Accurate Estimating? Why Current Data is a Must Have — Not a Nice to Have

Would you use 2008 tax tables for 2009 taxes? Then why use old data when creating your conceptual estimates or construction bids? Here are a few reasons why 2010 data is essential. A volatile market has led to major shifts in both construction materials and labor costs for 2010. 2010 unit price changes range from -50% to +8%.

Price changes are inconsistent and varied. According to Reed Construction Data’s Chief Economist, Jim Haughey, “September materials prices were about 8% below a year ago but a new rising trend has already begun which will push up materials prices as much as 5% in 2010.” Prices cannot be “guessed” at or factored using outdated data. RSMeans has tracked each and every price individually. Each new price reflects individual pricing shifts.

The industry is going green. 2010 data includes over 5,000 “green-tagged” line items, plus prices for LEED commissioning, building deconstruction and high efficiency, energy conserving products and practices.

Don't risk your ability to estimate with confidence. With RSMeans data you have thousands of lines of data, Cost factors for 900+ cities in the US & Canada, Building Models, Crews, Equipment Rental Costs, Historical Cost Indexes, Reference Tables, The RSMeans Engineering Hotline, Quarterly updates and more.

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Insulation

Insulation materials—used to reduce heating or cooling loss through the exterior of the structure or to unheated or uncooled areas within the structure—are rated for thermal resistance, expressed as the material’s R-value. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. Higher R-values usually translate to higher costs for materials. Consult the architecture plan views, elevations, sections, and details that provide the location of the materials. In addition to the building envelope, insulation information can be found on building sections, wall sections, and details, particularly on the sections through the exterior envelope of the structure. The specification should also be reviewed for product information that may provide pricing criteria.

Insulation is available in various forms, sizes, thicknesses, and R-values. In wood and light-gauge metal frame construction, blankets or rolls of insulation, called batts, are installed between the studs or joists at the exterior walls, roof, or floor of the structure. Insulation is available with an attached paper or foil facing that acts as a vapor barrier. Rigid insulation is used where a particular shape must be maintained, such as under concrete slabs, at the exterior of foundation walls, for roof decks, and over exterior sheathings under siding materials. Some common types include expanded polystyrene, of called “beadboard,” and extruded polystyrenes, such as Styrofoam. More complex rigid insulations used as part of roofing systems are called polyisocyanurates. These are faced with asphalt-impregnated felts, generally have a high R-value per inch of thickness, and are a common component in flat roof systems.

Taking off Quantities
Batt or roll insulation is taken off and estimated by the square foot, and should be listed separately according to the following:

• Width
• R-value
• Location within the building (e.g., roof, walls, floors, etc.)

Excerpted with permission from Estimating Building Costs by Wayne DelPico, published by RSMeans.