Estimating Building Costs for the Residential and Light Commercial Construction Professional

Cover Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
About the Author
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Basis of the Estimate
	Role of the Drawings in Estimating
	Design Development
	Organization of the Working Drawings
		Cover Sheet
	Title Block
		Revisions
	Graphic Formats Used in Drawings
		Plan Views
		Elevations
		Building Sections
		Details
		Schedules
		Diagrams
	Drawing Conventions
		Lines
		Material Indication Symbols and Shading
		Abbreviations
		Scale
		Civil Drawings
	Scope of Work
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 2 Understanding the Specifications
	Role of the Specifications
	Organizing Specifications by CSI MasterFormat®
	The Project Manual
		Bidding Requirements
		Contract Forms
		General Conditions of the Contract
		Technical Specifications
		Part 1, General
		Part 2, Products
		Part 3, Execution
	Conflicts Between Drawings and Specifications
	Modifications  to the Contract  Documents
		Addenda
		Bid Alternates
		Allowances
		Bidding by Unit Prices
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 3 Calculating Linear Measure, Area, and Volume
	Units of Measure
	Decimal Equivalents
	Linear Measurement
		Perimeter
	Angles
	Area and Square Measure
		Irregular Shapes
		Area of a Circular Shape
		Surface Area of Cylinder, Pyramid, and Conical Shapes
	Volume and Cubic Measure
		Volume of a Prism
		Volume of a Cylinder
		Volume of a Pyramid
		Volume of a Cone
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 4 The Quantity Takeoff and Pricing Phases
	Studying the Documents
	The Takeoff Phase
	Rules for Accurate Takeoffs
		Rule 1: Write Clear Task Descriptions
		Rule 2: Use Industry-Accepted Units
		Rule 3: Follow a Logical Order
		Rule 4: Review Scales, Notes, Abbreviations, and Definitions
		Rule 5: Verify Dimensions
		Rule 6: Be Consistent
		Rule 7: Number Takeoff Sheets
		Rule 8: Define Units for Material, Work, and Assembly Items
		Rule 9: Use Decimals
		Rule 10: Verify the Appropriate Level of Accuracy
		Rule 11: Calculate Net Versus Gross Quantities
		Rule 12: Check the Takeoff
		Rule 13: Mark Up the Drawings as Bid Documents
		Rule 14: Focus on the Task
		Rule 15: Organize the Documentation
	Accounting forWaste
		Adjusting for Standard Sales Units
		Waste Resulting from Handling
		Waste Required for Lap
	Other Factors That Impact Quantities
		Economies of Scale
		Compaction and Swell
	The Pricing Phase
		Production Costs
		Nonproduction Costs
	Unit Price Estimate
		Sources of Unit Price Cost Data
	Applying Prices to the Quantities
		Cost Analysis Sheets and the Estimate Summary
	Submitting a Bid
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 5 Understanding the Cost Elements of a Unit Price
	Materials
	Labor
		Billing Rate
		Labor Productivity
		Individual and Crew Tasks
		Subcontractors
		Wage Scales
	Equipment and Operating Expenses
	Indirect Overhead
	Profit
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 6 Division 1—General Requirements
	Classifying Direct Overhead Costs
		Fixed Costs
		Variable: Time-Sensitive Costs
	Identifying and Quantifying General Requirements Cost Items
	Pricing General Requirements Items
	Project Closeout
	Indirect Overhead
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 7 Existing Conditions
	Assessment
		Surveys and Assessments
	Subsurface Investigation
		Geophysical Investigations
		Geotechnical Investigations
	Demolition and Structure Moving
		Demolition
		Dumpsters and Disposal
		Removal and Salvage
		Structure Moving
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Remediation
		Decontamination
		Removal and Disposal of Contaminated Soils
		Underground Storage Tank Removal
		Facility Remediation
		Asbestos Remediation
		Lead Paint Remediation
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Existing Conditions Drawings
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 8 Concrete
	Concrete Materials
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Ready-Mixed Concrete
	Formwork
		Footing Forms
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Foundation Walls and Piers
		Grade Beams and Elevated Slabs
		Edge Forms
		Formwork Labor
		Placement of Concrete
	Flatwork
		Concrete Polishing
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Expansion Joints
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Control Joints
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Curing and Sealing
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Reinforcement
		Welded Wire Fabric
		Reinforcing Bars
	Precast Concrete
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Cementitious Decks
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Gypsum Cement Underlayment
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Embedded Items
		Sleeves
		Anchor Bolts
		Other Embedded Items
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Vapor Barriers and Rigid Insulation
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Concrete Cutting and Boring
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 9 Masonry
	Mortar
		Types of Mortar
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Brick
		Classifications of Brick
		Labor to Lay-up Brick
	Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
		Concrete Brick
		Concrete Block
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Lay-up Block
		Other Cost Considerations
	Stone
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Set Stone
	Masonry Reinforcement
		Lateral Masonry Reinforcement
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Vertical Masonry Reinforcement
	Grout
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Low-Lift Grouting
		High-Lift Grouting
