Do any of you estimate using R.S. Means Cost Datas book?

Yes, for a few years now.

How suuccessful have you been? The bid prices are very high when using this book. I deduct a percentage off of the price after getting a number.

ayrton, I have been fairly successful since the use has been primarily on federal projects. The means becomes part of the contract and we were required to base our prices for work at a discounted percentage of the means. Taking into consideration city cost index averages, taxes, overhead and profit. In the private sector to me the means is very overpriced and depending on the particular installation may or may not be used. For work in the private sector I have another program I use that has been tweaked over the past few years to make it more competitive. Have you been accurate with the means on private work or Public works projects? Do you use the book or their software? Wirewiz

I just got the book and have been trying different things. It is definatly based on union scale. I am sure it will take some time to perfect good use of the book. It is a good starting point.