Years later, Luis would pass the same PDF—still dog-eared in digital form—to a new intern. And he would say the same words Mang Rudy told him: "You haven't read Fajardo?"
A construction estimate is an approximate calculation of the cost of a construction project. It includes the cost of materials, labor, equipment, and other expenses required to complete the project. A well-prepared estimate is essential for contractors, builders, and developers to: Simplified Construction Estimate Max Fajardo.pdf
Download the PDF, but immediately do two things: Years later, Luis would pass the same PDF—still
: Because it uses standards and materials common in the Philippine setting (like CHB sizes and local wood species), it is far more relevant to local practitioners than international textbooks. Modern PDF readers allow you to highlight formulas,
To put the book's practical utility into perspective, data suggests that a standard for a house in the Philippines can cost between ₱14,000 to ₱18,000 per square meter (as of 2026), while a fully finished home can range from ₱25,000 to ₱38,000 per square meter (as of 2026). Fajardo's book empowers a professional to calculate precisely what goes into that "bare shell" and, subsequently, into each level of "finish."
Would you like a sample chapter breakdown or comparison with another estimating book (e.g., Construction Estimating Reference by RS Means)?
Modern PDF readers allow you to highlight formulas, add sticky notes with current price updates (since Fajardo’s prices are outdated, but his formulas are timeless), and bookmark critical tables.