RSMeans Announces the 2009 Edition of Its Perennial Best Seller, Building Construction Cost Data

Now available: the 2009 edition of the industry’s most used, quoted and respected construction pricing guide. Building Construction Cost Data has been the leading construction cost resource since 1942. It offers unit costs for materials, labor and equipment; overhead and profit; and crew and productivity data for a wide range of construction products and tasks. Location factors allow cost adjustments to more than 930 cities and towns in the U.S. and Canada. The extensive reference section – not found in any other cost data reference – provides technical detail needed for accurate estimates.

Users also get access to quarterly update reports with market indicators and price trends – and Means Hotline – personalized help in applying the data to estimates.

The new edition includes costs for more than 23,500 building components, based on the experience of thousands of contractors and suppliers.

Expanded in this edition:

* Demolition
* Security Materials and Systems
* Structural Reinforcing Steel
* Mold abatement

New green building costs include more on no-VOC finishes; recycled and recyclable insulation, carpeting and other materials; waterless toilets; and ground water recovery systems – plus fuel cells and added coverage of solar energy systems. Another addition is structure relocation as an alternative to demolition. Every green building item is identified with a quick-find icon.

Many material costs have increased with oil prices – due to delivery and production energy costs, and fabrication of petroleum-based materials like plastic piping and asphalt. Copper piping, concrete, and steel products have also experienced cost escalations as high as 34%. Labor rates are fluctuating regionally.

John Ware, Senior Vice President and General Manager of RSMeans, says, “In an uncertain economy, having quick access to current cost information is more important than ever. Reliable data reduces risk and strengthens the position of every member of the project team.”

For more information, please visit the RSMeans online bookstore at www.rsmeans.com.

About RSMeans

RSMeans, the foremost source of construction cost information in North America, is owned by Reed Construction Data (www.reedconstructiondata.com), a leading provider of quality construction information products and services and part of Reed Elsevier a world-leading publisher and information provider.