Table I shows the approximate cost per cubic foot of various kinds of structures. In computing the contents of a building, there is no uniformity in practice, but no great error will be made in figuring the solid contents from floor of cellar to ridge of roof. OUTLINE OF THE WORK =5.= The drawings and specifications of a structure are the guides that the estimator must follow in making his computations. All measurements necessary for calculating the quantity of the materials required are obtained from the drawings; and all information in regard to the character of the workmanship and the quality of the materials to be used is furnished by the specifications. In compiling a schedule, there are three stages to the operation: (1) Taking the dimensions for each of the various classes of work; (2) computing and collecting the quantities; and (3) estimating the cost. In carrying out the first of these steps, each of its subdivisions should be considered in the order in which the work will be executed in the building. This order is about as follows: 1. Excavation 8. Joinery 2. Concrete work 9. Hardware and ironwork 3. Stonework 10. Heating and ventilation 4. Brickwork 11. Plumbing and gas-fitting 5. Carpentry 12. Painting and papering 6. Roofing 13. Glazing 7. Plastering The third step, estimating the cost, may be subdivided into cost of labor and cost of material. The latter can be definitely fixed by an examination of lists giving current prices of materials; while the former must be based on a fixed rate of wages per day for the various classes of workmen. The second and third branches of the work, being closely connected with the first, will be partly considered in connection with it, and, later, in detail in the complete example on estimating. ACCURATE ESTIMATING SCHEDULE =6.= There are so many items to be considered in a careful estimate, that the estimator should have a list of those coming under each of the main headings already given, and in compiling a schedule he should follow this order. The following list, which is arranged to assist in making an estimate on a dwelling house, will serve as an example of the general method that should be adopted: EXCAVATION Cellar Wells Areas Pipe trenches Piers Fence trenches Privy vaults Grading Footings Filling Cesspool Labor Catch basins CONCRETE WORK Cement Wells Sand Area walls Broken stone Chimneys Form lumber Footings Foundation walls Floors Partition walls Columns Piers Pavements Exterior walls Fences Concrete blocks Hearths Concrete cornices Steel reinforcement Core walls Anchor bolts Backing Nails and spikes Cesspools Labor Tanks STONEWORK