Preconstruction Database Gives Timberline Users A Head Start

construction.com June 5, 2001

By Harry Goldstein

Help system for databases is robust, including reference drawings of typical configurations.

Construction estimators who need to quickly arrive at a conceptual estimate have a new weapon in their computational arsenal. Timberline Software Corp.’s initial release of its Preconstruction Database delivers construction cost assemblies for everything from large mixed use projects, large site developments, and parking structures to mid/high-rise office cores and shells, mid/high-rise tenant fitouts, retail shells, and hotels.

"This database is the missing link," says Vicki Roberge, market manager, Timberline Estimating Products. "With this, contractors won’t have to build databases from scratch for their conceptual estimates….It’s going to give [contractors] the ability to use state of the art software and to have a database that’s equally impressive."

The databases were designed by James Tilton, who worked for several years at what is now Bovis Lend Lease in San Francisco. Tilton, now a Timberline employee, used the original version of the preconstruction databases to do conceptual estimates for his former employer. Bovis has waived any claim of authorship or ownership.

Screen shot of the actual takeoff process using Precision Estimating's Smart Assemblies.

Designed to work with Timberline's Precision Estimating Smart Assemblies takeoff function, the database contains rate tables and material costs for 21 major U.S. cities. Built-in equipment pricing, crew and productivity rates, and access to labor classification base wages and fringe benefit packages for all U.S. counties and states round out the database functions. The application has built-in WBS (work breakdown structure) codes that let users re-sort the estimate in various formats including CSI, Uniformat, or Component sequences. Users also have the ability to create their own sort sequence.

"There really is no set up required," Roberge says. "This is an out-of-the-box solution. [Timberline users] can purchase it today and begin using it immediately."

A well-documented Web-based help system supports the preconstruction databases and provides reference drawings of typical building configurations, systems, superstructures and finishes. Help files also include indexes that provide labor rate adjustment factors for region-to-region and city-to-city. Tilton will be in charge of updating the database information on a periodic basis, and the updates will be sent on to customers to keep their databases as current as possible.

The 13 preconstruction database assemblies currently available can be purchased as one package, or individually as needed. Selected assemblies contain mini-assemblies, which include 11 major building components that cover foundations, substructure, superstructure, exterior closure, roofing, mechanical, electrical, and more. The general database and one database of choice cost $1,500. Each additional cost assembly costs $750.

Moving forward, Timberline will be adding more cost assemblies for structures like schools and airports.

Artwork courtesy of Timberline Software Corp.

© 2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies - All Rights Reserved