CostLink/AE Makes Estimating Easy

A CostLink/AE subscription includes one of the largest collections of building construction cost data found anywhere and is updated annually by R.S. Means, the leading authority on this type of data. There are nearly 22,000 line items of cost data in the cost details database, providing costs on everything from access doors to zinc flashing. There are over 11,000 pre-constructed assemblies of line items ranging from acoustical ceilings to wet pipe sprinkler systems. And there are 73 building cost models that give you a head start on concept and detail estimates alike for everything from apartment buildings to warehouses.

Line item detail is organized by CSI division and subdivision while assemblies are organized by Uniformat II systems and subsystems. It’s all searchable from one end to the other using a few letters, a whole word, or a phrase to search for the start or any part of the description or R.S. Means tag. Building types are categorized as commercial, industrial or institutional and each includes six distinct options for structural system and exterior closure system combinations.

Using a building type model is an excellent way to get a conceptual cost and get started on a detailed estimate. All you need to do is select the building type, the structure and closure option, enter the estimated gross SF of construction along with an estimated length of building perimeter and click apply. You can even start with the default set of values that is provided with each building type. This will generate, for example, a cost estimate for a 3 story office building that includes 57 assemblies comprising some 280+ line items. And you can add to this, or delete from it at will, using drag and drop. You can choose from R.S. Means cost adjustment factors for some 700 U.S. and Canadian cities and add your own markups or use the defaults.

CostLink/AE is easy to use and the data is unparalleled. It takes less than 5 minutes to go through the modeling process and it provides a substantial foundation for building a more detailed cost estimate. The subscription costs less than you may think and discounts are available. Call us today for a web-based demonstration or go to our CostLink/AE page for more information.