New Book from NAHB Teaches Builders Money-Saving Strategies Using Excel 2007

December 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — BuilderBooks, the publishing arm of the National Association of Home Builders, just released a new resource for builders that will help them develop accurate estimates faster. Estimating with Microsoft Excel® Third Edition, a book and companion CD by Jay Christofferson, takes readers through generating an estimating workbook in Microsoft Excel® 2007, step by step to save time and avoid costly errors.

The book teaches builders how to master the estimating process and easily incorporate changes, such as project alterations or materials substitutions, without starting from scratch…and without sacrificing profits.

Estimating with Microsoft Excel, Third Edition includes formulas for calculating common materials and other project costs, including concrete, rebar, labor, permits and taxes. Christofferson, who also developed the popular Microsoft Excel-based EstimatorPRO® construction estimating program, demonstrates how to apply and customize the formulas for everyday construction project management.

The book contains helpful information on calculating profit margin and offers several detailed tables and a worksheet with sample Excel formulas. The accompanying CD also contains sample Excel workbooks that address various stages of the estimating process and demonstrate Excel features that will help builders automate worksheets.

“Most builders rely greatly on Microsoft Excel for estimating projects,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “This new book and companion CD walks readers through all the ins and outs of using Excel and streamlines the estimation process, saving builders valuable time and money.”

Christofferson, a professor of construction management at Brigham Young University and associate director of the school of technology, is a licensed contractor who has built hundreds of custom and production homes.

[Editor’s Note: Editors interested in receiving a review copy of Estimating with Microsoft® Excel, Third Edition may contact Patricia Potts at 202-266-8224 or .]

Estimating with Microsoft® Excel, Third Edition is available for purchase ($39.95 NAHB member/$44.95 retail, ISBN 978-0-86718-647-5) at www.BuilderBooks.com or by calling 800-223-2665

Tagged as: Builderbooks, Home Builders

 

 

 

USGBC - U.S. Green Building Council

HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

NAR - National Association of REALTOR

RealtyTrac

FHFA - Federal Housing Finance Agency

Freddie Mac

MBA - Mortgage Bankers Association