Builder's Essentials: Estimating Building Costs for the Residential and Light Commercial Contractor

Step-by-Step estimating methods for residential and light commercial contractors. 

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 youll be competitive and know that you'll make a worthwhile profit.

Follow these methods and youll create well-organized, complete estimates by:

• Correctly interpreting plans and specifications.
• Developing accurate and complete labor and material costs.
• Understanding direct and indirect overhead costs. . . and accounting for time-sensitive costs.
• Using historical cost data to generate new project budgets.

Plus hard-to-find, professional guidance on what to consider so you can allocate the right amount for profit and contingencies.

Includes a detailed look at every construction specialty explaining all the components, take-off units and labor hours for site work, concrete, masonry, framing, roofing, siding and finish work -- plus HVAC, plumbing, electrical and special construction.  Includes a review of computer estimating software and sample project overhead sheets.

About the Author

Wayne J DelPico is a Vice President of The Mulligan Company, Inc. , where he currently oversees residential and commercial development and building projects in Southeastern Massachusetts. He has more than 25 years experience in construction management, in projects throughout most of the United States. Mr. DelPico holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University, where he teaches construction estimating and project management. He is the author of publications on plan reading and estimating, and a lecturer on construction topics, including cost segregation.