Thermal and Moisture Protection.

Sample Estimate.

Division 8: Doors and Windows.

Sample Estimate.

Division 9: Finishes.

Sample Estimate.

Division 10: Specialties.

Sample Estimate.

Division 11: Equipment.

Division 12: Furnishings.

Division 13: Special Construction.

Division 14: Conveying Systems.

Sample Estimate.

Division 15: Mechanical.

Sample Estimate.

Division 16: Electrical.

Sample Estimate.

Estimate Summary.

APPENDIX A: SPEC AID.

APPENDIX B: REFERENCE TABLES.

INDEX.