Customer Reviews

Estimator's General Construction Manhour Manual, Second Edition (Estimator's Man-Hour Library)

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This manual is indispensable for estimators of general construction. The spiral bound format is ideal for desk use. Its breakdown into the Construction Standard Numbered Sections make it very easy to locate new or unusual items for the neophyte estimator. It is also a fount of information for those in other construction disciplines. Subcontractors will also find it indispensable for quickly and easily establishing rates for trade work other than their own speciality, included in their bids. The manhour rates for thousands of tasks are quite accurate and timeless. Using the formulae developed in the introduction to this volume, the rates can be adjusted for economic, labor, productivity, prevailing weather conditions to be found in any location, throughout North America. I have used the rates in the book as bases for the development and or adjustment of data bases of several national estimating software programs, and used them to bid successfully for many, many multi-million Public Works and Private projects, during my forty years in constuction management in North America. This is a must-have reference bible for the library of any Construction Estimator.

The book covers a very diverse range of construction, however the methods seem to be a little outdated and nontypical for todays standards and practices. Keep in mind this books copyright dates are 1959 & 1977, a lot has changed in general construction in the last 30 years. I found this book helpful for small work items (forming,pouring,etc). I would not recommend this book for a production orientated heavy/civil type job. Do not use this book for earthwork, extremely behind the times!!