Part 1: Square foot cost model with RS Means data

Assume that your firm has been asked to provide a preliminary estimate for the real estate office project. Your boss has asked you to provide an estimate based on a square foot cost model. Assume that you do not have the drawings or specs for the project.

The building requirements:

• footprint: 55'x75'
• 1 story, 10' story height
• slab on grade, standard strip footings with 4' foundation wall
• pitched roof
• brick veneer exterior walls, wood truss roof.

Refer to Chapter 8 in the RS Means textbook. Use the Medical Office model for developing this estimate. Do not include any common additives.

1. What is the approximate price per square foot?
2. What is the total estimated project cost?
3. Reflect: What assumptions underlie this estimate? Are they reasonable?

Part 2: Assemblies Estimate with RS Means data

Assume that you work for a design firm that has developed the drawings for a Real Estate Office building. The drawings are attached to this DropBox assignment. The estimating department has been asked to create an assemblies estimate to help inform decisions as the designers fine-tune the project.

The lead estimator has begun defining the project and entering RS Means cost data for the project. His spreadsheet is attached. You have been asked to complete the assemblies estimate. You will need to do some takeoff from the drawings and look up line item costs in Chapter 7 of the RS Means textbook. The line items for the project have already been identified.

Some tips as you complete the takeoff (calculating quantities):

• Make sure you are using the correct units--RS Means costs are defined in terms of specific units; if you use different units, the costs will not be applicable.
• SF is the abbreviation for square feet; LF is the abbreviation for linear feet; VLF is the abbreviation for vertical linear feet.
• Refer to the drawing dimensions to determine the quantities of required elements. You may have to look at multiple drawings to find the information required.
• Refer to the schedules for information about floor finish areas, number of doors, number of windows.

Complete the assemblies estimate by determining the quantities required and filling in the costs that are missing. You will then need to create extended costs which represent the cost per unit multiplied by the number of units required. Add all the extended costs to determine the total project costs. USE FORMULAS IN EXCEL. Do not use a separate calculator to complete calculations.

Answer the following questions and submit your completed estimate to this DropBox.

1. What is the total cost for the project?
2. What is the cost per square foot?
3. Reflect: What assumptions underlie this estimate? What is missing?
4. Compare the total cost to the square foot model. Why do you think they differ?