Construction Estimating Manuals & Guides
for Construction Cost Estimating

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Construction Estimating

2009 National Building Cost Manual
Square foot costs for residential, commercial, industrial, and farm buildings. Quickly work up a reliable budget estimate based on actual materials and design features, area, shape, wall height, number of floors, and support requirements. New sections on square foot costs for churches, greenhouses, and manufactured homes have been added to this edition. Includes all the important variables that can make any building unique from a cost standpoint.

2009 National Construction Estimator
Current building costs for residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Estimated prices for every common building material. Provides manhours, recommended crew, and gives the labor cost for installation. Includes a CD-ROM with an electronic version of the book with National Estimator, a stand-alone Windows estimating program, plus an interactive multimedia video that shows how to use the disk to compile construction cost estimates. Includes Job Cost Wizard – turns estimates into invoices and exports both in QuickBooks.

2009 National Framing & Finish Carpentry Estimator
Current labor and material prices for thousands of framing and finish carpentry items. Step-by-step instructions for estimating everything from the sill plate to the ridge board, including hundreds of helpful pictures, tables and illustrations. Includes a CD-ROM with an electronic version of the book with National Estimator, a stand-alone Windows estimating program, plus an interactive multimedia video that shows how to use the disk to compile construction cost estimates.

2009 National Renovation & Insurance Repair Estimator
Current prices in dollars and cents for hard-to-find items needed on most insurance, repair, remodeling, and renovation jobs. All price items include labor, material, and equipment breakouts, plus special charts that tell you exactly how these costs are calculated. Includes a CD-ROM with an electronic version of the book with National Estimator, a stand-alone Windows estimating program, plus an interactive multimedia video that shows how to use the disk to compile construction cost estimates.

2009 National Repair & Remodeling Estimator
The complete pricing guide for dwelling reconstruction costs. Reliable, specific data you can apply on every repair and remodeling job. Up-to-date material costs and labor figures based on thousands of jobs across the country. Includes a CD-ROM with an electronic version of the book with National Estimator, a stand-alone Windows™ estimating program, plus an interactive multi-media video that shows how to use the disk to compile construction cost estimates.

2010 Sweets Facilities Cost Guide
Facilities Construction Cost Data in CSI MasterFormat
Provides contractors, architects, engineers, and all other business professionals the highest available level of precision in predicting construction costs for: sitework, concrete and masonry, woods and plastics, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, specialties, equipment, furnishings, special construction, conveying systems, mechanical systems, and electrical systems.

2010 Sweets Residential Cost Guide
Residential Construction Cost Data in CSI MasterFormat
Provides contractors, architects, engineers, and all other business professionals the highest available level of precision in predicting construction costs for: sitework, electrical materials and methods, wiring, power, low-voltage distribution, lighting, alarm and security systems, communications, sound and video, special construction, and conveying systems.

2010 Sweets Unit Cost Guide
Unit Cost Construction Cost Data in CSI MasterFormat
Provides contractors, architects, engineers, and all other business professionals the highest available level of precision in predicting construction costs for: sitework, concrete and masonry, woods and plastics, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, specialties, equipment, furnishings, special construction, conveying systems, mechanical systems, and electrical systems.

Basic Estimating For Construction
Complete Overview of Estimating for Construction
Assuming no prior knowledge of blueprint reading and mathematics, this manual guides readers through a material quantity survey, the conversion of the material quantities to a monetary value, and the addition of labor and equipment costs, using actual construction plans as a reference. The volume outlines estimating procedures and mathematics, efficiency and productivity, earthwork, concrete and masonry, structural and miscellaneous steel, wood and plastics, doors and windows, thermal and moisture protection, finishes, mechanical and plumbing, electrical, and the bid package, contract, and follow-up. For estimators and project managers.

BNI General Construction Costbook 2009
Current, accurate construction costs and man-hour data for all aspects of building construction. Costs are based on "contractor's prices" for materials and prevailing rates for labor. Overhead and profit are included in all costs. All data is organized in the 16 division CSI MASTERFORMAT - the industry standard. This simple, easy-to-use format along with the detailed index means you can instantly find the costs you need for fast, reliable estimates. Easy to follow Instructions in no nonsense language

BNI Home Builder's Costbook 2009
Published in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders, the largest construction organization in the U.S., this costbook is devoted entirely to the homebuilding industry. This complete reference is designed for the small to mid-size homebuilder. It contains material and labor costs and installation times for all components of house construction: concrete, framing, insulation, painting, flooring, plumbing, wiring, etc.

