Cost Estimate Based On CAD drawings.

[bperry]

I had an idea for software that could be useful for pricing out/putting together bond estimates and construction cost estimates for projects. Is anyone aware of a program that utilizes AutoCAD (linework) that can extrapolate a list of quantities for a job based on layers used in the CAD drawing for a project? For example, if, in my drawing, I have a layer named for curb (i.e. Pl-curb) and it tabulates a line for curb and the quantities associated with it based upon the length of line in the drawing. The same thing done for sidewalks, striping, lightpoles, etc.
I realize that this could get complex, but I would simply like to know if something like this exists or if I should pursue developing something; and how should I deelop this? Any ideas?

 

[dsi]

I am not aware of any program like this, but that does not mean one does not exist. It sounds like your application is rather simple. Get total length of lines on certain layers, get quantity of entities on other layers, and apply some type of pricing to each. That can be easily accomplished with AutoCAD VBA. It would, however, require consistency with all of the drawings.

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[hbendillo]

Yes, programs exist that will take quantities from CAD drawings and produce cost estimates. Try

http://www.cadplus.com.

They have software for most major displines that creates a bill of material based on objects inserted and drawn. I think there are other software companies that have similar products. I hope the are supplying demos these days. I was very interested in the product but they would not give me a demo. Instead I would have to buy the product and return in 30 days for money back. Good luck.