Construction Estimating Using Excel

by Steven J. Peterson MBA PE

Construction Estimating with Excel, Second Edition, introduces readers to the fundamental principles of estimating. Using drawing sets, real-world exercises, and examples, the text offers students critical estimating experience. The book moves step-by-step through the estimating process, discussing the art of estimating, the quantity takeoff, how to put costs to the estimate, and how to finalize the bid. As students progress through the text they are shown how Microsoft Excel can be used to improve the estimating process. Because it introduces spreadsheets as a way of increasing estimating productivity and accuracy, the book can help both beginning and experienced estimators improve their skills.

432 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2006

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have not finished reading this yet, but I am reading it for a class. The book itself explains a lot of the construction process and helps set up quick tips for calculating estimates, however, it also misses a lot of things as well. It is definitely helpful for setting a foundation of knowledge, but I don't believe it will really prepare future estimators for what they will do. The author seemed to run out of steam as the book went on and showed fewer and fewer examples, as well as sharing less and less information about the trades that show up later in the MasterFormat divisions.