Builders Essentials: Best Business Practices for Builders & Remodelers
A proven and easy-to-use checklist system to help builders and remodelers reach their full potential for success and profit. Includes over 40 checklists and a dedicated Web site. A special Crisis Control section gives you quick advice and expert tips for solving emergencies and common problems on the job--and helps you learn what you can do to avoid conflicts in the future.

Builders Essentials: Estimating Building Costs for the Residential & Light Commercial Contractor
A detailed look at every construction specialty—explaining all the components, takeoff units, and labor needed for well-organized, complete estimates. Every contractor has a unique system for putting a bid together... but when you submit a price, you must be prepared to back it up with a reliable estimate. This book gives you a step-by-step process for organizing all the information you need to assemble an estimate you can rely on… so you’ll be competitive and know that you’ll make a worthwhile profit.

Builders Essentials: Plan Reading & Material Takeoff
This book shows and explains the typical work drawings encountered by contractors in residential and light commercial construction. Explains in straight forward language, not only the way all common features are represented but also how to translate that information into a material list

Code of Estimating Practice
The Leading Reference for Principles and Practices of Estimating Building Construction Costs
This code of practice, long established as a leading publication for the construction industry, provides an authoritative guide to essential principles and good practice in estimating for building work. The seventh edition includes new material on estimating strategy, tendering, procedures and best practice, as well as the build-up of unit rates of cost, overheads and profit, and e-commerce

Construction Estimating - Book & CD-ROM
Comprehensive Introduction to Construction Estimating Practices
Covers estimating practices and methods and features content applicable to ledger sheet, electronic spreadsheet, and estimating software use. Provides a guide to sources of information on drawings and specifications. The chapters cover construction materials and methods before discussing estimating practices in order to reinforce previous course work and provide a transition into estimating practices.

Construction Estimating Reference Data
Provides the 300 most useful manhour tables for practically every item of construction. Labor requirements are listed for sitework, concrete work, masonry, steel, carpentry, thermal & moisture protection, door and windows, finishes, mechanical and electrical. Includes a CD-ROM with National Estimator, a stand-alone Windows™ estimating program, plus an interactive multimedia video that shows how to compile construction cost estimates

Construction Estimating Using Excel
Learn To Use Excel To Enhance Your Construction Estimating Skills
Construction Estimating with Excel introduces readers to the fundamental principles of estimating and includes drawing sets, real-world exercises, and examples that give beginners critical estimating experience. The book moves step-by-step through the estimating process, discussing the art of estimating, the quantity takeoff, how to put costs to the estimate and how to finalize the bid. It is also the first book to demonstrate how Microsoft Excel can be used to improve the estimating process. Because it introduces spreadsheets as a way of increasing estimating productivity and accuracy, the book can help both beginning and experienced estimators improve their skills.

Cost Planning & Estimating for Facilities Maintenance
Comprehensive Reference Covers All Aspects of Cost Planning and Estimating for Facilities Maintenance
Gives you proven techniques for planning and budgeting - for all major building types in the private and public sector. Includes the maintenance and repair needs for all major building components, Understanding funding opportunities, and Using Means Cost Data and more..

Cost Records for Construction Estimating
How to organize and use cost information from jobs just completed to make more accurate estimates in the future. Explains how to keep the records you need to track costs for sitework, footings, foundations, framing, interior finish, siding and trim, masonry, and subcontract expense. Provides sample forms.

DeWalt Construction Estimating Professional Reference
The only resource individuals need for learning to successfully bid on a variety of construction projects. Chock-full of practical advice based on the author’s real-life experience in bidding countless construction jobs, this essential reference explores such key topics as forms and checklists, subcontractors and suppliers, procedures, trade evaluation, costs, profit, and overheads, and much more! Convenient size easily fits into any pocket or toolbox for the ideal carry-along!

