Www.building-cost.net

[Will43]

I was wondering if anyone is using http://www.building-cost.net/ for the cost approach since it is free?

In the past I have used this and also extracted the information from new builds if available.

I think the best way is to find similar new builds if possible.

However, with the new forms, I guess we have to use a published source.

 

[Alisa]

Will, their website states the figures are taken from
the National Building Cost Manual, published by Craftsman Book.

Couldn't that be considered a published reference?

Alisa

 

[Em Tee]

Will:

I've used it and, as a matter of fact, I've compared it against figures from my M&S book and they were extremely close!

 

[Mountain Man]

Have and will continue to use the freebie source. All you have to do is disclose your source, and describe the steps so the client can replicate the cost estimate.
1. go to www.builder-cost.net
2. click on....

 

[Ron Runyon]

I use it often...it is great. Another freebie source you may want to try for estimating repairs/remodeling is

http://www.costestimator.com:8080/contractor-consumer

It is easy to use and pretty reliable from what I have found

 

[Robert Anderson]

Originally posted by Ron Runyon@Nov 3 2005, 08:30 PM
I use it often...it is great. Another freebie source you may want to try for estimating repairs/remodeling is...

Ron,

Thanks for the link. That's a well-done and very useful site.

Bob Anderson

 

[Lee Lansford]

I considered using the free sources for cost data, but I returned to Marshall & Swift.

I believe that the Marshall & Swift cost handbook provides me with superior detailed cost data. Try breaking-out the cost of the basement or the garage with building-cost.net!

 

[Ron Runyon]

It really isnt that difficult to breakdown the garage cost with building-cost.net...simply input the garage square footage in to begin with and finish til you get your final figure...then use the back button and remove the garage area. Subtract the numbers and you have the dwelling area and the garage area...really takes only a moment extra time.

 

[Will43]

What is the "quality rating from cost service"?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I believe that the Marshall & Swift cost handbook provides me with superior detailed cost data. Try breaking-out the cost of the basement or the garage with building-cost.net!

R. S. Means books are top of line to me. They break it out very tightly according to which book and situation you are in.