construction calculators

[fred woltersdorf]

any good construction calculaters online?i'm going to repalce my garage with basically the same footprint,original garage is probably 100 yrs old and is shot.i would like to find a calculator to give me a material list.thanks

[Ken Deckelman]

I have 2 that I use frequently.
First, I have this one: http://www.calculated.com/17/prd52/ProjectCalc+Plus.html that I use for figuring studs, tile, and simple stuff. This would probably be all you need, and the price is right. I like the fact that you can work directly in feet and inches very easily. There is very little learning curve with this model.

I also have the Construction Master 4, witch is the model previous to this one:
http://www.calculated.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=103
I use it for more complicated things, like stair stringers (run, rise) and to figure board feet, etc. It is definitely harder to learn but not bad considering what it can do.
The instructions that come with them are excellent, and the is good help online also.
Hope this helps...

[Joe Chritz]

If you just need materials then my suggestion is to sketch up the overall design. Basic size, roof pitch, doors, windows, etc and take it to a couple lumber yards.

They will figure all your materials and give you a price list and break down. I do it for projects all the time.

If in doubt call a couple contractors and see which yards they use. A couple in my area are really good and some are not really good.

Joe