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1000 Ways and Counting Estimating Change Orders, Cost, or Opportunity Estimating Earthwork, an Introduction and Workbook

MC Cost is dedicated to assisting the construction industry in determining reasonable costs for construction projects and monitoring and controlling those costs as the project progresses. We provide the full gamut of estimating services from conceptual estimates based upon project programs and conceptual drawings to fully detailed estimates based upon construction drawings. In addition to estimating services, we provide a wide range of services to assist construction owners and contractors in monitoring costs during design and construction. These services include change order estimating and management, job site labor, material, and equipment cost management, pay application review, and auditing services. We also provide services related to overall owner management of projects, including owner staffing, schedule management, and a full range of FF&E management services including budgeting, purchasing, tracking, installation, and adherence to budgets. In the area of estimator education, we provide a range of servies to the industry. These include estimating construction manuals, seminars in estimating and cost monitoring and control, change order management, contract issues and other topics of concern to the industry. See the education page for a list of current publications. We are dedicated to providing our services with integrity, the highest standards of professionalism and fair play, and to adhere to the highest ethical standards in dealing with our clients. It is our goal to provide our clients with the maximum return on their investment, both in our services and their projects. We also strive to provide the highest level of educational services to the industry at large.

MC Cost announces the publication of two new works of importance to the construction industry. 1000 Ways and Counting The article, 1000 Ways (and Counting) Property Owners waste Millions (5-15%) on Construction Projects is the most widely read and controversial publication we have authored. It faults Owners, Designers, and Construction Companies for wasting millions on projects, but asserts the biggest responsibility lies with the Owners themselves. Whether due to ignorance, arrogance, or a combination of both, Owners fail to control the cost of projects through lack of proper action. The article specifies a number of straightforward steps Owners can take to stem the flow. Click on the Articles Tab to download this article. Estimating Earthwork, an Introduction and Workbook The second publication, Estimating Earthwork, an Introduction and Handbook, is intended to be used by the industry to advance the level of training for estimators. Construction Management Programs, Vocational Technical Schools, Continuing Education Programs, and estimators who wish to expand their knowledge will all benefit from the book. Click on the Articles Tab to learn more about acquiring this book. It’s the Economy, Dummy As we are all too painfully aware, it is the economy. Many of our clients have postponed projects and many expect not only considerably lower prices when they restart, but many expect to renegotiate terms of their existing projects under construction. But a word of caution is in order here. When times get tough and work gets cheap, change orders typically bloom. It is a time honored industry response to having too little fee in a job. So, Owner’s beware, and contractors be careful. Some change orders are justified, some are not, but even if the justified ones are inflated, and even in normal times most are, it does not take long for everybody to suffer, even more. You may wish to read our Article on the subject, Estimating Change Orders, Cost, or Opportunity?