Written for students taking courses in building and surveying up to HNC/D and BSc level, this textbook explains the calculation of rates for the items in bills of quantities, based on SMM7. For convenience of use in practice, the arrangement is by individual topic or trade with appropriate reference to subsections of SMM7. Care has been taken, in both discussion and examples, to emphasize the different approaches used when pricing the various types of work. The worked examples reflect both traditional and up-to-date technology.

For all the trades included, a core of the most useful examples is provided, with particular attention paid to those areas that require rather more detailed explanation than has been provided in some more summary texts.

A chapter on computerized estimating is complemented by the Appendix which shows how a spreadsheet program can be developed for the calculation of the cost of mortars etc. Chapters on tendering strategy are included to set estimating in its professional context.

Includes a core of useful examples

Chapter on computerized estimating