Reviews (6)

A contractors point of view.
This is a very complete compilation of cost data for commercial construction. The systems portion is very helpful for a quick estimation but the real value is in the wide variety of componets listed. This book will take awhile to learn to use for the new contractor but the investment in time is worth while.

A Good Starting Point
For anyone in the construction management field, this text is a well-known reference.Nothing can replace your own firm's historical productivity data and quotes from subcontractors and suppliers, but RS Means can give you a good idea of where an estimate begins.It is a great tool for architects and owners to calculate preliminary cost estimates for a wide range of products.

The most famous book in construction field.
This book is famous enough not to mention...
Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Estimating    2. Construction - General    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technology    5. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (2)

A timely publication
The campaign of environmentally healthy space has begun gently as a drive against asbestos and lead-based paints. Over time this idea has grown in dimension to encompass elimination of many other harmful construction materials. Exclusion of damaging materials from the very start of the design ensures an environment for safe and healthy living. This methodology, often called the "environmentally friendly design", has gained serious attention from design professionals like Architects, Engineers, Space Planners and Community Activists, all of whom have come forward to implement and enrich this idea. Resource for building environmentally safe
The book is a timely release as more and more building professionals are revaluating their approach to building for a safer environment. The life cycle costs are becoming a part of the planning process and the savings of our energy resources is a plus. The book reinforces the issues and gives ideas on how to sell the concept to clients. Agencies looking to adopt new standards could benefit from this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Design and construction    4. Estimates    5. Methods & Materials    6. Reference    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Sustainable architecture    9. Sustainable buildings    10. Technology    11. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (1)

Construction Estimating 2e
The product was delivered on time and I was happy with the service. Keep up the good work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - General    4. Estimates    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Building construction & materials    10. Engineering skills & trades    11. Mathematics and Science    12. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (4)

It has everything I need and more!!!!!!
This book helped not only me but my clients.

Every cost estimate you need for construction
I have been using the National Construction Estimators for about 30 years now. I've found that their information is amazingly accurate. I first started using NCE for residential construction as a small contractor in the 1970s. During the 1980s and 1990s I used the latest revision for job costing at major government facilities. Since 2000 I have used the latest edition to cost out repairs and upgrades to apartment buildings, and steel structure warehouses.Each year they get the latest prices and revise the book. This year is no exception, the 54th edition is full of facts, figures, rules of thumb, detailed material costs, and everything you need to figure construction work from the smallest job to the largest. Whether you want to add up each spike and yard of concrete, or figure estimated complete subcontract work, this book gives you the tools. Residential, multifamily, commercial, or government, it's all here.Over the years I've found the NCE to be more accurate than construction estimating guides selling for far more, and worth buying a new edition every year.

Packed from cover to cover with tables listing prices
2003 National Construction Estimator is a specialized resource for the professional construction industry. It is packed from cover to cover with tables listing prices for equipment and materials; estimates for labor and other costs involved in given construction chores; and other matters directly relevant to quickly calculating and recording an accurate estimate. An enclosed CD-ROM contains an easy-to-use program for putting the information of the text to quick and easy use thereby allowing a contractor to arrive upon a useful estimate in just seconds. The 2003 National Construction Estimator is an essential tool and very highly recommended for professionals having to quickly gauge construction costs for residential, commercial, and/or industrial projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Electrical    3. Construction - Estimating    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (2)

Roofing Construction & Estimating
This book is what I've been looking for, college type material for the person who likes to self teach. Thank-you

The roofing book for those who have never been on a roof
This is an informative book that would be acceptable material for the person who has never been on a roof.He covers most roofing products in a adaquate manner explaining many of the basic princibles. However, as aroofer, it would have been nice to see what he considers acceptablemanhours per square on each product, using his experiance, instead of usinginformation drawn from other books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building Construction Costs    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - Roofing    4. Design and construction    5. Estimates    6. General    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Roof Engineering    9. Roofs    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Technology   

Reviews (2)

Great Place to Start
The one other reviewer missed the point that prices are per foot!Multiply by 30 and he'd be in the ballpark.
Use this to estimate your projects and lose money
The book and software indicated to me that I can build a 30 foot long 2x6 wall at 8' high for $54.00.If anyone uses this book as their only estimating tool, email me so you can build me a house for next to nothing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Reference    4. Remodeling & Renovation - General    5. Repair    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Building Construction Costs    3. Construction - Estimating    4. Construction - General    5. Data processing    6. Design & Construction    7. Estimates    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Technology    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Building construction & materials    12. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - General    4. Project Management    5. Reference    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Subjects:  1. Construction - Estimating    2. Construction - General    3. Reference    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Data processing    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Estimates    6. Microsoft Excel (Computer file    7. Microsoft Excel (Computer file)    8. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (1)

Will substantially assist professional contractors
Knowledgeably written by Andrew M. Civiteloo Jr. (a professional construction project manager and a senior law firm partner) and enhanced with additional material by William D. Ocher (Senior Partner with Gibbs, Giden, Locher & Turner, and specializing in the construction industry contract law for more than twenty years), Contractor's Guide To Change Orders is a definitive resource that will substantially assist professional contractors in ending money-siphoning contract disputes and staying profitable in their construction projects. Real-life example cases, advice on using the change order practice to one's advantage, the importance of presentation, and other invaluable instructions fill the pages of this first-rate guide which is useful both for self-teaching about the change order process, or as an on-the-spot reference resource during contract negotiations or challenges. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (2)

