Construction Estimating Using Excel

Description

Steven J. Peterson is a professor of construction management at Weber State University, where he joined the faculty in 2000. Steven received an MBA and a BS in engineering from the University of Utah. He is a licensed professional engineer and a member of the Design-Build Institute of America.

 

Steve’s area of expertise is the business side of running a construction company and managing construction projects. He is the author of Pearson’s Pocket Guide to Construction Management (Pearson 2012) and two textbooks, Construction Accounting and Financial Management (Pearson 2013) and Construction Estimating Using Excel (Pearson 2017). He is the coauthor of a third textbook, Estimating in Building Construction (Pearson 2015).

 

In 2011, Steven was named Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 6 Outstanding Educator. This was one of three awards given from regions around the country. The award recognizes someone who contributes to construction education, excels in teaching, and is dedicated to the construction profession.

 

Before coming to Weber State, Steven spent 15 years working in the construction industry. He has worked on the design and construction of hazardous/radioactive waste landfills, numerous multi-family projects, and other commercial construction.

• Teaches basic estimating principles, step-by-step, in a way that can apply to a variety of building materials.

  • Moves beyond many books to not only talk about takeoff (and the costs of a limited number of building materials), but also the principles behind these calculations.

  • Gives readers a strong foundation so they can transfer basic estimating principles to any building material.

  • Includes a running case study that shows students the complete process of creating an estimate for a residential garage.

• Shows how to use Microsoft Excel as an estimating tool to improve one’s quality and accuracy.

  • Provides an introduction to the basic operation of Excel and discusses how it can be used to improve the estimating process.

  • Includes Excel Quick Tips that demonstrate how to set up Excel worksheets for different types of estimating problems, 44 sample spreadsheets, 12 homework problems that require the reader to modify the sample spreadsheet, and a final complex spreadsheet that the student prepares for a bid.

• UPDATED: Bases thediscussion of Excel (including the figures) on Excel 2016 to keep students current with the latest software.

• Offers unparalleled support to instructors with a robust Instructor Resource Center featuring over 1,100 files. Resources include:

  • An instructor’s manual with learning outcomes, instructional hints, activities, resources, and solutions to the problems for each chapter.

  • PDFs of the drawing sets for use with On-Screen Takeoff or other such software

  • A bid day simulation

  • Solutions to the exercise from Chapter 2, 32, and 33

  • JPG copies of select figures in the book–many of which include their original format (e.g., AutoCAD drawings) that can be edited to create additional problems

  • Customizable PowerPoint lectures

  • Electronic copies of the Quick Tips from the book

  • A test bank of over 290 questions

• UPDATED: Makes it easier for instructors to measure outcomes with updated content that aligns to ACCE and ABET student learning outcomes

  • Lists the common outcomes found in the accreditation standards that cover estimating and what problems/material from the chapters can be used to measure proficiency of each of the outcomes (See the updated Instructor’s Manual and chapters 2, 5-19, 21-26, 28 and 29).

• Divides the discussion of quantity takeoff is into five groups–counted items, linear components, sheet and roll goods, volumetric goods, and quantity-from-quantity goods.

  • Allows students to learn to estimate materials that are not covered by the book by determining which group they best fit into and using the estimating principals for that group.

• Includes two drawing sets as a means for additional practice in preparing a complete estimate from beginning to end.

  • Offers a variety of projects (a residence and a retail building) where readers can practice estimating skills in a realistic environment.

• Provides quick and convenient references for students.

  • Includes fundamental mathematical concepts necessary in estimating for those students who may need a review of estimating math (Appendix A).

• NEW: Includes sample equipment costs that students can reference for use in their estimates (Appendix D).

• Offers example problems and exercises designed to help beginning estimators apply the information and techniques presented in the book.

  • Gives the reader a variety of opportunities to practice principles learned in the text.

  • Provides detailed solutions to problems in the accompanying Instructor’s Manual.

• UPDATED: Expands the problem sets for estimating labor and equipment costs (Chapters 21 and 22).

• UPDATED: Expands the coverage of estimating to design-build and construction manager general contractor projects, which make up about 50% of commercial construction market

  • Discusses the role estimating plays in the different project delivery methods and the role estimating plays in the design process in a new chapter. This chapter also covers the project-comparison, square-foot, and assembly estimating methods (Chapter 34).

• NEW: Gives students experience using data from RSMeans, one of the largest publisher of construction cost data.

  • Uses data from RSMeans (along with six sample pages from their books) throughout this edition (Figures 20-1, 34-1, 34-2, 34-3, 34-4, and 34-5).

• UPDATED: Refreshes content to reflect current practices and realities.

  • Reflects current costs with updated material and equipment costs and labor rates (Chapters 19, 21-23, and 26).

  • Gives the student a better understanding of the laws governing employee compensation and overtime with a new discussion of the Fair Labor Standards Act (Chapter 21).

  • Covers the pay rates for employees on projects funded by the federal government with a new discussion of the Davis-Bacon Act (Chapter 21).

