An estimating question...

[kbs]

Does anyone know of a rule of thumb for estimating how much of a mechanical cost in a new building is actual equipment (pumps, boilers, chillers, etc.) less piping, valves, fittings, insulation, etc. I'm trying to estimate value for asset management without doing a breakdown. More or less for conversational purposes.

 

[cdxx139]

It really depends on size and type. For example boilers, is it a steam boiler or condensing? I use RS Means for estimating.

 

[kbs]

I was hoping you might have a percentage- i.e.- 60-75% of the mechanical costs in building are actual mech eqpt. I understand the type of eqpt will change the dollar value. I'm probably grasping at straws here. I am trying to guesstimate for life cycle and replacement costing over time without doing a breakdown on the building. Obviously not for budgeting, simply part of a conversation with a co-worker. I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[GMcD]

I generally use 50% of the cost for equipment and materials, and 50% is labour to install. It varies depending on the market and building type, but that's a generally good rule of thumb.

 

[mauricestoker]

I would think RS Means would be a good source. You can't use a set percentage for MEP, but you could probably get reasonable numbers for a category of buildings.

 

[Paydirt1]

Unfortunately their is no % or rule of thumb in terms of what you're asking, it is such a broad scope esp now with the leed compliance's, reclamation, co gen, re heats, staging, lead - lag as well as the the other comment regarding efficiency, type, environment.

The rule of thumb is that their is no rule of thumb and even for feasibility estimates. I still perform a level of breakdown unless it is of no importance at all.

Regarding the the life cycle, everything manufactured has an mtdf (mean time before failure) this is relative again, to environment, presumed level of maintenance, use, how it is managed, and finally the original design in terms of under / over sized criterion. (for replacement value) This is "presumed" the existing technology isn't antiquated by the end of its life or even abandoned all together.

 

[kbs]

Thanks everyone for your input. I now have the RS Means 30th Edition Mechanical Cost Data on my desk. I now see that is where I should have started.

kbs

 

[tys90]

RS Means is my friend. I have tabs all over the book, although I'm starting to memorize what pages things are on just out of repeated use.

 

[ChrisConley]

We used to run about 50/50 labour vs. materials. Lately our projects are running higher percentange of labour.

 

[imok2]

From RS Means OFFICES Low Rise (1 to 4 story = $9.15 sq/ft
for Heating, ventilating, air conditioning of course for different types of buildings the cost per sq ft will be different

 

[BM4BRANES]

I found the cost estimating publications by SAYLOR better suited for coarse figures to ballpark a project.Needles to say, consideration must be given that you are not comparing apples to animals.It might be worth a look.