Hi again,
Thanks for the replys. I do already have a list of materials. You see, the
hard part is, my other spreadsheet came from house planning software. My
friend is a contracter and an enginner. So the walls aren't really like "5
Sheets of Drywall, 5 inch thick", they are more like "WAL. 5 FT. RM. 6 SIDE
A" And also, if it lists an outlet, he would like me to get the cost of wire
to the circut box, a switchplate cover, etc., etc.!!
Thanks alot for your help. Reply if you are hungry for more info.

"JLGWhiz" wrote:

If I were to undertake such a project, I would begin with a bill of
materials. Concrete Block, cinder block, lumber, poured concrete, fasteners,
re-rod, etc. I would not worry about quantity in developing the bill of
materials, but bear in mind that quantity is essential for future
calculation. The next thing would be to establish a unit of measure, ea for
each, bf for board feet, etc. which will be needed when quantity is applied.
I would set up the program so that the bill of materials could fluctuate in
length and content, since you would never know what an architect would put
into their design. This should run about 1000 hours of development time,
counting of course the research to establish the measurements, etc. Unless,
of course, you assume that you will always have a bill of materials from the
architect at the time the estimate is made, in which case, the architect has
probably already done the estimate for materials.

Then I would set up a manpower estimating program, based on skills required
for the particular structure. This would include carpenters, masons,
electricians, plumbers, specialists, platerers, drywall hangers, laborers,
etc. I would try to establish a median wage scale and then add in a standard
figure for overhead, g&a and profit. I would attempt to research for
information on some kind of expected production rate for each skill level so
I could set up formulas for blocks per man hour, board feet per man hour, etc.

Well, this should get you started. I am sure we will hear from you again.

"CompuWhiz" wrote:

Hi guys,
I am making a house price estimateing program for my friend, with 2 files: a
list of materials and thier size, and a price list. I don't know were to
start. Can you help me?