Which Building Cost Data Service Is Best?

[Doug in NC]

I used Marshall and Swift for many years, but got tired of buying quarterly hard copy updates. It was also a little cumbersome to complete, so it could be time-consuming to use. Online version is great, but at $8 a pop, not a good deal for the appraiser. I've also used building-cost.net, but I don't think that service is detailed enough (particularly on unusual properties with unique features). Is there a good cost data alternative to M&S, at a more reasonable price of use?

 

[Doug in NC]

AT $75/year, this might be an option: http://dwellingcost.com/pricing.html

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

NBC - National Building Cost Manual.
Reasonable - (order on Amazon for discount - $62)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1572183152/?tag=realestatappraat
you download the software using the code in the back cover and it makes a very nice printout that can quickly be cut and pasted into your report. It has MHs to boot.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I use the Craftsman National Building Cost Estimator. Software, and book for off the wall stuff. Total package like $75 or so. Seems to be more accurate for my area than M&S, & a lot cheaper. Takes about 5 min per estimate and prints a nice report.

 

[bart nathan]

NBC buildingcost.net online is only updated yearly and the software is updated quarterly last time a spoke with them. There is a discount code "appraiser" that gives you 10 bucks off just tried it and still works. $39.80 on the website with the code. Software has a bunch of addition cost building types like multi family, cabin, barn, MFH, hotel, apartments, sheds, decks ect. Free to try before ya buy.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Yep, the Quarterly updates are there with the book

But the book also has quality sections for manufactured housing and has the historical tables (I use those often when vetting ag buildings where I know the cost years ago, and use the historical multiplier to estimate a current RCN. Also you can access the quality classification pages for all classes of property they vet in the book. I don't think you can get into those on line.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

The price is right. Nada.
I use now and then.

http://building-cost.net/

 

[Fargo1]

I'm marking this thread to view later. I see some nice options here.

 

[Debra]

I'm marking this thread for later use as well. Thanks.

 

[Fargo1]

I missed Lee in LA's post right above mine. I did a search for National building cost manual and found the same site. Looks like it is owned by Craftsman book. Although its free, you should make a note of the little box on the left side about purchasing a license. To use this data in a report a license might be requried.