Every contractor has a unique system for putting a bid together. But when you submit a price, you must be prepared to back it up with a reliable estimate.

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Estimating Building Costs gives you a step-by-step process for organizing all the information you need to assemble an estimate you can rely on. You’ll be competitive and know that you’ll make a worthwhile profit. Follow these methods and you’ll create well-organized, complete estimates by:

• Correctly interpreting plans and specifications
• Developing accurate and complete labor and material costs
• Understanding direct and indirect overhead costs and accounting for time-sensitive costs
• Using historical cost data to generate new project budgets

The book includes a detailed look at every construction specialty — explaining all the components, take-off units, and labor hours — for site work, concrete and masonry, framing, roofing, siding, and finish work. Plus, you'll get data on HVAC, plumbing and electrical, and special construction and hard-to-find professional guidance on what to consider so you can allocate the right amount for profit and contingencies.