Estimating for residential construction
Second edition

by David J. Pratt

Estimating for residential construction, 2E is intended for 2-year and 4-year postsecondary construction programs.

It is written to provide the reader with the resources necessary to learn how to estimate the construction costs of residential buildings and remodeling projects using modern technology and following the methods employed by estimators in the residential sector.

Estimating for residential construction is primarily intended for the person who is beginning to learn the practice of cost estimating whether they are a student taking a course in estimating at college, or someone who
has recently assumed estimating responsibilities for a builder or consultant.

Estimating for residential construction will also be of interest to construction managers, supervisors,

and practicing estimators who, from time to time, may wish to refer to a source of estimating data or
simply investigate how other estimators approach this subject.

The goal of the text is to describe an easy-to-follow step-by-step method of estimating that can be used to produce an accurate construction cost estimate in the minimum of time; a cost estimate that is easy to review and one that is recognized by experienced estimators as the product of a professional.

While the text concentrates on the kind of small projects typically undertaken by homebuilders, the techniques developed here can be applied to the many different types of projects ranging in scope from a single detached home to multi-unit high-rise buildings.

The examples offered relate to a single-family house, a 4-unit apartment building, and a small renovation project.

These projects were selected for their relative simplicity so that the reader can concentrate on the estimating technique rather than having to spend time unravelling complicated detail.