Costs Books

RSMeans Electrical Cost Data 2009 (Means Electrical Cost Data)

Amazon Price: $97.62 List Price: $154.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: R.S. Means Company Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $79.95

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Construction -> Electrical
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Construction -> Estimating

Building An Affordable House: A Smart Guide to High-Value, Low-Cost Construction

Fernando Pages Ruiz

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Taunton Amazon Marketplace: 61 new & used starting at $5.88

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Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Real Estate -> General AAS
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Many options, use selectively 4 out of 5 stars.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.

This book presents a wide range of cost-saving options on the foundation, framing, insulation, and other components of a new house. You have to pick and choose the ones that work for you. For example, if you have a beautiful view and a mild climate, you may not want to cut costs by reducing the number of windows.
Instead, you can (for example) avoid a costly over-built foundation that is designed for more demanding climates.

The author does not advocate building a "cheap" (sub-standard) house. In fact, in some parts of the book he recommends avoiding choices that would reduce up-front costs (for instance, by laying polyester carpet over an inexpensive foam pad, or by installing an electrical panel with room for fewer breakers).

Many of his suggestions simply challenge conventional practices that have no engineering rationale (spacing studs 16" oc instead of 24", using 3-stud corners) or alternative products (such as Insulating Concrete Forms) that are not necessarily cost-effective.

I think this is a very helpful book. If nothing else, it can alert you to the kinds of details that periodically need re-thinking when you follow one construction practice over another. Then if you want to put more money into an extravagant staircase or other detail, you'll have some ideas about how to pay for it without going over budget or cutting dangerous corners.

Editorial Review:

The first comprehensive guide of its kind, Building an Affordable House is for homeowners and building contractors who want to incorporate proven cost-saving techniques into their projects. Written by a contractor who has been nationally recognized for his innovative approach to cost control, this book shows readers how to generate significant savings on major projects such as building a new home or adding on to an existing one. The first section provides an economical approach to planning projects, while the second reveals the quality-conscious, cost-cutting strategies the author has uncovered through direct construction experience and extensive consultation with industry experts. The third section covers finish details from drywall to flooring, with emphasis on saving money without compromising quality or distinctive results. Handy features include floor plans, resource listings, and project management tools.

DEWALT Construction Estimating Professional Reference (Dewalt Trade Reference Series)

Adam Ding

Amazon Price: $17.95 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: DEWALT Amazon Marketplace: 23 new & used starting at $13.25

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Construction -> Estimating

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

I am loving it 5 out of 5 stars.
14 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I just received my copy today. I always prefer DeWalt books(used to be "Pal" books) because they are convenient and more importantly, to-the-point. Still, I fell in love with this one the moment I flipped through pages. Unlike the big and heavy books I used to struggle with when I was in school, this compact book offers direct answers to so many questions. The book also introduced a very organized approach for the bidding game, in addition to its 200+ estimating tips. Thus I believe it will be handy for both general and trade contractors. Whether you need to be jack-of-all-trades or specialize on certain line of work, this book is a must.

If you are always doubtful whether there is ever an estimating book worth buying, try this one. It is down to earth and saves so much time. Well worth the money!

Editorial Review:

This unique and easy-to-understand pocket guide was developed by a real-world contractor who has perfected the art of construction estimating! The DEWALT Construction Estimating Professional Reference is the only resource individuals need for learning to successfully bid on a variety of construction projects. Chock-full of practical advice based on the author’s real-life experience in bidding countless construction jobs, this essential reference explores such key topics as forms and checklists, subcontractors and suppliers, procedures, trade evaluation, costs, profit, and overheads, and much more!

Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets: How to Fix America's Trillion-Dollar Construction Industry

Barry B. LePatner

Amazon Price: $11.56 List Price: $17.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: University Of Chicago Press Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $10.65

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Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Industries & Professions -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Across the nation, construction projects large and small—from hospitals to schools to simple home improvements—are spiraling out of control. Delays and cost overruns have come to seem “normal,” even as they drain our wallets and send our blood pressure skyrocketing. In Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets, prominent construction attorney Barry B. LePatner builds a powerful case for change in America’s sole remaining “mom and pop” industry—an industry that consumes $1.23 trillion and wastes at least $120 billion each year.
With three decades of experience representing clients that include eminent architects and engineers, as well as corporations, institutions, and developers, LePatner has firsthand knowledge of the bad management, ineffective supervision, and insufficient investment in technology that plagues the risk-averse construction industry. In an engaging and direct style, he here pinpoints the issues that underlie the industry’s woes while providing practical tips for anyone in the business of building, including advice on the precise language owners should use during contract negotiations.
Armed with Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets, everyone involved in the purchase or renovation of a building or any structure—from homeowners seeking to remodel to civic developers embarking on large-scale projects—has the information they need to change this antiquated industry, one project at a time.

