[hatchet]

I'm in the process of writing a series of articles on estimating. Essentially would be a weekly addition to the series.. anyway was wondering if yall could give me some feedback on the table of contents and if there is something else you would like to see or expanded on. Following is the table of contents as it stands right now. The first 2 sections would deal mostly with setting up your system to work with how you do stuff, general estimating tips, and the rest would be formulas etc for specific trades.

Estimating How To
Establishing your system
Manhour / Production rates
Before estimating begins
Compiling the estimate

Tracking Cost Data
Cost Code Accounting
Unit Costs
Field Tracking of Production

Excavation
Quantity Surveying
Estimating
Unit Costs

Concrete
Quantity Surveying
Estimating Foundations
Estimating Slabs
Estimating Forms
Unit Costs

Masonry
Quantity Surveying
Estimating Block
Estimating Brick
Estimating Stone
Unit Costs

Framing
Quantity Surveying
Estimating Floor Framing
Estimating Wall Framing
Estimating Roof Framing
Unit Costs

Roofing
Quantity Surveying
Estimating Roofing Materials
Unit Costs

Drywall
Quantity Surveying
Estimating Drywall
Unit Costs

Millwork
Quantity Surveying
Estimating Trim
Estimating Cabinets

 

[Grumpy]

Looks good I suppose.

 

[Grumpy]

Oh, maybe something about demo. In my area most new construction starts with demolition.

 

[hatchet]

Good idea Grumpy - thanks.
I think demo is harder than millwork to try and estimate
Hmmm... how many loads of crap is it going to take to clear this building?

 

[ProWallGuy]

Maybe a little something about 'change orders'?

 

[hatchet]

I'm trying to keep this series only to estimating - but I could probably fit something into the tracking job costs section. Maybe I'll expand on that in another series on Contract Management or something.

 

[ProWallGuy]

What may I ask are you writing these for?

 

[Mike Finley]

Let us know where to read them, I for one could use the help! :cheesygri

 

[Grumpy]

Yes, I am assuming Rich is going to allow us free access to these articles

 

[hatchet]

I'm going to be publishing them on my website at a minimum. Nathan and I have talked about putting them up here too. We'll work that part out as the articles are completed.
Prowall - it's mostly for more content on my website but also to help individuals in creating an estimating system that works for them. It will also help homeowners / clients to understand what it takes to estimate their job and where the numbers come from.

 

[apik]

Please let me know about your article
I am new in this buisness and every help means a lot to me

 

[hatchet]

I'm actually complete with the first couple articles. Nathan and I just need to figure out how to put them here and still make it readable. I would just link to it but don't want to step on anyones toes.

 

[Grumpy]

HMmm... What about putting the site into some kind of XML like service magic does. The content comes directly from their site, but your free to use any layout you like.

Look at this link
http://www.servicemagic.com/servlet/RSSGeneratorServlet?edOID=10372
Now look at this link:
http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.plumbing.stainless-steel-bathroom-fixtures-.10372.html

See the XML button on the second link?

 

[hatchet]

I was just contacted by servicemagic - they want to do a ad campaign on my site.. we'll see what they have to offer.
XML/RSS is a pretty good idea if there is enough new information available.. the only problem with my site is that I don't have enough new information to make it worth someones while to use.. therefore it doesn't make much sense for me to take the time to do it.

 

[Grumpy]

Yes but it's a way for Nate to port your estimating series to his site. That was the point I was trying to make

 

[Tarheel]

That is an awesome idea Hatchet. Have you got any of the series done yet?