Every contractor has a unique system for putting a bid together. But when you submit a price, you must be prepared to back it up with a reliable estimate. Estimating Building Costs gives you a step-by-step process for organizing all the information you need to assemble an estimate you can rely on. You’ll be competitive and know that you’ll make a worthwhile profit. Follow these methods and you’ll create well-organized, complete estimates by:Correctly interpreting plans and specificationsDeveloping accurate and complete labor and material costsUnderstanding direct and indirect overhead costs and accounting for time-sensitive costsUsing historical cost data to generate new project budgetsThe book includes a detailed look at every construction specialty – explaining all the components, take-off units, and labor hours – for site work, concrete and masonry, framing, roofing, siding, and finish work. Plus, you"ll get data on HVAC, plumbing and electrical, and special construction and hard-to-find professional guidance on what to consider so you can allocate the right amount for profit and contingencies.