The Blueprint in the Attic
In a cramped site office in Manila, young engineer Luis Torres stared at a blank estimate sheet. His first solo project—a two-story residential house—was due to bid in three days, but he had no idea how much gravel, sand, or cement to order.
- RS Means (US based): Expensive and not suited for PH labor.
- Philippine Cost Data Handbook (by J.V. M. Mercado): More current prices, but uses Fajardo’s logic.
- CIVIL 3D / Bluebeam: Software that automates take-offs.
His foreman, Mang Rudy, tossed a worn-out PDF printout onto the table. "You haven't read Fajardo?"
Simplified Construction Estimate (Third Edition) | PDF - Scribd
Why the "Simplified Construction Estimate" is Still Relevant
While software like MS Project, Bluebeam, and PlanSwift have digitized takeoffs, Fajardo’s methodology provides the foundational logic. Here is why professionals still hunt for this book (and its PDF version):
Carpentry (Formworks)
Plywood (4x8 ft) per sqm of contact area:
Step 3: Add Labor Fajardo includes labor output (manhours per unit). The PDF usually includes appendices for daily wages, though you must update these costs based on your current regional minimum wage.