“LePatner describes what is wrong with the current system and suggests ways that architects can help—by retaking their rightful place as master builders.”—Fred A. Bernstein, Architect Magazine “Every now and then, a major construction project is completed on time and on budget. Everyone is amazed. . . . Barry LePatner thinks this exception should become the rule. . . . A swift kick to the construction industry.”—James R. Hagerty, Wall Street Journal

Roofing Construction & Estimating

Daniel Atcheson

Amazon Price: $25.08 List Price: $38.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Craftsman Book Company Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $19.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The roofing book for those who have never been on a roof 2 out of 5 stars.
30 of 33 people found this review helpful.

This is an informative book that would be acceptable material for the person who has never been on a roof. He covers most roofing products in a adaquate manner explaining many of the basic princibles. However, as a roofer, it would have been nice to see what he considers acceptable manhours per square on each product, using his experiance, instead of using information drawn from other books.

Roofing Construction & Estimating 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.

This book is what I've been looking for, college type material for the person who likes to self teach. Thank-you

A highly recommended specialized reference 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.

In "Roofing Construction & Estimating", Dan Atcheson draws upon his many years of experience and expertise as a draftsman, as an apprentice in plumbing, electrical and carpenter, as a professional in all areas of construction from earthwork, to framing, to roofing. The result is an impressively 'user friendly' instructional compendium on roof sheathing, underlayment, asphalt shinglers, wood shingles and shakes, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, tile and slate roofing, metal roofing and siding, as well as built-up and elastomeric roofing. Profusely illustrated, enhanced with tables, charts, calculations, examples, step-by-step instruction and repair procedures, "Roofing Construction & Estimating" is ideal for novice or do-it-yourself roofer, and would make an invaluable reference for even the more experienced roofing contractor with respect to making a roofing estimate, installing or repairing roofing in residential or commercial buildings. A highly recommended specialized reference, "Roofing Construction & Estimating" should be a part of every professional, trade school, and community library Building Contractor or Architecture reference collection.

Estimator's Piping Man-Hour Manual, Fifth Edition (Estimator's Man-Hour Library)

John S. Page

Amazon Price: $110.74 List Price: $113.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Gulf Professional Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $89.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

An estimating book for all industry 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I have used this book since 1986. It has been the cornerstone of my pipe estimating. It is easy to use and in most cases you can narrow a seemingly complicated estimating job down to a few tables. I recommend this book to any estimator charged with providing accurate budgets in industrial construction.
The book addresses carbon steel, stainless steel Heavy wall, large O.D. Staging, Insulation, Pipe Hangers and more.
The Author goes into detail in a clear and concise method about how to structure your estimate and provides a sample estimating sheet.
Even though the estimating sheet is about 30 yrs old. I have set one up in excel to match his format and it works beautifully.
A must book for any pipe estimator.
Tim Griffin - Tampa Florida

Editorial Review:

This reference provides reliable piping estimating data including installation of pneumatic mechanical instrumentation used in monitoring various process systems. This new edition has been expanded and updated to include installation of pneumatic mechanical instrumentation, which is used in monitoring various process systems.

Estimating in Building Construction (6th Edition)

Frank R. Dagostino, Leslie Feigenbaum

Amazon Price: $97.92 List Price: $122.40 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Prentice Hall Amazon Marketplace: 56 new & used starting at $59.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The Irony of Estimating... 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Yes this book contains just about every material involved in building a structure and has many formulas to figure out anything you could possibly imagine, from materials to labor. The downfall is in the review questions and exercises dealing with the provided blueprints, which are very vague and difficult to interpret, thus making any of your estimating practice next to useless. There's got to be a better book out there...