DeWalt Electrical Estimating Professional Reference
The Reference Guide for Professional Electrical Estimating
The perfect resource to help you successfully bid on contracting jobs anywhere. This book covers the traditional methods of estimating, as well as the “hurry up” methods, while explaining how and when to use them both. If knowing material and labor costs, in addition to overhead and profit margins, are important to your business, then Electrical Estimating Pal is the right tool for you!

Environmental Remediation Estimating Methods
Learn Estimating Methods for Environmental Construction Projects
This book, organized into three sections, focuses on estimating methods for 50 remediation technologies. Part I: "The Remediation Process," is an overview of types of projects, regulations, technologies, cost engineering principals, and data requirements

Estimating Construction Costs
Comprehensive Guide to Construction Cost Estimating
One of the most popular books on construction estimating. This recent revision includes a new chapter on conceptual cost estimating (the latest trend in this growing field), new material on computer applications, and new material on highway recycling costs. It's completely updated, too, with the most current material on cost data, references, and photographs

Estimating Excavation
How to calculate the amount of dirt you’ll have to move and the cost of owning and operating the machines you’ll do it with. Detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to assign bid prices to each part of the job, including labor and equipment costs. Also, the best ways to set up an organized and logical estimating system, take off from contour maps, estimate quantities in irregular areas, and figure your overhead.

Estimating In Building Construction
Proven Handbook of Construction Cost Estimating
Everything needed to understand Estimating is provided in this proven handbook, which combines coverage of principles with step-by-step procedures. The authors use the popular approach of tracing a complete project's progress throughout the book. Incorporates the use of computers as a key estimating tool. Includes a WinEstimator CD with each copy of the book; readers will develop good computer-based estimating skills through the use of this software, which also includes practice spreadsheets. Includes a revised and updated illustration program. Provides complete, book-long case studies for follow-through of both commercial and residential buildings.

Estimating for Residential Construction
Concise Introduction to Residential Construction Cost Estimating
Offers a concise introduction to residential estimating processes and to the steps involved in accurately preparing a cost estimate. Specifics on how to prepare a bill of materials from a takeoff, how to summarize and prepare a bid for a custom home, assessing markup on an estimate, and how to review a bid before it is submitted to the client is also covered as well as information on preparing estimates for remodeling jobs.

Estimating Home Building Costs
Estimate every phase of residential construction from site costs to the profit margin you include in your bid. Shows how to keep track of man-hours and make accurate labor cost estimates for footings, foundations, framing and sheathing finishes, electrical, plumbing, and more. Provides and explains sample cost estimate worksheets with complete instructions for each job phase.

Estimating Home Construction Costs
Complete Guide to Improving Your Construction Estimating Abilities
Improve your estimating abilities and discover better ways to do a quantity takeoff, whether you prefer to use pen and paper or estimating software. This second edition provides a new, larger sample floor plan and new elevations, work sheets, checklists, a comprehensive glossary, plus a list of resources and recommended reading. It has all you need to quickly come up to speed with the concepts and terms necessary to ensure that your next estimate is easier to understand and more accurate.

Fundamentals of Construction Estimating
A Comprehensive Approach to Construction Cost Estimating Offering a Well-Rounded Perspective on the Estimating Process
Estimate every phase of residential construction from site costs to the profit margin you include in your bid. Shows how to keep track of man-hours and make accurate labor cost estimates for footings, foundations, framing and sheathing finishes, electrical, plumbing, and more. Provides and explains sample cost estimate worksheets with complete instructions for each job phase.

How to Estimate with Means Data & CostWorks, 3rd Edition
This updated new edition includes over 300 sample estimating problems to show how to estimate a wide range of construction elements. Create accurate construction cost estimates using Means Data with tips from professional practitioners. Two sets of plans allow you to practice estimating techniques in the context of an actual project. Includes a fully functional instructional version of Means CostWorks CD-ROM.

