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Thread: Cost estimator

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Holladay, UT
    Posts
    577

    Default Cost estimator

    I'm looking for a good construction cost estimator site or software. What would you recommend? Thanks.

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    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    49

    Smile Re: Cost estimator

    When the Hurricanes hit Florida a few years back, I worked with some PA's (Public Adjusters) working up Estimates. The program I used was National renovation & Insurance repair. Cost me about $ 75.00 and comes with an easy to use CD. Had a interrogation under oat with Citizens insurance to defend my pricing and came out well. I also have a construction background and that helped.

    Joseph, Palm Bch County, Fl.
    HomeSafeSouthFlorida.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    49

    Default Re: Cost estimator

    Sorry, name of publisher for National Renovationis Craftsman Book Company.

    Joseph, Palm Bch County, Fl.
    HomeSafeSouthFlorida.com

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: Cost estimator

    I've bought various cost estimator books over the years and given them away. I've never been able to use one and bid a job at a proper price. Other contractor's I gave the books to also couldn't make them work. Maybe myself and all the guys I know are just dense (definite possibility)
    Since I've spent years bidding jobs I can figure most costs out from experience or a phone call. However, the following may help you.
    Usually twice a year, spring/fall, I send out bid sheets for major trades to various contractors that I know. If there are major market fluctuations (copper a couple years ago) I'll send another one out to get updated pricing.
    The bid sheet is one page of typical rehab line items that a contractor would do. I fax or email, they fax. email back, or meet for lunch. Upon delivery I write them a check for $75.00
    For them it's a tank of gas? and a reason to get a handle on their pricing for themselves. Some guys have actually thanked me for the idea, others won't take the check. Some want a gift cert instead.
    For me it's good street pricing. It's a win/win
    I do a lot of building assessments and have to include rehab costs to substantiate whether the project is feasible or not. I need realistic street level numbers.
    I usually send out 3 at a time. That way the cost of 3 plus business expenses is essentially covered by the revenue of one HI.
    Hope this helps someone, Markus

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: Cost estimator

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

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