Great deal 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Excellent condition, great price and arrived just in time as promised. Great deal compared with my university's bookstore.

Perfect Learning Tool 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I highly recommend this book for preliminary education on the art of construction estimating. The book is clear, concise, and extremely well illustrated.

Editorial Review:

For courses in Construction Estimation, Cost Estimation, and Project Management. Everything needed for a course in Estimating is provided in this proven text, which combines coverage of principles with step-by-step procedures. Ideal for construction, architecture, and engineering students, it reflects the popular approach of tracing a complete project's progress. The use of computers as a key estimating tool is incorporated throughout.

In Detail: Cost-Effective Building: Economic concepts and constructions (In Detail (englisch))

Amazon Price: $53.52 List Price: $84.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Birkhäuser Basel Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $53.52

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> General AAS

Editorial Review:

This latest volume in the In Detail series turns the spotlight on projects otherwise overshadowed by the spectacular and extravagant buildings that fill the specialist journals: unvarnished, unpretentious buildings that, despite tight budgets, are clearly worked out to the last detail. They exemplify how, and by what measures, cost-effective planning and building are possible.

Because cost-effective building requires that special attention be paid to the overall planning and implementation these processes are examined comprehensively in specialist contributions and project documentations, from office organization through the design phase and the coordination of implementation planning, on to ultimate realization.

The spectrum of solutions extends from the use of standardized products to innovative and individual solutions for details, complete with specified costs, and is a source of inspiration for architects and planners.

Handbook of Construction Contracting: Estimating, Bidding, Scheduling, Vol. 2

Jack P. Jones

Amazon Price: $22.28 List Price: $33.75 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Craftsman Book Company Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $5.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A must for construction specialists and tradesmen 5 out of 5 stars.
41 of 46 people found this review helpful.

This is vol 1 of a 2-vol work that takes the guess work out of estimating, designing, and planning a construction project. Whether building as a tradesman or contractor--or even as someone such as a homeowner wishing to contract the building of his house, this book is a must. I have been in the construction business for years and these two books are a must in my office and in my truck. I require all my key personnel to study them, a policy that saves money, time, and eliminates guesswork. On a scale of 1-10, I rate both a 10!

A Seasoned Veteran 4 out of 5 stars.
27 of 29 people found this review helpful.

When I started contracting nearly 30 years ago this book was quite useful in moving me from trades person to business person, the required move to be successful. It's still here and just as good for introducing the basics of construction contracting.

Handbook of Construction Contracting: Estimating, Bidding, Scheduling, Vol. 2 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Good Book with Clear Illustration of Estimation & Bidding for Residential Projects

Instructions from a professional builder 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book gets to the point with the basics showing how to do a job in detail with clear, concise instructions and drawings showing details that ensures professional performance. A must for a builder or tradesman engaged in the construction trades. I wouldn't start a job without it and I've been in the construction business for a good man years.

Construction Contracts (3rd Edition)

Keith Collier

Amazon Price: $117.80 List Price: $117.80 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Prentice Hall Amazon Marketplace: 8 new & used starting at $100.11

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This exploration of the basics of contracts as applied to the construction industry focuses 1) upon the different types of contracts and their fundamentals as they apply to, and affect, owners, contractors, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, etc., 2) on the impact of information technology on contracts and contracting, and 3) on the effect of contracts on the management, administration, and the costs of construction work. Using the published standard forms of construction contracts as models and guides, it helps readers develop an understanding not only of the contract process in general, but also why one type of contract should be used rather than another in a given situation. The Nature of Contracts. Construction Contracts. Stipulated-Sum Contracts. Cost-Plus-Fee Contracts. Unit-Price Contracts. Contracts with Quantities. Subcontracts and Supply Contracts. Arrangements of Contracts for Construction. Design-Build Contracts. Documents for Contracts. Bidding for Contracts. Negotiating Construction Contracts. Administration of Contracts. Claims and Disputes. Changes in the Work of Contracts. Contract Time. Completion of Contracts and Payments. The Uncovering and Correction of Work in Contracts. For construction practitioners; and also for members of the legal profession who want to see construction contracts from the standpoint of those directly involved in construction and who want to better understand why and how a construction contract should be designed for a particular project.