Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 19, 2000 07:42pm | #1

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   In answer to your question I use Means cost estimating book for residential construction. they have many publications for different construction applications

2. 
   Melchior_Fros | Mar 19, 2000 08:00pm | #2

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   I like Craftsman Book Company's "National Building Cost Manual", edited by Martin D. Kelly. You work up the final cost based on house shape, quality of workmanship and other factors.

   Craftman's "The National Construction Estimator" gives you the details you want for specific phases of construction work ( it comes with a disc for your computer).

   Use the first book to arrive at a ball park cost figure. Arrive at your final cost by deleting the cost of doing the things you intend to do.

   Remember, estimating is an art and not a science.I'm a fairly accurate estimator largely because I kept track of my labor costs over the years. Be prepared for some surprises.

   Mel

3. 
   cestout | Mar 19, 2000 08:00pm | #3

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   We are going to build two houses, one for my kids, and my retirement house. We will do a some of the work ourselves (I'm getting too old to do everything) and we will act as the general contractor. My architect suggested that a cost estimating book would help. Good idea I think. I have seen ads for books and software, but going thou the latest Fine Homebuilding and This Old House Mags I can't fined any. Can anyone recommend a book or software on construction cost estimating (I prefer the software)? If location matters, these houses will in wilderness/agricultural Riverside county, Calif.

   Thanks, Clint