We are often asked to recommend books for estimating. I used the following estimating books
from Craftsman for years to compile estimates for our company. You can purchase these books
directly from Craftsman Book Company at their website - www.craftsman-book.com.
The books include a CD-ROM with an electronic version of the book, along with National
Estimator, a stand-alone Windows estimating program. They also include an interactive
multimedia video that shows how to use the disk to compile construction cost estimates. Revised
annually.
A few of the titles we recommend include:
2012 National Construction Estimator
60th Annual Edition - Current building costs for residential, commercial, and industrial
construction. Estimated prices for every common building material, the labor cost to install
the material and a total "installed" cost. For those jobs where you can't rely on your past
experience to estimate, rely on the prices in this national standard of construction costs to
get you safely in the ballpark.
2012 National Construction Estimator - Book, $72.50
2012 National Construction Estimator - Download Only, $44.99
2012 National Home Improvement Estimator
Current labor and material prices for home improvement projects. Take advantage of home
improvement jobs you may never have bid on before by relying on the solid cost figures in this
book. That's why so many home improvement contractors use this manual as their company price
book. You'll be able to quickly locate hard-to-find costs for demolition, foundations, framing,
structural repairs, decking, deck repairs, window repair and replacement, door repair and
replacement, wall and ceiling repairs, floor repair and replacement, kitchen and bathroom
improvement prices, and much more.
Provides manhours for each job, recommended crew size, and the labor cost for the removal
and installation work. Many assembly prices are included to help you speed your estimates, just
add linear or square feet to complete the estimate. Material prices are current, with location
adjustment factors and free quarterly updates on the Web. Gives step-by-step instructions for
the work, with helpful diagrams, and home improvement shortcuts and tips from an expert.
2012 National Home Improvement Estimator - Book, $73.75
2012 National Home Improvement Estimator - Download Only, $44.99
2012 National Repair & Remodeling Estimator
The complete pricing guide for dwelling reconstruction costs. Reliable, specific data you
can apply on every repair and remodeling job. Up-to-date material costs and labor figures based
on thousands of jobs across the country.
Provides recommended crew sizes; average production rates; exact material, equipment, and
labor costs; a total unit cost and a total price including overhead and profit. Separate
listings for high- and low-volume builders, so prices shown are specific for any size business.
Estimating tips specific to repair and remodeling work to make your bids complete, realistic,
and profitable.
2012 National Repair & Remodeling Estimator - Book, $73.50
2012 National Repair & Remodeling Estimator - Download Only, $44.99
2012 National Renovation & Insurance Repair Estimator
Current prices in dollars and cents for hard-to-find items needed on most insurance, repair,
remodeling, and renovation jobs. All price items include labor, material, and equipment
breakouts, plus special charts that tell you exactly how these costs are calculated.
2012 National Renovation & Insurance Repair Estimator - Book,
$74.50
2012 National Renovation & Insurance Repair Estimator - Download Only,
$44.99
Also Available:
2012 National Building Cost Manual, 36th Edition (Square-foot costs for
residential, commercial, industrial, military, schools, greenhouses, churches, government
offices and farm buildings.)
2012 National Electrical Estimator
2012 National Painting Cost Estimator
2012 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator
Order any of these books directly from Craftsman Book Company on their website at
www.craftsman-book.com.
See Also:
Construction Estimating Software
How Does Fast Track Estimating Work?
Download Fast Track Estimating Software Help Files
Frequently Asked Questions
Construction Estimating Training Classes
A Basic Lesson in Estimating