I am loving it
I just received my copy today. I always prefer DeWalt books(used to be "Pal" books) because they are convenient and more importantly, to-the-point. Still, I fell in love with this one the moment I flipped through pages. Unlike the big and heavy books I used to struggle with when I was in school, this compact book offers direct answers to so many questions. The book also introduced a very organized approach for the bidding game, in addition to its 200+ estimating tips. Thus I believe it will be handy for both general and trade contractors. Whether you need to be jack-of-all-trades or specialize on certain line of work, this book is a must.
Every page pays
This handy book is great for almost all levels of contractors. It provides step-by-step instructions to bid a job as well as tips for estimating various trades (from site to electrical). The book walks you through different stages of estimating: document review, site visit, quantity take-off, pricing, bid submittal and feedback etc. If you are self-performing, it has detailed checklists and forms for quantity take-off. If you are subcontracting some work and want to evaluate quotes from subs, the book also offers detailed question lists you can use. It is incredible that so much information has been compressed into a book of this size. Inside you will find instant answers to all levels of questions from how many cubic yards of concrete is in a 200 ft 8 x 16 tie beam WITHOUT calculations, to how to do a cost breakdown on a multi-million job. This book is apparently suitable for all sectors (residential, commercial, industrial......). For example, it included the weight tables(unbelievably comprehensive) for almost all structural steel shapes, or you will find the number of wood joists for given floor length and joist spacing right away. What makes it unique from other estimating books is that it offers quick solutions(mostly immediate)without having to read a lot of pages. If you are overwhelmed by how much you have to do everyday, this book is going to be a life saver. Trust me, from what I read, it is written by a highly-organized professional, i.e. a "number guy" who knows the tricks. It is something you want to bring along with you at all times. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Building Construction Costs    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Subjects:  1. Construction - Estimating    2. Construction - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning    3. Construction - Plumbing    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Building Construction Costs    3. Business & Economics    4. Business/Economics    5. Construction - Estimating    6. Estimates    7. Labor    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Building construction & materials    10. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Subjects:  1. Building Construction Costs    2. Buildings    3. Construction - Estimating    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Estimates    6. Installation    7. Mechanical equipment    8. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (1)

Effective, but tests your patience
Essentially, a quality reference book. I'm a remodeler and general contractor in Madison, WI. I've used this book to establish budgetary figures for homes I buy, renovate and flip. Being accurate with this book means being patient and flipping back and forth to find every little detail, but the time pays off - Means brings me in at or just above my actual costs. Couldn't ask for much more, except the layout according to the CSI Master Format doesn't make it easy to find all the right items and numbers. Also, Means doesn't allow for things like the style, height or complexity of the roof when determining cost to install shingles - so just be careful and remember to add in that contingency at the end. And don't forget to add local sales tax, if you have to pay it. (In my opinion, this book is better than Means Residential Repair and Remodel guide - that book gives you less options. However, it is organized they way you might layout a project. It's also easier to get a final number, but you defintely have to up your contingency factor because it's not as accurate.) If you're a remodeler, buy Detailed Residential Costs and use it - it'll save you time and money in the long run. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Contracting    2. Construction - Estimating    3. Construction - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Reviews (4)

Even Better Than 2005 National Painting Cost Estimator (National Painting Cost Estimator)!
It makes my blood boil when I hear youngsters today complaining that they have failed to accurately estimate their painting costs. There are simply no excuses for such ignorance. They should make this book part of the national curriculum!

kaskon paint contractor- New Zealand
I am also a sole proprietor, this book is a serious Maths/Process approach to Painting and probably will be a daunting effort to understand. I kept reading this book, at first it annoyed me allot but I soldiered on through, and now incorporate varying hourly rates into my quotes & estimates. Concerning the 20, 30, or 40% discount on your paint as stated in the manual I agree with Reviewer: Sirwriter "Small paint contractor" (New Orleans) this part is inflexible, so I type my quote/estimates using Lotus word pro and add these percentages back in to the Math. After reading the manual I realised how cheap I was selling my services so I called Lawyers, Car dealers, Accountants, other industrial tradesmen and men/women who work in different industries, this gave me an idea on what the other Trades are getting on an hourly basis and then I typed this information into an easy to read format, so if I'm asked why I charge the rate I do, I give them a printout on what everyone else is getting, It soon sorts out the ambiguity of my pricing structure. All in all this book gave me an Idea as to how I perform my practice, now I break everything down into a process and look for ways to streamline my work.

Difficult
This book is extremely difficult to understand.Examples used are repeated throughout every page of the book and it doesn't make much sense.I believe the person who wrote the book understands it (I hope) and anyone that owns a company may.If you are a free-lancer, this book is not for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Estimating    2. Science/Mathematics    3. Technology    4. Technology & Industrial Arts   

Subjects:  1. Construction - Estimating    2. Construction - General    3. Engineering - Civil    4. Planning    5. Reference    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts