RSMeans Illustrated Construction Dictionary


Book Description

This concise student edition of the most widely used dictionary for construction and design professionals offers clear explanations of essential construction-related terms and concepts. Illustrated throughout with explanatory drawings and photographs, it is an indispensable reference for beginning and advanced students in construction, architecture, design, facility management, real estate, and other related fields. Features include: Easy-to-understand definitions of nearly 10,000 terms, phrases, and abbreviations from every area of construction More than 1,400 drawings and photographs that help clarify concepts Up-to-date coverage of new industry trends, including building automation, energy conservation, green building, historic preservation, and more An extensive reference section with plan symbols, conversions and equivalents, and more




Means Mechanical Estimating Methods: Takeoff & Pricing for HVAC & Plumbing, Updated 4th Edition


Book Description

An easy-to-use tool for estimating heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, with up-to-date cost data and estimating examples. This all-in-one reference gives you the accepted standards and procedures for takeoff and pricing HVAC systems, as well as piping, plumbing, and fire protection. Includes all of the major mechanical systems in new building construction. The book will show you how to: Evaluate mechanical plans and specs so you can estimate all cost components Measure, quantify, and perform takeoffs for materials, labor, and equipment Identify and correctly apply direct and indirect costs, including overhead and profit Use forms to improve accuracy and efficiency – with electronic forms now available on the book’s own website Compare materials and methods and select the most cost-effective way to get the job done Train new estimators with clear instructions for estimating the mechanical trades Make the best use of RSMeans Mechanical Cost Data and RSMeans Plumbing Cost Data Organized for easy reference, the book gives you quick access to whatever aspect of mechanical estimating you need. It includes a glossary of mechanical terms and definitions – plus symbols used on mechanical plans, useful formulas, checklists, and conversion tables.




How to Estimate with RSMeans Data


Book Description

Using North America's most recognized construction cost data from RSMeans, this step-by-step guide develops problem-solving skills through over 300 sample problems and exercises. All of the major construction items, including site work, concrete and masonry, wood and metal framing, doors and windows, and more are covered. Access to a password-protected web site is included, which contains the instruction version of RSMeans Cos/Works, the electronic version of RS Means Building Construction Cost Data, and sample building plans and spreadsheets, enabling you to practice creating a complete construction estimate.




Unit Price Estimating Methods


Book Description

This comprehensive reference explains everything you need to know about taking off and pricing detailed, unit price construction estimates. The book takes you through every step of the estimating process — from receipt of the plans, to detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing, to bidding strategies, and finally, cost control. Also includes electronic estimating forms you can access to download and customize from the book’s own website. Organized for quick reference, the book features: Estimating guidance for every segment of construction by CSI MasterFormat division — the most recognized industry standard for organizing construction projects and costs Checklists and forms to streamline the estimating process What to watch out for — common errors and omissions How to calculate and apply direct and indirect costs, including overhead and profit A complete, fully updated sample cost estimate An appendix with labor hours for common construction operations




Estimating Building Costs for the Residential and Light Commercial Construction Professional


Book Description

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




Rsmeans Building Construction Cost Data 2014


Book Description

Get the confidence and know-how you need to deliver more accurate cost estimates and improve profitability. The 72nd edition of this bestselling cost guide has been updated and expanded to provide you with the information you need to: * Estimate projects with confidence and accuracy * Improve project planning and budgeting * Reduce risk Access detailed construction costs, arranged in the CSI MasterFormat 2010 system, and leverage the resources available in the reference section to construct a winning estimate. * What you'll find inside: * More than 24,000 unit costs for building components * Equipment rental costs * Crew sizes, labor hours, and labor rates * Square foot costs * Reference section with more than 90 reference tables, estimating aids, and technical data * City Cost Indexes for over 900 locations in the U.S. and selected locations in Canada




Electrical Estimating Methods


Book Description

Simplify the estimating process with the latest data, materials, and practices Electrical Estimating Methods, Fourth Edition is a comprehensive guide to estimating electrical costs, with data provided by leading construction database RS Means. The book covers the materials and processes encountered by the modern contractor, and provides all the information professionals need to make the most precise estimate. The fourth edition has been updated to reflect the changing materials, techniques, and practices in the field, and provides the most recent Means cost data available. The complexity of electrical systems can make accurate estimation difficult, but this guide contains all the necessary information in one place. An electrical estimate represents the total cost for materials, labor, overhead and profit, but accuracy is virtually impossible without a basic knowledge of the field, and real-world experience in the type of work required. Inaccurate estimates lead to problems with customer satisfaction, which often create payment issues. A thorough, complete, and accurate estimate is in the best interest of all parties involved in the work. Electrical Estimating Methods provides more than just data. Detailed discussions about the work itself help highlight factors that may escape notice, and access to the latest cost data helps tie everything together. Features include: Discussion of current equipment, materials, and processes Means data for both residential and commercial projects Case studies that illustrate best practices Online access to the latest Means data for fast access on the job The book discusses specific situations as well as general practices, and provides comprehensive guidance to the creation of a true, current, estimation of costs. For electrical contractors and estimators, Electrical Estimating Methods contains must-have content that simplifies the estimating process.




Complete Book of Framing


Book Description

The bestselling step-by-step framing guide—updated and expanded to meet 2018 codes and standards Complete Book of Framing, Second Edition—Updated and Expanded is a comprehensive guide to rough carpentry and framing, written by an expert with over forty years of framing experience. This book guides the reader through step-by-step framing instructions for floors, walls, roofs, door and window openings, and stairs. Hundreds of full-color illustrations and photos enable novice and professional framers to understand and master framing techniques. This Updated and Expanded Second Edition includes the framing techniques of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and updated OSHA rules. It also includes new coverage of today's electric tools, wind and earthquake framing, medical and physiological factors of framing, and a revised safety chapter. Builders will find information on nailing patters, overall layout, engineered wood patterns, and green framing. In addition, the book offers readers tools and techniques for preparing for a job and managing a team. This Second Edition—Updated and Expanded: Includes hundreds of full-color illustrations depicting step-by-step framing techniques Offers guidance on today's electric tools and structural enhancements for natural disasters Features a revised chapter on safety to reflect the medical and physiological factors of framing Meets the framing techniques of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards Complete Book of Framing: An Illustrated Guide for Residential Construction, Second Edition—Updated and Expanded is an excellent resource for framers, carpenters, and contractors of all experience levels. Framer-friendly tips throughout the book show how to complete framing tasks efficiently and effectively.




Risk Management for Design and Construction


Book Description

The essential risk assessment guide for civil engineering, design, and construction Risk management allows construction professionals to identify the risks inherent in all projects, and to provide the tools for evaluating the probabilities and impacts to minimize the risk potential. This book introduces risk as a central pillar of project management and shows how a project manager can be prepared for dealing with uncertainty. Written by experts in the field, Risk Management for Design and Construction uses clear, straightforward terminology to demystify the concepts of project uncertainty and risk. Highlights include: Integrated cost and schedule risk analysis An introduction to a ready-to-use system of analyzing a project's risks and tools to proactively manage risks A methodology that was developed and used by the Washington State Department of Transportation Case studies and examples on the proper application of principles Information about combining value analysis with risk analysis "This book is a must for professionals who are seeking to move towards a proactive risk-centric management style. It is a valuable resource for students who are discovering the intricacies of uncertainties and risks within value estimation. For professionals, the book advocates for identifying and analyzing 'only' risks whose impact are of consequence to a project's performance." JOHN MILTON, PHD, PE Director of Enterprise Risk Management, Washington State Department of Transportation