estimating books

[parkerbloggs]

Hello, has anyone used or have got any opinions about estimating books such as Spons and Luckins?

 

[Notsosmart]

Luckins have been used for years & were the estimators bible when I was in the contracting game.

Why have you had a bad experience?

 

[parkerbloggs]

Apologies for taking so long to reply. I can only read replies on my phone. I've just started using these books and they are proving very helpful, but some of the times given seem a little excessive, e.g. to fix 1 x 3KW panel heater to a wall and plug it into an exiting socket is 1.25 hours. Is it best to use these books or to have a rule of thumb approach instead - so much a socket and so much a light, all in sort of thing?

 

[Notsosmart]

Depends upon your personal needs, Rule of thumb should work if you are working for yourself & doing minor works, but even large scale jobs need to take into account time for planning the job, procuring the equipment, delivering the equipment, unwrapping the equipment etc (up to & including disposing of the wrappers)

This is probably why Luckins are quoting the time they have (Does seem a bit excessive though)