		Labor to Grout
	Masonry Anchors and Ties
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Masonry Restoration
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Masonry Restoration
	Masonry Cleaning
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Masonry Insulation
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Flashings
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Cutting Masonry Units
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Formwork for Masonry
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Items Furnished by Other Trades
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Control Joints
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Incidentals for Fireplace and Chimney Construction
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Fireplace Incidentals
	Freight of Masonry Units
	Staging and Scaffolding for Masonry Work
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Erect, Dismantle, and Relocate Scaffolding
	Cleanup
	Masonry Sealing
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 10 Metals
	Structural Steel
		Drawings
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Open-Web Steel Joists
		Classification of Steel Joists
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Metal Decking
		Classification of Metal Decking
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Metal Decking
	Light-Gauge Metal Framing
		Joists
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Studs and Track
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Miscellaneous and Ornamental Metals
		Structural Steel Lintels
		Pipe Railings
		Ladders
		Grates
		Metal Pan Stairs
		Joist-Bearing Plates/Embedded Items
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Lally Columns
		Steel Window Guards
		Steel Bollards
	Miscellaneous Costs
		Shop Drawings
		Shop Priming of Structural Steel
		Field Erection of Structural Steel
		Fire Watch
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 11 Wood, Plastics, and Composites
	Rough Carpentry and Framing
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Framing Assemblies
		Estimating Framing Labor
	Finish Carpentry
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Finish Carpentry
	Architectural Millwork
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Architectural Millwork
	Structural Plastics and Plastic Fabrications
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Structural Plastics and Fabrications
	Casework and Cabinetry
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Shop-Fabricated Structural Wood
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Other Framing Systems
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 12 Thermal and Moisture Protection
	Waterproofing
		Types of Waterproofing
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Dampproofing
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Thermal Insulation
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Vapor Barriers
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Vapor Barriers
	Air Infiltration Barriers
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Exterior Siding
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Special Considerations
		Labor to Install Siding
	Roofing
		Built-up Roof Systems
		Single-Ply Roofing Systems
		Metal Roof Systems
		Roof Shingles and Tiles
		Natural Roof Coverings
		Flashing and Sheet Metal Work
		Gutters and Downspouts
		Roof Accessories
		Joint Protection
		Stucco
		Exterior Insulation and Finish System
	Fire-Stop Systems and Sprayed-Applied Fireproofing
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Spray-Applied Fireproofing
	Expansion Control
		Expansion Joints
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 13 Openings
	Architectural Drawings
		Window Schedules
		Door Schedules
	Hollow Metal Frames and Doors
		Hollow Metal Frames
		Hollow Metal Doors
	Wood Doors and Frames
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Wood Doors and Frames
	Sliding and Swinging Glass Doors
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Special Doors
		Folding Doors
		Pocket Doors
		Insulating Door Units
		Storm Doors
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Special Doors
	General Notes on Estimating Doors
	Overhead and Coiling Doors
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Overhead Doors
	Entrances and Storefronts
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Wood and Plastic Windows
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Metal Windows
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	General Notes on Windows
	Roof Windows and Skylights
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Finish Hardware
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Glass and Glazing
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Louvers and Vents
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 14 Finishes
	Plaster Systems
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Gypsum Wallboard Systems
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Gypsum Sheathing and Underlayments
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Metal Stud Framing and Furring
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Tile
		Manufactured Tile
		Natural Tile
	Waterproof Membrane for Tile
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Waterproofing Membranes
	Acoustical Ceiling Systems
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Acoustic Ceilings
	Flooring
		Wood Flooring
		Resilient Flooring
		Carpeting
	Acoustical Treatment
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Acoustical Treatment
	Painting
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Paint
	High-Performance Coatings
	Wallcoverings