Landscaping Estimating Methods
Learn How to Create Accurate Landscaping Estimates for Clients
Updates the landscape material, equipment and methods to the latest used in the industry. Includes up-to-date cost data and information budgeting for landscape maintenance and determining the cost of the landscaping over its full life cycle. An essential tool for landscape contractors and designers who are striving to accurately estimate the cost of their work and prepare proposals for clients. It is also an important reference for facility and maintenance managers responsible for developing budgets for creating and maintaining their landscape projects..

Markup & Profit: A Contractor's Guide
To succeed in a construction business, you have to price your jobs to cover all labor, material and overhead expenses, and make a decent profit. The problem is knowing what markup to use. This book gives you tried and tested formulas, with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow examples, so you can easily figure the markup that’s right for your business. Includes a CD-ROM with forms and checklists for your use.

Means Estimating Handbook, Third Edition
Understand Technical Data Required to Estimate Construction Costs
This comprehensive reference covers the full spectrum of technical data required to estimate construction costs. The book includes information on sizing, productivity, equipment requirements, code-mandated specifications, design standards and engineering factors - all organized according to the CSI MasterFormat, and including recent classification changes.

Mechanical Estimating Methods
Takeoff & Pricing for HVAC & Plumbing Estimators
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

Plumber's and Pipe Fitter's Calculations Manual
Ready-to-Run Solutions for Plumbing and Pipefitting Instant results:
Packed with charts and tables that allow readers to quickly look up time-saving answers, this handy tool is a ready source of commonly used calculations, formulas, and, best of all, solutions. NEW Full coverage of estimating takeoffs, Job-simplifying Fast Code Facts and Sensible Shortcut tip boxes. For designing and estimating projects, this manual will prove to be invaluable. - A great productivity booster, it will assist in delivering prompt, on-target, and even on-the-spot estimates

Plumbing Estimating Methods
A Practical Guide for Creating Accurate Plumbing Estimates
This practical guide contains everything needed for plumbing estimating, from materials selection to installation and change orders. Residential, commercial, industrial, and medical systems. The most common plumbing materials and methods, subsystems and components. Pricing quotations for an estimate and calculating markup. Preparing bids. Best techniques for using Means Plumbing Cost Data. Sample takeoff and estimate forms. Detailed illustrations of systems & components.

Plumbing & HVAC Manhour Estimates
Hundreds of tested and proven manhours for installing just about any plumbing and HVAC component you’re likely to use in residential, commercial, and industrial work. You’ll find manhours for installing piping systems, specialties, fixtures and accessories, ducting systems, and HVAC equipment. If you estimate the price of plumbing, you shouldn’t be without the reliable, proven manhours in this unique book.

Proving and Pricing Construction Claims: Cumulative Supplement
Useful Resource for Pricing and Estimating Construction Claims
This is the useful, complete, and definitive resource for developing, settling, avoiding, and litigating construction claims. It covers each and every type of significant construction claim and clarifies issues of entitlement as well as factual and legal causation in each claim situation. Provides winning strategies, practice tips, numerous, helpful checklists, and examples. This new edition is written and contributed to by the nation's leading construction practitioners

Repair & Remodeling Estimating Methods
Practical Guide Focusing On The Unique Problems of Estimating Renovation
Focuses on the unique problems of estimating repairs & renovations of existing structures. It helps you determine the true costs of remodeling through careful evaluation of architectural details and a site visit

Roofing Construction & Estimating
Installation, repair and estimating for nearly every type of roof covering available today in residential and commercial structures: asphalt shingles, roll roofing, wood shingles and shakes, clay tile, slate, metal, built-up, and elastomeric. Covers sheathing and underlayment techniques, as well as secrets for installing leakproof valleys. Many estimating tips help you minimize waste, as well as insure a profit on every job

RS Means 2010 Construction Cost Data
The Industry Standard For Cost Estimating Data
RS Means Construction Cost Data is the Industry Standard for estimating construction costs including, building construction, concrete, electrical, mechanical, facilities, plumbing, landscaping, site work,

Square Foot & UNIFORMAT Assemblies Estimating, Third Edition
This updated third edition provides guidance on developing accurate and verifiable estimates with a minimal investment of time. An essential reference for anyone who creates conceptual, construction, or appraisal estimates, this updated edition explains how to develop accurate and verifiable estimates with a minimal investment of time.

