Construction Codebooks > RS Means Estimating Guides > 2012 RS Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data 31st Edition

The answer is to use the RS Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data reference. The 2012 RS Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data includes unit and assemblies cost tables for site work and landscape construction of all types.

Use the 2012 RS Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data for accurate costing, estimating, and bidding on projects such as earthwork, sewerage, piped utilities, site improvements, handicapped access ramps, drainage, paving, street openings/repairs, trees and shrubs, underground tanks, railroads, and marine work.

If your work involves site work and landscape designing, engineering, construction, management, or consulting, the 2011 RS Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data is a competitive edge and estimating tool you don't want to be without.

Use the 2011 RS Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data to:

• Benefit from hundreds of items for 2011, including expanded excavation, and revised earthwork assemblies.
• Plan, budget, and estimate site work construction with 100% confidence.
• Prepare accurate, consistent, complete estimates with the all-inclusive unit price system.
• Make accurate conceptual estimates using the Assemblies Cost Tables.

With the 2011 RS Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data, you get:

• Data in step with 2011 estimating for infrastructure improvements, environmentally oriented construction, hazardous waste, and ADA-mandated handicapped access.
• Costs for polyethylene pipe, insulated concrete forms, aerators, soil nailing, concrete curbs, demolition items, utilities and security items.
• The latest guidelines and background references for solving site work estimating problems.
• A large unit price section that lets you prepare accurate, and complete estimates.
• The latest guidelines and background references for solving site work estimating problems.
• 57 tables of assemblies costs.
• Updated City Cost Indexes and Location Factors.
• Data that conform to the latest CSI Masterformat Master List of Numbers and Titles for Unit Prices and UNIFORMAT II numbering system for the Assemblies section.

• 1. General Requirements.
• 2. Existing Conditions.
• 3. Concrete.
• 4. Masonry.
• 5. Metals.
• 6. Wood, Plastics, and Composites.
• 7. Thermal and Moisture Protection.
• 8. Openings.
• 9. Finishes.
• 10. Specialties.
• 11. Equipment.
• 12. Furnishings.
• 13. Special Construction.
• 14. Conveying Equipment.
• 22. Plumbing.
• 23. Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
• 26. Electrical.
• 27. Communications.
• 31. Earthwork.
• 32. Exterior Improvements.
• 33. Utilities.
• 34. Transportation.
• 35. Waterway and Marine.
• 41. Material Processing and Handling Equipment.
• 44. Pollution Control Equipment.

Assemblies:

• A. Substructure.
• G. Building Sitework.

Reference Information:

• Equipment Rental Costs.
• Crews.
• Cost Indexes.
• Reference Tables.
• Square Foot Costs.

1. Define the scope. Your estimate needs to be for a specific scope of work. Be sure your estimate articulates and defines this clearly so eveyrone understands exactly what's being estimated.
2. Use a good cost data source. Well, here you are looking at the RS Means. You've got this one nailed.
3. Don't include general "fudge factors." Include specific ones. For example, calculate the exact cost of a bad weather day. Then estimate how many such days are likely to occur. That's your bad weather cost estimate, not some arbitrary number like 10%.
4. List constraints. These include time constraints, access issues, and anything else that might cause delays, produce extra work, or require additional resources. In a separate section of your estimate, include a cost breakdown of these. You won't need this information for the purposes of submitting a bid, but you will need it for purposes of risk assessment, project management, and T&C negotiations.
5. Include testing and adjustment in your estimate. Cost over-runs are often due to failure to properly test as the work progresses.
6. Don't forget daily mobilization and start-up costs.