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BSD CostLink®/AE Building Models

The 75 commercial building cost models provided with CostLink/AE provide a convenient way to build an estimate early in a project, before any of the major systems have been selected. By adjusting quantities and substituting assemblies and line items for those assumed by the model, your estimate then can be refined as the project design is developed.

  • Pick one of the 75 building models that is similar to your project.
  • Select the frame and enclosure systems.
  • Enter the gross area and building perimeter.
  • Select optional additive items from a list appropriate to your building type.
  • If necessary, adjust project location and various mark-ups.
  • CostLink/AE then automatically generates an instant cost estimate, which you can immediately view or print.
  • Refinements can be made by modifying quantities, by inserting additional or substitute items, and by changing mark-ups and other variables.

BSD CostLink/AE includes RS Means Commercial Cost Models for 75 different building types. These models make possible the generation of detailed cost estimates very early in a project. Furthermore, the estimates can be refined as the project design develops by adjusting quantities and substituting materials and systems for those used in the model. If the cost estimate is adjusted periodically to remain coordinated with changes in the project design, the final cost estimate should be a reliable predictor of actual project cost.

The RS Means models included in CostLink/AE are constructed of up to 75 separate assemblies, and each assembly comprises 1 to 25 tasks and/or material components. The models operate through use of a series of formulas that calculate the quantity of each assembly and the quantity of the member tasks in each assembly, based on a small number of key parameters such as gross building area, length of perimeter, and number of floors. These parameters, which are adjustable by the user, are used by the formulas to project assembly quantities such as exterior closure area, slab on grade area, roof area, etc. 

The models included are listed below. Read more about how estimating using models in CostLink/AE works...

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Resi-
dential		 Educa-
tional		 Health/
Day Care		 Business Office Govt,
Public Facilities		 Social
Recreation
Enter-
tainment		 Hospital-
ity		 Religious Trans-
portation, Auto		 Indus-
trial
Apartment,
1-3 Story		 Auditorium Day Care Center Bank Medical Office,
1 Story		 Court-
house,
1 Story		 Bowling
Alley		 Hotel,
4-7 Story		 Church Auto Sales Factory,
1 Story
Apartment,
4-7 Story		 College
Classroom, 
2-3 Story		 Hospital,
2-3 Story		 Conven-
ience
Store		 Medical Office,
2 Story		 Court-
house,
2-3 Story		 Community
Center		 Hotel, 
8-24 Story		 Religious
Education		 Auto Repair Garage Factory,
3 Story
Apartment,
8-24 Story		 College
Dormitory,
2-3 Story		 Hospital,
4-8 Story		 Depart-
ment
Store,
1 Story		 Office,
1 story		 Fire Station,
1 Story		 Country
Club		 Motel,
1 Story		 Bus
Terminal		 Ware-
house
College
Dormitory,
2-3 Story		 College
Dormitory,
4-8 Story		 Medical
Office,
1 Story		 Depart-
ment
Store,
3 Story		 Office,
2-4 Story		 Fire Station,
2 Story		 Gymnasium Motel,
2-3 Story		 Car Wash Ware-
house, Mini
College Dormitory,
4-8 Story		 College
Laboratory		 Medical
Office,
2 Story		 Funeral
Home		 Office, 5-10 Story Jail Movie
Theater		 Restau-
rant		   Hangar,
Aircraft		  
Fraternity/
Sorority
House		 College
Student
Union		 Nursing
Home		 Laund-
romat		 Office, 11-20 Story Library Racquet-
ball
Court		     Parking
Garage		  
Nursing
Home		 Elementary
School		 Assisted
Living
Facility, 1-story 		Rest-
aurant		 Telephone
Exchange		 Police
Station		 Rink, Hockey/
Indoor Soccer		     Parking
Garage, Under-
ground		  
  Fraternity/
Sorority 
House		 Outpatient Surgical Center Rest-
aurant,
Fast Food		 Computer/
Data
Center		 Post
Office		 Social
Club		     Service
Station		  
  Gymna-
sium		   Retail Store   Town Hall,
1 Story		 Swimming
Pool,
Enclosed		        
  High
School,
2-3 Story		   Super-
market		   Town Hall,
2-3 Story		          
  Jr High
School, 
2-3 Story		                  
  Library                  
  Vocational
School		                  

Note: Some building types are shown in more than one category.