Standard Estimating Practice
Learn Standard Practices for Estimating From Professional Estimators
This book was designed by the American Society of Professional Estimators as a set of standards to guide professional estimators. It's intended to help every estimator develop estimates that are uniform and verifiable. Every step that should be included in the estimate is listed, as well as aspects in the plans to consider when estimating a job and what you should look for that may not be included. The result should help you produce more consistently accurate estimates

Successful RFPs in Construction
The negotiated contract method for RFPs is a rapidly growing trend in construction.
There is no other book on the shelf that either focuses specifically on RFPs in the construction industry, or features a step-by-step method for implementing the negotiated contract method. - This is a step-by-step guide for managing the RFP process in a way that saves time, money, enhances team collaboration, and assures quality in construction.

Unit Price Estimating Methods
Learn Estimating Methods for Environmental Construction Projects
This book, organized into three sections, focuses on estimating methods for 50 remediation technologies. Part I: "The Remediation Process," is an overview of types of projects, regulations, technologies, cost engineering principals, and data requirements

Estimating Calculators

ConcreteCalc Pro
The only Calculator Designed Specifically for Concrete Construction Pros!
Use the calculator that is helping thousands of construction pro's save time, eliminate costly mistakes, and improve profits. The innovative ConcreteCalc lets you perform instant square-ups, layouts, accurately estimate material costs & volumes, and solve common construction problems like a pro. Why work another day without it?

Construction Master Pro (Handheld Version)
New Look, New Features and Benefits, More Built-in Solutions - Top-of-the Line Jobsite Calculator for Builders, Carpenters & Construction Pros
The Construction Master Pro sets the industry standard for advanced construction-math calculators. It provides powerful built-in solutions and expanded preference settings. It’s easy to use in the field or office and perfect for completing plans, layouts, bids and estimates – saves time, money, materials and frustration. Work smarter, build better and improve your bottom line with the Construction Master Pro!

Construction Master Pro (Desktop Version)
With Jumbo Display For Building, Carpentry & Architect/Engineering Pros - Work Smarter, Build Better, and Improve Your Bottom Line!
The Construction Master Pro Desktop is the most complete construction-math calculator on the market! With many powerful new built-in solutions and expanded preference selection; it’s easy to use for fast, accurate solutions to construction problems. Perfect for completing layouts, bids and estimates – saves time, money, materials and frustration. No office should be without it.

Construction Master Pro for Windows Software
Now you can have the power of the Construction Master Pro on your PC!
Calculate in Feet, Inches and Fractions. Instantly find Areas, Volumes and more! Check plan dimensions and take-offs. Use it as a handy pop-up program without leaving your CAD, estimating, scheduling, spreadsheet or other applications. Print results and take them directly to the jobsite. Complete One-Keystroke Solutions. Enter your dimensions and the complete string of calculations appear on a single table. You can easily verify accuracy then print out for use on the jobsite.

ElectriCalc Pro - 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) Calculator
Compliant with 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999, and 1996 NEC
For Electrical Contractors, Designers, Electricians - Saves time, reduces material cost and eliminates code violations on electrical design, estimating and construction jobs. Compliant with 2008, 2005, 2002, 1999, and 1996 NEC® and updateable for future code revisions. Complete wire sizing, integrated voltage drops solutions and conduit sizing solutions: finds motor full-loads, computes fuse and breaker sizes and size overload protection. With FREE Armadillo Hard Protective Case

ElectriCalc Pro 2008/2005 Upgrade Kit
(note: ElectriCalc Pro above already includes this)
For ElectriCalc Pro NEC Electrical Calculator - Model 5060
Install this Update Kit in your model 5060 ElectriCalc Pro to conform to the New 2008 NEC and 2005 NEC. Your calculator will continue to be fully updateable to future code changes. This kit is not required for Model 5065 Electricalc Pro Calculators. Model 5065 calculators already support 2002, 2005 and 2008 NEC Calculations.

HeavyCalc Pro
The Only Calculator Designed Specifically for Heavy Construction Pro's, Excavators & "Dirt" Contractors
Excavators, heavy construction, engineering and design pros will save time, reduce material and labor costs, and eliminate costly errors on all construction jobs. Built-in functions for area/volume/weight, slopes, swell, and shrink, cut/fill and more. Works in and converts between all building dimensional formats, including Yard, Feet-Inch-Fraction, and even Metric.

