CostLink/AE Gets New Cost Data

The Spring 2005 version of CostLink/AE includes the 2005 RS Means database. The new database will be installed automatically alongside your previous database when you install the new version of the software.

The 2005 RS Means database includes a new Building Cost Model for an Assisted Senior Living Facility. This cost model includes the six most common framing and exterior wall system alternatives. The 2005 database also includes 41 new assemblies and 583 new line items, as well as updated location adjustment factors. The new line items add unit price data for mold abatement, demolition and removal, and roof curbs for mounting of A/C and ventilation equipment. Price changes have been made by RS Means for lumber, steel, asphalt, insulation, PVC, trade labor costs and other building products.

If you use BSD’s templates to create a new project, your new projects will automatically use the 2005 RS Means database. Any projects you have previously created and any copies you make of those projects will continue to use the 2004 RS Means database unless you elect to change the project to the 2005 RS Means database.

To determine which database your project is using, open the project and click on File | Summary Info. The RS Means database section will display the name of the currently referenced database. Using the Change RS Means Database command from the Tools menu you can change to the 2005 RS Means database for the addition of future cost items and leave the existing cost items with the 2004 pricing. You also have the option to update all existing costs to the 2005 RS Means database.

As with previous versions, CostLink/AE users have the ability to substitute assemblies that are provided in the cost models by clicking on the Assemblies icon and finding the assembly they need. The 20,000 lines items are available by clicking on the Book icon, and user defined cost items may be added to the estimate at any time.