• Shows how to use Microsoft Excel as an estimating tool to improve one’s quality and accuracy.

  • Bases thediscussion of Excel (including the figures) on Excel 2016 to keep students current with the latest software.

• Makes it easier for instructors to measure outcomes with updated content that aligns to ACCE and ABET student learning outcomes

  • Lists the common outcomes found in the accreditation standards that cover estimating and what problems/material from the chapters can be used to measure proficiency of each of the outcomes (See the updated Instructor’s Manual and chapters 2, 5-19, 21-26, 28 and 29).

• Provides quick and convenient references for students.

  • Includes sample equipment costs that students can reference for use in their estimates (Appendix D).

• Offers example problems and exercises designed to help beginning estimators apply the information and techniques presented in the book.

  • Expands the problem sets for estimating labor and equipment costs (Chapters 21 and 22).

• Expands the coverage of estimating to design-build and construction manager general contractor projects, which make up about 50% of commercial construction market

  • Discusses the role estimating plays in the different project delivery methods and the role estimating plays in the design process in a new chapter. This chapter also covers the project-comparison, square-foot, and assembly estimating methods (Chapter 34).

• Gives students experience using data from RSMeans, one of the largest publisher of construction cost data.

  • Uses data from RSMeans (along with six sample pages from their books) throughout this edition (Figures 20-1, 34-1, 34-2, 34-3, 34-4, and 34-5).

• Refreshes content to reflect current practices and realities.

• Reflects current costs with updated material and equipment costs and labor rates (Chapters 19, 21-23, and 26).

PART I INTRODUCTION TO ESTIMATING

Chapter 1 THE ART OF ESTIMATING

The Estimator

Types of Estimates

Bid Package

Estimating Tools

Computerized Estimating Conclusion

Problems

References

 

Chapter 2 OVERVIEW OF THE ESTIMATING AND BIDDING PROCESS

Planning the Bid

Pre—Bid-Day Activities

Bid-Day Activities

Post-Bid Activities

Information Flow

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 3 INTRODUCTION TO EXCEL

Conventions Used in This Book

Workbook Management

Working with Worksheets

Entering Data

Formatting Worksheets

Writing Formulas

Basic Functions

Printing

Testing Spreadsheets

Conclusion

Problems

 

PART II THE QUANTITY TAKEOFF

Chapter 4 FUNDAMENTALS OF THE QUANTITY TAKEOFF

Performing a Quantity Takeoff

Work Packages

Communication with the Field

Counted Items

Linear Components

Sheet and Roll Goods

Volumetric Goods

Quantity-From-Quantity Goods

Waste

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Conclusion

Problems

Reference

 

Chapter 5 CONCRETE

Forms

Reinforcing

Concrete

Spread Footings

Columns

Continuous Footings

Foundation Walls

Beams

Slab on Grade

Raised Slabs

Stairs

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 6 MASONRY

Block and Structural Brick Walls

Brick Veneer

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 7 METALS

Types of Structural Steel

Common Shapes for Structural Steel

Beams, Girders, and Columns

Joists and Joist Girders

Metal Deck

Steel Trusses

Stairs and Handrail

Miscellaneous Steel

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 8 WOODS, PLASTICS, AND COMPOSITES

Floor Systems

Walls

Roof Systems

Finish Carpentry

Cabinetry and Countertops

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

Reference

 

Chapter 9 THERMAL AND MOISTURE PROTECTION

Waterproofing and Dampproofing

Building Paper and Vapor Barriers

Insulation

Exterior Insulation Finish System

Shingle Roofs

Siding, Soffit, and Fascia

Membrane Roofing

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

References

 

Chapter 10 OPENINGS

Doors

Windows

Commercial Storefront

Glazing

Hardware

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

Reference

 

Chapter 11 FINISHES

Metal Stud Partitions

Gypsum Board

Tile

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings

Wood and Laminate Floors

Sheet Vinyl

Vinyl Composition Tile

Rubber Base

Carpet and Pad

Paint

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 12 FIRE SUPPRESSION

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 13 PLUMBING

Water Supply

Drain-Waste-and-Vent System

Fixtures and Equipment

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 14 HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR-CONDITIONING (HVAC)

Residential HVAC Systems

Commercial HVAC Systems

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 15 ELECTRICAL

Residential Wiring

Commercial Wiring

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 16 EARTHWORK

Characteristics of Soils

Swell and Shrinkage

Geometric Method

Average-Width-Length-Depth Method

Average-End Method

Modified-Average-End Method

Cross-Sectional Method

Comparison of Methods

Backfill

Soils Report

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 17 EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

Asphalt and Base

Site Concrete

Landscaping

Sample Takeoff for the Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 18 UTILITIES

Excavation

Bedding

Utility Lines

Backfill

Conclusion

Problems

 

PART III PUTTING COSTS TO THE ESTIMATE

Chapter 19 MATERIAL PRICING

Shipping Costs

Sales Tax

Storage Costs

Escalation

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 20 LABOR PRODUCTIVITY AND HOURS

