Construction Industry Forums

Fuel %

2009-07-20T08:13:00-05:00

In the ‘read the data’ reference it says fuel is included in the bare equipment costs; what percentage of the equipment cost does RS Means dedicate to fuel? (Assuming there is some standard percentage in your calculations)

Training for estimating sitework

2008-08-27T09:37:51-05:00

I live in London Ontario and I am need of training to be able to use the RS Means book as it seems like a lot of guesswork when using the data. Anything online or nearby or ant other means of getting assistance with using the book. For Example: I am using an excavator(1.53 cap.) to remove an embankment(clay)(400m3 )and loading the material on a dump truck to be dumped about 200m away to be tested and then rebuild with new fill. My interpretation is that I would us the cost of a 12c crew for 4 days minus a labourer. Plus 2 dump trucks B-34F. Plus Mobilization? Any insight as to the correctness of this scenario?

Data most appropriate for excavating and fill?

2008-08-27T07:30:17-05:00

I am budgeting for removing an embankment(clay)with an excavator. The material is stockpiled approximately 200m away on site to be tested later. The embankment will then be replaced with new fill.I am unsure as to what the most appropriate data to use.Would it be best to use the equipment rental , Crews, or Excavating bulk bank measure. Does anyone have any insight as to what the best approach would be?

Demolition includes Disposal of Waste?

2008-08-25T10:16:54-05:00

I would like to know what all is included in your demolition prices. Do I need to add for cleanup and a possible bin and dumping?

Thanks, Habbs

Where do you get your labor rates?

2008-05-02T15:37:26-05:00

Where do you get your labor rates?

Means contacts trade union councils throughout North America regularly to track union labor agreements. Means subscribes to all Davis-Bacon decisions, and uses Davis-Bacon rates where no union rates are available. In addition, Means researches open shop labor rates on a regular basis by surveying members of a major construction trade association.

What is the difference between the Location Factors and the City Cost Indexes?

2008-05-02T15:36:11-05:00

What is the difference between the Location Factors and the City Cost Indexes?

The Location Factors are the end result of the research, and can be applied to the total project cost. The City Cost Indexes are a more detailed report of the same data, broken down by Masterformat division or UNIFORMAT II section, and by material, installation and total. They are used when more accurate data is needed for material only, installation only, or single trade estimates.

Where do you get your material prices?

2008-05-02T15:34:47-05:00

Where do you get your material prices?

Means engineers contact material suppliers to the construction industry throughout North America and ask for pricing on specific materials, purchased in specific quantities, including the cost of delivery within 20 miles. Means does not report the cost of specific branded items, but rather researches multiple brands of similar items and averages the cost. For each item researched, the engineers look for at least three responses, from geographically diverse locations, with costs within a 25% range. Every item in the material file is researched at least once annually. The 66 key materials in the database are re-priced quarterly in all 950 locations.

What other factors affect cost ?

2008-05-02T15:25:11-05:00

What factors other than project size and location affect cost?

There are many factors, beyond project size and location that will affect the total cost of a project. Means data represents costs for work performed in temperate conditions during daylight hours during an eight-hour workday. You must always adjust costs for conditions other these. As a guide, Means publishes factors for job conditions in section 01 21 55.50 to adjust for changes in economic conditions, hoisting conditions, contractor management, labor availability, material storage area, subcontractor availability, and work space. Section 01 21 53.50 contains cost adjustments for cutting and patching to match existing, dust protection, equipment usage curtailment, protection of existing work, shift work, temporary shoring and bracing, and working in high security areas.

I’m interested in authoring a book

2008-05-02T15:24:09-05:00

What topics is RSMeans interested in, and what do I need to submit to be considered for publication?

RSMeans reference books cover a wide range of construction subjects pertaining to every discipline in the construction community. The library targets the information needs of architects, contractors, engineers, facility managers, appraisers and insurance professionals — as well as homeowners.

Currently available references cover a wide range of topics such as green building, mold remediation, project scheduling, construction contracts, business management, facilities maintenance, home improvement, life cycle costs and value engineering, and many aspects of cost estimating.

If you would like to explore publishing opportunities with RSMeans, please submit a detailed book proposal or working manuscript to:

RSMeans

Attm: Reference Book Department

63 Smiths Lane

Kingston, MA 02364

Once the book proposal is submitted to RSMeans for publication consideration, what is the next step?

The acquisitions editor will present your proposal to the RSMeans editorial committee. If approved, RSMeans will prepare an authorship agreement and work with you to establish your book’s schedule, with input from the production and marketing departments. A team of editors will work with you to shape the manuscript’s content, length, and organization, as well as a style and format that suit the intended reader’s professional level.

Advertise with us !!

2008-05-02T15:01:50-05:00

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