The Data

Reading Assembly Costs Data

This is an explanation of the information available for assemblies (or systems), as displayed on the Assembly Cost data tab in the CostWorks program. The items described here include: System Numbers, Graphics, System Components, Units of Measure, Reference Information, Materials Column, Installation Column, and Total Column.

In this example, we have highlighted System Number A1010 210 7150:

1.  Assembly/System Numbers

Each Assemblies Cost Line has been assigned a unique identification number based on the UNIFORMAT II classification system.

2. Graphic

To display the corresponding graphic of the item, first click to highlight the assembly line, and then click on the Graphic icon (located in the toolbar at the top of the screen). This will display a file containing an illustration, a brief description, and the design criteria used to develop the cost.  

3 . System Components

The components of a typical system can be displayed separately to show what has been included in the development of the total system price. By highlighting the assembly line, and then clicking the Components icon, a table such as the one shown below will appear.

4.  Quantity & Unit Columns

The Quantity and Unit columns show the number of line item units required for one system unit. For example, we assume that it will take 0.750 (designated by "A") C.Y. or cubic yards (designated by "B") of "Structural Concrete, placing, spread footing, direct chute" for quantity 1 of the Spread Footing that we have highlighted at the top of this page

(Line Number: A1010 210 7150).

5.  Unit of Measure for Each System

Costs shown in the three right hand columns have been adjusted by the component quantity and unit of measure for the entire system. In this example, ''Cost per S.F.'' is the unit of measure for this system or ''assembly.''

6. Reference Information

Certain Systems have corresponding Reference files.  The relation may be: (1) an estimating procedure that should be read before estimating, (2) an alternate pricing method, or (3) technical information.

When a System has a corresponding reference file, the Means Individual Line Number (the number shown in the first column) will be displayed in blue text.  In the case of our highlighted example, this number shows in yellow.  When there is no corresponding reference file this number will appear in black text.

7.  Materials Column

This column contains the Materials Cost for the system. These cost figures are bare costs plus 10% for profit. When looking at the example system, this is shown with a value of $99.00.

8.  Installation Column

Installation includes labor and equipment plus the installing contractor's overhead and profit. Equipment costs are the bare rental costs plus 10% for profit. The labor overhead and profit is defined in the Labor Rates reference file. When looking at the example system, this is shown with a value of $161.  

9.  Total Column

The figure in this column is the sum of the material and installation costs.