Graphisoft Estimator 2005

[KeesW]

Is this product available? The links don't go anywhere.

In the meantime, how does one attribute cost to building elements - say $100 per square metre when one draws a slab. Presumably, the Calculate menu can be set up to schedule it properly, multiply the area of slab x its cost, and total it on the bottom (or somewhere obvious and useful. I can see enormous benefits for architects if this information can be easily extracted from the archicad model.

[Anonymous]

I look forward to such a book.
And hope it covers advanced stuff.

I think you will be suprised on how many people will be excited.

[Rob]

finally someone!

I just haven't ever found enough 'courage' to force myself and set it up or actually USE it I should say. It's the most intriguing interface in AC and I personally think a very clunky one.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on any improvements to be made there as I have got discouraged by just looking at that (I think I've mentioned that already...)

However, good on you Karl.
Hopefully your explanations will be very, very plain as my brain tends to shut down as soon as it hears about any sorts of calculations

[Laszlo Drajko]

KeesW

GS Estimator is not available as a boxed product. There are two major barriers that are inhibiting this:
- Firtsly, modeling for estimating is differentiated in GS Constructor from the architectural model. For the sake of accuracy, there we model everything that has a pricetag attached to eg. formwork for the slab that is hardly concerned on the architectural model. Some application of such approach allowed a constant accuracy of 0.5% on building projects.
- Secondly, each installation of Estimator comes with our start-up services, where we are creating the individualized cost database related to the contractors estimating practice, geographical location and the country classification systems.

Nevertheless, we have increasing number of Contractors with model based estimating. I will send more information in e-mail for you.

Laszlo

[Anonymous]

GS Estimator/Contractor:
They work as a complete package. I have been using it since December 04. The results from this package are impressive.

On the down side, Contractor uses layers as unique method of separating the costs for the estimator. The results allow one to show a building cost break down in a standard CSI format or in a Methods, assembly (uniformat) method. This is great for cost evaluations during the design phase.

The issue I have is, that now I have this great tool, when my favorite architect wants a quick budget on his latest design, his layer system is not compatable with the Constructor/Estimator layers. This is complicated by the fact that the individual componets must match that of the Estimator data base. The last 'quick estimate for a 4 story hotel (120,000sf) took 15 hours to redraw and 5 hours to estimate. If everything was set up to start with, it would be very quick to price various construction methods as the design progresses, getting owner approval along the way.

I will be working with a local architect that uses Archicad to see if a set of standards can we developed. If this is done, then the BIM system is one step closer to reality.

let me know if I can answer any specific question on Contractor/Estimator.

[Anonymous]

Laszlo

As a architect, civil engineer and constructor, i cannot understand that discrimination.

Imagine i ask the architect for a project. He uses archicad.
Then what? If i use constructor i have to remake the whole project with some more details? I dont get it.


I wish the constructor-estimator functionality was an add on to archicad.
What if the architect gives his plan, import to constructor (i guess that is the usual proccess) i make all the extra work, and then need from the architect some changes. If the files are not interoperable then there is a problem.

So please try considering the constuctor-estimator functionality as an addon to archicad.

[Anonymous]

I have recently exported my favorites from Constructor to an architect that used it to create a design with Archicad. He then sent me the file and the estimate worked fine.

Constructor can read Archicad files and Archicad does read Constructor. The problem comes down to the order of magnitude you want in an estimate or what you expect from the estimate. If you just want raw numbers for pricing or if you want a complete bill of materials. The later requires a lot more detailed modeling than is typically done by architects.

Bottom line, I believe that Constructor has several addons (Estimator, Ducts and scheduling and others) that make it Constructor. Once these are in place, they communicate with Estimator and the data bases for pricing. Estimator is the true separate product.

[Anonymous]

So Constructor could actually be provided as an addon (or set of addons).
This is what i wish. A unified appoach

[Anonymous]

Getmike said,

I have recently exported my favorites from Constructor to an architect that used it to create a design with Archicad. He then sent me the file and the estimate worked fine.

Does Constructor have all the capabilities of ArchiCAD? All the library+, rendering engines etc.

The reason I ask is that in a integrated design-build firm do you think an design side could use it on their phase and then hand it off to the construction side to do the construction specific stuff?

Dave