Assemblies Estimating Design Stage 1 Preconstruction Stage 2: Procurement Conceptual Planning Stage3: Construction Stage 4: Project Close-out

Assemblies (Systems) Estimating Done in the design stage and can provide accuracy in the  10% range Needs at least design detail approaching the 25-30% complete range. Not adjusted for time, location, design fees and O&P Sales tax on material to be added. ASSUME MATERIAL COST 50% OF TOTAL COST large companies develop their own cost guides R.S. Means publishes “Assemblies Cost Data” which is updated annually.

Using Means Assemblies Cost Data Commercial buildings are broken-down into smaller systems “divisions” and components according to the “Uniformat”. We used the same system in SF estimate The idea is that we are trying to create a table in the same format as the ones we used in SF detailed estimate. We are using the same systems/components column. Then, we fill the specs and the cost columns with specs and costs of our project.

Examine the example page 225 of Means page L-97 with tables page 229 of Means page L-96, subdivision 1.1. Try to relate the assembly number and description to the cost. After the costs of the 12 systems are obtained, complete a table similar to the one shown in Figure Notice that tax, general conditions and O&P are computed in that table. Also, the cost is adjusted for location and time. Finally design fees are added. The term “General Conditions Work” means all work and associated cost to complete the Construction Work that is not included in CM/Contractor’s Base Fee or in Bid Packages; including, but not limited to, items required by the exhibits. “ Contingencies: errors and oversights, imperfections in estimating methods, accidental events during construction, economics and environmental conditions, etc The final step is to compute the cost/SF by dividing the cost by floor area.