How to Estimate
with RSMeans Data
Professional estimators quantify the needed resources—materials, labor,and equipment—required by the scope of a project, and then price these items. This is a two-phase process that includes quantity takeoff and cost estimating. To complete the quantity takeoff, the estimator examines plans and specifications to determine total quantities of materials required, as well as labor and equipment. During the cost estimating phase, the estimator examines the direct costs of installed materials and equipment, labor rates, construction equipment and tool costs, and indirect expenses, such as overhead and profit. Inflation and market conditions are additional factors to consider. The estimator needs also to be familiar with the contract, especially the sections relevant to the cost.
Special problem-solving skills are required to obtain an accurate estimate. No matter what source is used, construction cost data are rarely available in the perfect format for a particular estimate. Data must often be adapted in some way, such as changing the number of units, the location, production rates, or the type of labor.
Frequently, there is math to be done beyond what is required to produce the quantity takeoff, such as converting units of measure, adjusting for overtime, allowing for difficult access to the site, or factoring in other special considerations.
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