Cost Database Resource Center

Estimates have cost line items which can either be added on the fly, imported from an industry standard cost database such as RS Means or from a database that you build. The benefits of using a cost database are consistency in terms of descriptions, units, and pricing and time-savings of not having to enter any information manually. There are five (5) types of database items which are listed below.

Cost Database Settings

• Equipment and Labor Item Settings
• Master Cost Codes

Cost Database Features

• Labor Items
• Equipment Items
• Crews
• Work or Material Items
• Work Assembly
• Formulas

Microsoft Excel Import Options

The most effecient way of building a cost database for equipment, labor, materials or tasks is by importing from Microsoft Excel.

• Import Equipment Items
• Import Labor Items
• Import Work or Material Items

Related Training Videos

• Cost Database Videos

RS Means Industry Cost Databases

RS Means is the most trusted construction cost estimating information source in North America for over 70 Years! RS Means provides accurate and up-to-date cost information for new building contruction and renovation projects. See information below for more details.

RS Means Unit Cost Databases:

• Unit Cost Items are listed in the respective database's Work Items table and categorized by CSI 2016 (Division, Major, Minor, Subminor).

RS Means Assembly Cost Databases:

• Assemblies are listed in the respective database's Work Assemblies table and categorized by Uniformat (Division, Major, Minor, SubMinor)
• Assembly Components (Same as Unit Cost Items above)

Order Forms and Related Help Topics:

• 2023 RS Means Order Form (Microsoft Excel File)
• Help Topic - Localizing RS Means Cost Rates Using CCI Factors
• Help Topic - Adding Cost Database Items To Estimate