A real-world guide to success in construction estimating, the DeWALT Construction Estimating Complete Handbook is loaded with tips, checklists, worksheets, data tables, and tutorials that will provide readers with the tools they need to effectively navigate through every step of the estimating process.
The book focuses on the construction estimating "how-to" essentials and provides on-the-spot answers backed up with graphic examples. With a thorough understanding of the important profit-making factors within the industry, its comprehensive coverage includes marketing, bid planning, scope review, quantity take-off for all trades and divisions, cost analysis, value engineering, Excel spreadsheet estimating, and more.
From the Foreword
Why this Book?
How much does it take to build the project? You probably won't know the answer to this question until the job is complete. It's true that the construction industry today faces great challenges: material price volatilities, skilled labor shortage, strict regulations, tight schedule, shoddy drawings. . . . Any one of these can make a seemly lucrative job end up ugly.
Is there anything you can do? Based on real-life experience in estimating hundreds of projects, this book attempts to provide part of the solution. With careful cost estimating efforts, you can at least begin with an accurate budget. Then, even if things go wrong, you could still achieve a decent profit eventually.
Presented in a straight-forward, no-nonsense format, the book covers the following subjects in extensive detail.
- Marketing, bid planning, and scope review.
- Quantity takeoff for all trades and divisions.
- Pricing of material, labor, and equipment.
- Subtrade quote evaluation.
- Overhead, profit, and bid procedures.
- Cost analysis, value engineering, and change order pricing.
- Excel spreadsheet estimating tutorials. (a unique feature of this book)
Fully loaded with estimating tips, checklists, worksheets, and data tables, the book walks you through each step of the estimating process and frequently suggests more efficient ways to accomplish the work.
This is not just a book about how to measure quantities. It is aimed to help you take real control over the numbers in your business and make the money you deserve. Yes, you can!
Based on the author's extensive experience in estimating, this valuable resource aims to provide workable solutions to the unprecedented challenges that construction professionals face today, from a weak economy and fierce competition to material price volatilities, skilled labor shortages, and strict regulations.
Features:
- Enhances learning with graphic examples and screenshots.
- Rounds out comprehensive coverage with expert recommendations on making the estimating process more efficient.
- Facilitates comprehension with a straight-forward, to-the-point, and "no-nonsense" format.
- Offers one-of-a-kind instruction with tutorials for Excel spreadsheet estimating accompanied by step-by-step instructions.
- Supplements learning with practical tools, like detailed quantity take-off examples and checklists.
- Free online learning component offers additional information.
About the Author
Adam Ding is a professional estimator with extensive experience in a variety of residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and infrastructure projects. He holds a Master's degree in Building Construction from Auburn University.
Adam has had a successful career in estimating projects of different sizes, ranging from large-scale cost planning detailed trade takeoff. Having bid countless construction jobs, Adam developed a unique and easy-to-understand estimating approach. He taught classes at Auburn University and also owns the copyrights for a number of spreadsheet estimating programs.
Currently, as a certified Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS), Adam continues to provide cost estimating services in North America and Asia Pacific regions. He is a regular technical contributor to Construction Economist journal, introducing the latest estimating technologies and techniques. Interested readers can also check out Adam's other popular estimating books
- DeWalt Construction Estimating Professional Reference
- DeWalt Plumbing Estimating Professional Reference
- DeWalt HVAC Estimating Professional Reference
- DeWalt Electrical Estimating Professional Reference (2nd edition)
Table of Contents
Foreword. Chapter 1: Estimating Preparation. Chapter 2: Quantity Take-off. Chapter 3: Pricing. Chapter 4: Evaluating Quotes. Chapter 5: Cost Summary. Chapter 6: Post-Bid Estimating. Chapter 7: Excel Spreadsheet Estimating. Appendix. About the Author.
