CostLink/AE Gets New Cost Data

The Spring 2006 version of CostLink/AE includes the 2006 RS Means database. The new database will be installed automatically alongside your previous database when you install the new version of the software.

The 2006 RS Means database includes two new Building Cost Models: an Outpatient Surgical Center and a Computer/Data Center. These cost models include the six most common framing and exterior wall system alternatives. The 2006 database includes the updated location adjustment factors as well as changes for lumber, steel, asphalt, insulation, PVC, trade labor costs and selected building products.

We have added a new project template that incorporates the MasterFormat 2004 section titles. It is called MasterFormat 2004 Project Template.MPJ. RS Means has not yet incorporated the MasterFormat 2004 numbering system into their line item numbers. If you use this template, you will need to determine which folder the line items should be assigned to, since the line item numbers will not correspond to the folder IDs.

If you use BSD’s templates to create a new project, your new projects will automatically use the 2006 RS Means database. Any projects you have previously created and any copies you make of those projects will continue to use the 2005 RS Means database unless you elect to change the project to the 2006 RS Means database.

To determine which database your project is using, open the project and click on File | Summary Info. The RS Means database section will display the name of the currently referenced database. Using the Change RS Means Database command from the Tools menu you can change to the 2006 RS Means database for the addition of future cost items and leave the existing cost items with the 2005 pricing. You also have the option to switch to the 2006 RS Means database for the addition of future cost items and update all existing costs to the 2006 RS Means database as well.

As with previous versions, CostLink/AE users have the ability to substitute assemblies that are provided in the cost models by clicking on the Assemblies icon and finding the assembly they need. The 21,000 line items are available by clicking on the Book icon , and user defined cost items may be added to the estimate at any time.