11-13-2005, 01:28 PM
The latest books are not cheap although I still recommend them as good investments. My preference is the National Construction Estimator for ease of use.
While these books are updated annually they do not become obsolete yearly. Any book will be effective for a number of years unless there is rampant inflation.
While the 2006 book might be $70 - the 2005 book might, if still in stock at a contractor's books store, sell for $25. The book seller might prefer to sell you the more expensive one but if you ask they will also be happy to off load last years book.
I just checked out the Craftsman site:
http://www.craftsman-book.com/
They have a free trial where you can download the 2005 estimator and try it for 30 days. Not much to lose there.
If anyone tries it out let me know what you think. I prefer a hard copy myself . It is much quicker to flip through a book than navigate software (for me).
Chairman, Punaweb Committee, MSPA
Edited by - Rob Tucker on 11/13/2005 17:40:31
While these books are updated annually they do not become obsolete yearly. Any book will be effective for a number of years unless there is rampant inflation.
While the 2006 book might be $70 - the 2005 book might, if still in stock at a contractor's books store, sell for $25. The book seller might prefer to sell you the more expensive one but if you ask they will also be happy to off load last years book.
I just checked out the Craftsman site:
http://www.craftsman-book.com/
They have a free trial where you can download the 2005 estimator and try it for 30 days. Not much to lose there.
If anyone tries it out let me know what you think. I prefer a hard copy myself . It is much quicker to flip through a book than navigate software (for me).
Chairman, Punaweb Committee, MSPA
Edited by - Rob Tucker on 11/13/2005 17:40:31
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator