Template Guide:

Understanding the Columns

Our master template has twenty-one columns. Each has an individual use.

The first four columns describe the item estimated:

(A) The relevant CSI code for the item.

(B) The page number where the item was found (if needed)
(C) A description by our estimators, which might be the specific product type if called out, location
of the items within the project, or any information the estimator felt was needed.
(D) The item column is the generally accepted name of the item.

The next seven columns describe the units:

(E) Waste Factor: It is a percent and can be changed at any time
(F) Linear Feet
(G) Square Feet
(H) Each or QTY: These are individual counts of items
(I) Cubic Yards: Used almost exclusively for concrete and excavation
(J) LBS: Used mainly for rebar, metals, drywall mud, and fasteners
(K) Lump Sum: Used as a “catch-all” when other metrics don’t work

Many items have multiple columns filled in. For example, drywall is both in SQFT and EA. This gives a
unit for the total SQFT of the wall, but also for a quantity count of 4x12 drywall sheets required. Framing
also utilizes LF of the total length of studs, SQFT of walls, and EA for the number of studs per size
required. This format gives the most possible information per line item.

Labor Hours is used exclusively for RS Means bidding. Government jobs require an
estimated number of hours per worker.
The pricing columns are setup to utilize the units as clearly as possible:

(Q) Item Cost: The highlighted material and labor cost added together.

(N) and (P) are the total costs for labor and material on a line item. They are always a multiplier between
the Unit Cost and the unit being measured. The item within the picture is Tongue and Groove Plywood
Subflooring. It costs roughly $32/sheet (8’ x 4’) and installers in this area charge roughly $38/sheet to
install. Thus, the formula will multiply the number of sheets by the Unit Costs, which will ultimately be
totaled in the item cost.

The Sum Formula at the bottom totals all item costs for a total cost. At any time, the Item Cost can be
overridden by a lump sum. The formulas can also be changed to reflect different variables. For subfloor,
the referenced unit can be changed from EA to SQFT. $1/SQFT for materials and $1.19/SQFT would yield
the same costs for this item (32 sqft per subfloor sheet).

The final four rows help to manage the project as it moves forward:
(R) Expected Subcontractor: This dropdown menu allows line items to be assigned to
subcontractors. At the bottom of the summary is a of subcontractors. Feel free to add expected
subcontractors
(S) Materials Order Number: This column allows users to assign materials to specific orders.
(T) Phasing Month: Select the month work is scheduled.
(U) Phasing Week: Select the week within the month work is scheduled.

These items coincide with the Cost Summaries and Scheduling tab. Cost Summaries will show the total
cost per CSI Division, per subcontractor, and per materials order. This will help project managers
compare estimated costs with actual. It also provides a simple bidding document. Phasing will assist with
project management in the following showing budget forecasts.