Factors Affecting Labor Productivity

Historical Data

Field Observations

National Standards

Labor Hours

Conclusion

Problems

Reference

 

Chapter 21 LABOR RATES

Billable Hours

Wages

Fair Labor Standards Act

Davis-Bacon Act

Labor Contracts

State and Local Employment Laws

Cash Equivalents and Allowances

Payroll Taxes

Unemployment Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Insurance Benefits

Retirement Contributions

Union Payments

Other Benefits

Annual Costs and Burden Markup

Conclusion

Problems

References

 

Chapter 22 EQUIPMENT COSTS

Depreciation and Interest

Taxes and Licensing

Insurance

Storage

Hourly Ownership Cost

Tires and Other Wear Items

Fuel

Lubricants and Filters

Repair Reserve

Leased Equipment

Rented Equipment

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 23 CREW RATES

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 24 SUBCONTRACT PRICING

Request for Quote

Writing a Scope of Work

Historical

Bid Selection

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 25 MARKUPS

Building Permits

Payment and Performance Bonds

Profit and Overhead

Conclusion

Problems

Reference

 

Chapter 26 PRICING EXTENSIONS

Detail Worksheet

Material Costs

Labor Costs

Equipment Costs

Total Cost

Summary Worksheet

Sample Estimate: The Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 27 AVOIDING ERRORS IN ESTIMATES

List Cost Codes

Spend More Time on Large Costs

Prepare Detailed Estimates

Mark Items Counted during the Quantity Takeoff

Double-Check All Takeoffs

Include Units in Calculations

Automate with Spreadsheets

Use Well-Tested and Checked Formulas

Double-Check All Calculations

Perform Calculations in Two Ways

Drop the Pennies

Have Someone Review the Estimate

Review Each Cost Code as a Percentage of the Total Cost

Check Unit Costs for Each Cost Code

Compare Costs to Those for Another Project

Allow Plenty of Time

Conclusion

Problems

 

PART IV FINALIZING THE BID

Chapter 28 SUBMITTING THE BID

Bid Submission with Standardized Documents

Writing a Proposal

Writing a Business Letter

Letter Formats

Writing E-mails

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 29 PROJECT BUYOUT

Subcontracts

Purchase Orders

Contracts for Materials

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 30 THE ESTIMATE AS THE BASIS OF THE SCHEDULE

Estimating Durations

Sample Durations: The Residential Garage

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 31 ETHICS

Work Ethic

Bidding Practices

Loyalty to Employer

Ethical Dilemmas

Conclusion

Problems

Reference

 

PART V ADVANCED ESTIMATING

Chapter 32 CONVERTING EXISTING FORMS

Creating the Layout

Adding Formulas

Automating with Macros

Testing the Worksheets

Adding Error Protection

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 33 CREATING NEW FORMS

Planning New Forms

Setting Up the Spreadsheet

Series

Naming Cells

Adding Dropdown Boxes

Referencing Worksheets in a Formula

Concatenate

LOOKUP and VLOOKUP

Proposals

Conclusion

Problems

 

Chapter 34 Other Estimating methods

Design Process

Delivery Methods

Project Comparison Method

Square-Foot Estimating

Assembly Estimating

And Beyond

Conclusion

Problems

References

 

Appendix A REVIEW OF ESTIMATING MATH

Lengths

Scaling

Pythagorean Theorem

Areas

Volumes

Conversion Factors

 

Appendix B SAMPLE JOB COST CODES

 

Appendix C SAMPLE LABOR PRODUCTIVITY RATES

 

Appendix D SAMPLE EQUIPMENT COSTS

 

Appendix E MODEL SCOPES OF WORK

Footings and Foundations

Framing

Finish Carpentry

Drywall

Floor Coverings

Painting and Staining

Fire Sprinklers

Plumbing

HVAC

Electrical

Earthwork and Utilities–Roads and Parking Lots

Landscaping

 

Appendix F GLOSSARY

 

Appendix G INDEX OF DRAWING SETS

 

For beginning to intermediate courses in construction estimating in two- and four-year construction management programs.

 

A step-by-step, hands-on introduction to commercial and residential estimating

Construction Estimating with Excel, 3/e, introduces readers to the fundamental principles of estimating using drawing sets, real-world exercises, and examples. The book moves step-by-step through the estimating process, discussing the art of estimating, the quantity takeoff, how to put costs to the estimate, and how to finalize the bid. As students progress through the text they are shown how Microsoft Excel can be used to improve the estimating process. Because it introduces spreadsheets as a way of increasing estimating productivity and accuracy, the book can help both beginning and experienced estimators improve their skills.

 

The Third Edition gives students a broader understanding of construction estimating with a new chapter discussing the role that estimating plays in different project delivery methods and in the design process and how to use data from RSMeans. To bring the book up to date, the material and equipment costs and labor rates have been updated to reflect current costs, and the discussion of Excel (including the figures) is based on Excel 2016. Additionally, content throughout the book has been updated to align to ACCE and ABET student learning outcomes. Student resources are available on the companion website www.pearsonhighered.com/careersresources/.