Building Materials and Construction Estimation

Many new home owners preparing for theseventy two inches. Our two by four studs are
construction of a new home believe that when theysixteen inches apart, so we divide six hundred and
buy a set of plans a materials list is included. Theseventy two inches by sixteen inches and we wind
facts are that this is actually rare. Most architects,up with forty two studs.
designers, and drafters do not supply these with theirThe above example and similar formulas would be
plans.then used throughout the entire structure to find out
Which opens another profession called "Constructionhow many floor joists, rafters or trusses, masonry
Estimation". A construction estimator is a professional,block, sheetrock or wall paneling, roof and floor
not unlike an accountant, who is familiar withdecking, etc., are needed.
architectural drawings. With that knowledge they areThen each electrical and plumbing fixtures would be
able to calculate the different areas of the proposedcounted along with the wiring and their connectors
homes or commercial structures from the completedand pipes for the plumbing and their connections.
building plans and then supply an accurate list ofWiring would be measured using the plan to calculate
materials that will be used to construct a building.how far each receptacle, switch, and light are from
The methods they use are like the following example:each other giving just a bit extra to make sure there
Lets say we have a building where the back wall isis enough for the job. The same method would be
fifty six feet. When we multiply this dimension byused for the pipe used in the plumbing construction.
twelve inches which is how many inches we have inWindows and doors would also be counted one by
a foot, we find that we have six hundred andone along with any other special trims and fixtures.