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Wallcoverings
	Green or Sustainable Products
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 15 Specialties
	Interior Specialties
	Exterior Specialties
	Taking-Off and Pricing
		Labor to Install Division 10 Items
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 16 Equipment, Furnishings, Special Construction, andConveyingEquipment
	Division 11—Equipment
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Division 11 Items
	Division 12—Furnishings
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Division 12 Items
	Division 13—Special Construction
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Division 13 Items
	Division 14—Conveying Equipment
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor for Division 14 Items
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 17 Fire Suppression
	Fire Suppression Systems
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor-Fabrication and Installation
	Other Fire Suppression Components
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 18 Plumbing
	Plumbing Systems
		Plumbing Labor
		Fixtures and Trims
		Equipment
		Below-Grade Sanitary Waste and Vent Piping
		Above-Grade Sanitary Waste and Vent Piping
		Below-Grade Storm System Piping
		Above-Grade Storm System Piping
		Hot and Cold Water Piping
		Pipe Insulation
		Natural Gas System Piping
		Miscellaneous Items
	Parametric Estimating
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 19 Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
	HVAC Systems
		HVAC Labor
		Ducted Systems
		Pipe and Duct Insulation
		Forced Hot Water Systems (Hydronic Heating Systems)
		HVAC Equipment
		HVAC Controls
		Miscellaneous Items
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 20 Integrated Automation
	Integrated Automation Systems
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 21 Electrical
	Electrical Labor
	Raceways
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Conductors and Grounding
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Wiring Devices and Boxes
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Starters, Boards, Switches and Transformers
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Load Centers
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Lighting
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Emergency Lighting and Devices
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Equipment Hookups
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Electrical Site Work
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Generator Set
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Automatic and Manual Transfer Switches
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Miscellaneous Electrical Work
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 22 Communications, Electronic Safety, and Security
	Communications and Electronic Safety and Security
		Taking-off and Pricing
		Labor
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 23 Earthwork
	Civil Drawings
		Using Civil Drawings in the Estimate
	Site Clearing/Site Preparation
		Clearing and Grubbing
		Stripping and Stockpiling
	Excavation and Backfill
		Bulk Excavation
		Trench or General Excavation
		Backfill and Compaction
		Fill Materials
		Grading
		Hauling
		Rock Removal
		Dewatering
	Erosion and Sedimentation Control
		Taking-off and Pricing
	Shoring, Underpinning, and Trench Boxes
		Shoring
		Underpinning
		Trench Boxes
	Special Foundations and Load-Bearing Elements
		Caissons
		Piles
	Miscellaneous Considerations
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 24 Exterior Improvements
	Civil Drawings
	Bases for Paving
		Bases
	Flexible Paving
		Preparatory Coats and Procedures
		Asphalt Paving Binder Course
		Asphalt Paving Wearing Course
		Seal Coats
	Rigid Paving
		Concrete Paving
		Concrete, Brick, and Stone Pavers
	Curbs and Walkways
		Curbs
		Walkways
	Paving/Parking Specialties
		Parking Bumpers
		Bollards
		Speed Bumps
		Pavement Markings
	Site Improvements
		Fences and Gates
		Retaining Walls
		Irrigation Systems
		Wetlands
	Landscaping
		Plantings
		Turfs and Grasses
		Maintenance Requirements
	Labor for Exterior Improvements
	Miscellaneous Considerations
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 25 Utilities
	Civil Drawings
		How Civil Drawings Are Used to Estimate Utilities
	Water Utilities
		Water Piping and Appurtenances
		Disinfecting/Testing of Water Services
	Water Supply Wells
		Water Supply Well Piping
	Sanitary Sewerage Utilities
		Sanitary Sewerage Piping
		Sanitary Sewerage Structures and Castings
		Septic Systems, Fields, and Structures
	Storm Drainage Utilities
		Storm Drainage Piping
		Storm Drainage Structures and Components
		Foundation and Subslab Drainage
	Electrical/Communications Utilities
		Electrical Primary and Secondary Services
		Concrete-Encased Duct Banks and Pads
		Communications Services
		Site Lighting
		General Information
	Miscellaneous Considerations
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 26 Profit and Contingencies
	Profit
		Factors in Determining Profit
	Contingencies
		Always Add a Contingency
		Never Add a Contingency
		How to Decide If Contingencies Are Necessary
		Owner’s Contingencies
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 27 Estimating byComputer
	Estimating Software
		Selecting the Best Software
		Types of Software
		Creating Estimating Templates
	Quantity Takeoff Software
	Project Overhead Summary Sheets
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Chapter 28 Conceptual Estimating
	Conceptual Estimating
		Order-of-Magnitude Estimate
		Square-Foot Estimate
		Assemblies or Systems Estimate
	Summary
	Questions/ Problems
Solutions to QuestionsAnd Problems
Index
EULA