Materials Estimator Calculator
Building Materials Estimating Calculator for Contractors, Construction Trades People and Estimating Professionals
The Material Estimator Calculator is designed for contractors, trades people and estimating professionals who need to estimate building materials and estimate costs for concrete, fences, decks, bricks, tile, flooring, gravel, painting, drywall and paneling and more. It helps users quickly and easily calculate building material costs and allowances and get exactly the materials they need. Reducing estimating errors will save time and money.

Digital Takeoff & Plan Measuring Tools

Scale Master ProXE with USB PC Interface
Portable, Blueprint Digital Take-Off Tool With 91 Built-in Scales
The newly designed Calculated Industries 6335 Scale Master ProXE with PC Interface Cable allows you to export take-off and count values to your favorite application. The Scale Master Pro XE gives you simplicity, versatility and accuracy with a new ergonomic design with comfort grip, improved weight balance, dedicated function keys and a new dual LCD display for left- or right-hand use, while maintaining the same award-winning ease-of-use, quality and reliability you expect from a Scale Master. No other plan measure gives you more for less!

Scale Master ProXE
Portable, Blueprint Digital Take-Off Tool With 91 Built-in Scales
The newly designed Calculated Industries 6335 Scale Master ProXE with PC Interface Cable allows you to export take-off and count values to your favorite application. The Scale Master Pro XE gives you simplicity, versatility and accuracy with a new ergonomic design with comfort grip, improved weight balance, dedicated function keys and a new dual LCD display for left- or right-hand use, while maintaining the same award-winning ease-of-use, quality and reliability you expect from a Scale Master. No other plan measure gives you more for less!

Ultra Scale
Master Pro
with Smart
Takeoff
Software

Ultra Scale
Master Pro
Only

RC-CI6260
~~$349.95~~
$199.95

Ultra Scale Master Pro with protective hardcover case
New Area, Digital Take-Off Tool and Digitizer System With 72 Built-in Scales
For Construction Estimators, Contractors or Anyone Who Works with Blueprints

Ultra Scale Master® Pro is an affordable and portable area takeoff and digitizing system. Ultra Scale Master® Pro allows you to measure plans at your office or on the job site without the need for additional computing devices or software. Ergonomic design with large targeting window allows you to accurately measure areas, segment lengths, perimeters, and volumes for simple or complex polygons, polylines, irregular shapes, arcs and circles.

72 built-in architectural and engineering scales allow you to measure plans and drawing up to 24" x 36" in size. Four custom scales allow you to measure out of scale drawings.

The Ultra Scale Master® Pro operates as a stand alone digital area takeoff tool, or you can connect it to your PC to transfer measurements into any estimating and spreadsheet program that accept text input from a number pad or keyboard. It also can send digitized (x,y) coordinates to takeoff software programs like our Smart Takeoff! graphic digitizing software.

Ultra Scale Master® Pro is ideal for construction trades such as concrete, flooring/tile, paving, roofing, landscaping, electrical, plumbing and small site excavation.

Measure and calculate areas, lengths, volumes for all types of polygons
Fast and easy-to-use
Affordable, portable and powerful
Works with or without a PC

Scale Master II / PC Interface Combo Pack
Portable, Digital Take-Off Tool With 91 Built-in Scales
For Construction Estimators, Contractors or Anyone Who Works with Blueprints - Thousands of construction pro's use the Scale Master II to bid faster and more accurately. Now it's time for you to gain the competitive edge, and perform take-offs with speed and confidence! Instantly double-check plans. Transfer data directly to your PC & estimating program (with included PC interface). Cut estimating errors and improve profits

Scale Master II
Portable, Digital Take-Off Tool With 91 Built-in Scales
For Construction Estimators, Contractors or Anyone Who Works with Blueprints - Obtain fast, accurate take-offs from blueprints in any scale, anywhere! Thousands of construction pro's use the Scale Master series of digital plan measures to bid faster and more accurately.
Also Available >> Optional PC Interface for Scale Master II

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