This work provides principles & techniques for the evaluation of construction design, emphasizing the importance of strong analysis skills & exploring estimation. It aims to provide readers with a balanced & cohesive overview of these two areas.

Improve the accuracy of project estimates and make better in-progress modifications by following the discipline-independent approach mapped out in this book. Learn the best ways to apply new tools, including a breakdown structure for both work and resources and proven estimating models. In addition, you'll gain insights into best practices for progress monitoring and cost management, as well as for dealing effectively with external projects.

This pocket-sized book is a concise guide to the basics of estimating construction costs for residential and light commercial building projects. It provides a step-by-step guide to estimating the total cost of a construction project. It takes readers through five phases that lead to a successful estimate: initial assessment, work analysis, programming, costing and cost distribution and summarization. The book's primary targets are small contractors; however, the principles set forth in the book are applicable to all contractors. The book could also serve as a textbook for estimating classes in construction management programs at universities and community colleges. The last section of the book provides useful but not readily available information for estimators on diverse topics, e.g., detailed information about Value Engineering, scheduling, subcontractor selection, bid summarization, and so on. An extensive glossary of construction terms is also included. Readers in all construction capacities will find: * A new, fresh look at the often baffling and deceptive job of estimating construction costs for residential and light commercial construction * How to assess plans, review bonds, and evaluate the site and the project schedule before beginning a cost take-off * How to integrate a cost estimate into a general accounting program for cost management and eventual billing * Incredibly helpful appendix with common construction standards and measurements--from standards for concrete forms, to nail sizes to commercial lumber sizes, and much more!

Robert Peurifoy was a giant in the field of construction engineering and authored several books during his lifetime. This book last published in 1989 and will capitalize on the well-known name of the author. In this edition, computer calculations of costs and of modeling have been added as well as updated statistics, computer related examples and new problems. Civil, Environmental, and Construction Management Engineering Majors and Professionals will benefit from having this title on their shelf.This edition retains the conceptual strengths of the Peurifoy approach and organization from the previous edition but the new problems and computer-based examples and new up-to-date construction data make it the only choice in academia or industry.

How to succeed in the construction business step-by-step guidelines for estimating To be competitive, contractors and homebuilders need to know how to generate complete, accurate estimates for labor and material costs. This book guides readers through the entire estimating process, explaining in detail how to put together a reliable estimate that can be used not only for budgeting, but also for developing a schedule, managing a project, dealing with contingencies, and ultimately making a profit. Completely revised and updated to reflect the new CSI MasterFormat 2010TM system, the Second Edition of this practical guide describes estimating techniques for each building system and how to apply them according to the latest industry standards. Cost considerations and quantity takeoff and pricing are included for virtually every type of work found in residential and light commercial projects, from demolition, concrete, and masonry to windows and doors, siding, roofing, mechanical and electrical systems, finish work, and site construction. Complete with many new graphics and references to professional construction cost databases, the new edition provides experienced contractors and novices alike with essential information on: How to correctly interpret plans and specifications, reflecting updates to contract documents since the first edition Computer estimating techniques and new estimating software for performing quantity takeoff The best methods for conceptual estimating as well as the extremely useful topic of parametric estimating How to allocate the right amounts for profit and contingencies, and other hard-to-find professional guidance How a unit price estimate is built along with labor issues and budgeting for subcontractor work

This comprehensive reference covers the full spectrum of technical data required to estimate costs for major construction projects. Widely used in the industry for tasks ranging from routine estimates to special cost analysis projects, the book has been completely updated and reorganized with new and expanded technical information. RSMeans Estimating Handbook will help construction professionals: Evaluate architectural plans and specifications Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs Compare design alternatives and costs Perform value engineering Double-check estimates and quotes Estimate change orders FEATURES: This new edition includes expanded coverage of: Construction specialties—green building, metal decking, plastic pipe, demolition items, and more Preliminary or square foot estimating tools Updated city cost indexes to adjust costs—by trade—for 30 major cities Historic indexes to factor costs for economic effects over time Complete reorganization to the newest CSI MasterFormat classification system