Means Estimating Handbook [Hardcover]

Jeffrey M. Goldman (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1990

Here's the widest range of reference data ever produced for construction estimating

In CSI MASTERFORMAT sequence, this book provides data for virtually any estimating question... for quantity takeoff, change orders, value engineering... countless other tasks

Means Estimating Handbook simplifies the task of evaluating construction plans and specs to arrive at a reliable quantity calculation for pricing.

The Handbook reflects the tremendous variety of technical data involved in the estimating process... questions relating to sizing, productivity, equipment requirements, codes, design standards, engineering, pressures, stresses, loads... and hundreds of other factors.

The guide provides the busy estimator with every technical reference imaginable... tables, illustrations, definitions, examples... thousands of construction facts that will help answer the questions: How many and how much?

The Means Estimating Handbook will help you in dozens of ways

* Evaluate architectural plans and specifications
* Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs
* Perform value engineering
* Spot potential design problems
* Prepare detailed estimates
* Estimate change orders
* Assist in design stage cost planning
* Interpret drawings, documents
* Help double-check calculations
* Apply industry measurements, standard practices
* Understand building techniques
* Compare materials options

Covers every aspect of building construction in CSI MASTERFORMAT sequence... from General Requirements to Electrial... the same logical way you prepare your estimates.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

I'm honored that RS Means has asked me to help out as a contributing editor. The Means staff has done a great job in compiling a great selection of useful information under one cover. This book is a helpful reference source for estimators, architects, engineers, and other building professionals. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

RSMeans Estimating Handbook, THIRD EDITION: the essential reference required for construction estimating and cost analysis

This comprehensive reference covers the full spectrum of technical data required to estimate costs for major construction projects. Widely used in the industry for tasks ranging from routine estimates to special cost analysis projects, the book has been completely updated and reorganized with new and expanded technical information.

RSMeans Estimating Handbook will help you:

• Evaluate architectural plans and specifications
• Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs
• Compare design alternatives and costs
• Perform value engineering
• Double-check estimates and quotes
• Estimate change orders

The book includes information on sizing, productivity, equipment requirements, code-mandated specifications, design standards, and engineering factors—all organized according to the latest CSI MasterFormat classification system.

Some of the new features and updated content include:

• Construction specialties—green building, metal decking, plastic pipe, demolition items, and more
• Preliminary or square foot estimating tools
• City cost indexes to adjust costs—by trade—for 30 major cities
• Historic indexes to factor costs for economic effects over time

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 900 pages
• Publisher: Robert S Means Co (August 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876291779
• ISBN-13: 978-0876291771
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,978,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hi,
My name is Joe Macaluso, construction cost estimator. I'm a contributing author to Green Building: Project Planning & Cost Estimating, Building & Renovating Schools. I've helped out as contributing editor to the Means Estimating Handbook.

Recently finished writing an E-book on my own called Notes From a Beam Counter: A Guide to Construction Cost Estimates. It's a brief informal guide intended for anyone who needs to work with construction cost estimates. The E-book should be particularly helpful for those with little experience with construction cost estimates. All books are available at Amazon.com. If you like what you read please write a review.

I've written some blogs and magazine articles on cost estimating. Other activities include chairing of the AACE Government & Public Works Special Interest Group, and chairing the New York Interagency Engineering Council. Every summer we do an all day technical conference built around a central construction theme. Check www.nyiec.org around the spring to see what we have in store. I've also enjoyed teaching construction cost estimating at Long Island University, and the City University of New York

In the spring of this year I plan to release something really different, a short story of all things,stay tuned...and please feel free to send me feedback of any sort, love to hear from you!

Thanks
Joe Macaluso
Certified Construction Cost Estimator

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worthless collection of tables and drawings, March 31, 2007

By 

boatman (LA, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Means Estimating Handbook (RSMeans) (Hardcover)

I was hoping for a comprehensive step-by-step process with deep insights that should come from a company (RS Means) that is publishing other books in their 65th editions. Instead this books is merely a collection of tables like Installation time for chalk boards and dimensions of wide flange shapes.
Huge disappointment. I am certain that I will never use this book.