Estimating for residential construction

Abstract

The goal of the text is to describe an easy to follow step-by-step method of estimating that can be used to produce an accurate construction cost estimate in the minimum of time a cost estimate that is easy to review and one that is recognized by experienced estimators as the product of a professional. While the text concentrates on the kind of small projects typically undertaken by homebuilders, the techniques developed here can be applied to the many different types of projects ranging in scope from a single detached home to multi-unit high-rise buildings. The examples offered relate to a single-family house, a 4-unit apartment building, and a small renovation project. These projects were selected for their relative simplicity so that the reader can concentrate on the estimating technique rather than having to spend time unravelling complicated detail.