D4COST is a system that provides the tools to output professional building square foot cost estimates in minutes. The key to such fast output is the system's ease of operation. The learning curve with D4COST is instant. Even if you are not a computer whiz, you can grasp and operate this intuitive software in a very short time.

This means that D4COST goes to work for you the same day that it is installed. You can have preliminary estimates in your client's possession immediately. Plus, one of the ancillary benefits of D4COST is that it also teaches you conceptual cost modeling, which is why D4COST™ has long been used in architectural schools all across the U.S. as a teaching aid.

D4COST is a complete cost estimating system. It includes software, a database of 1,100 historical projects, cost escalators and regional modifiers. Plus, D4COST provides a unique platform that allows you to enter your own data to explicitly target estimates on similar construction.

The Conceptual Estimating Leader

D4COST is the fastest growing software and database developed for the sensitive and intricate process of conceptual building cost modeling. Whether you are building a new high school or building a skyscraper. Whether you are budgeting a warehouse or custom home, D4COST provides you with the tools to make conceptual cost modeling a breeze.

D4COST developed and perfected the national standard when it comes to conceptual square foot cost modeling from historical data. We invented the process and have been improving it for more than 50 years.

The D4COST Estimating Philosophy

Take real cost data from one building, apply cost escalators and regional modifiers, to target building costs on new projects, or those yet to be built. Cost modeling using this criteria is still the most accurate way to determine probable square foot costs. Why? Because the cost modifying elements are factual benchmarks - historical data, historical escalators, regional modifiers. With this information D4COST can become a crystal ball to assist you at looking into the future. And because D4COST allows users to archive their own data, users can make their own historical cost data one of the most valuable assets their estimating department has.

Introduced as a software over 13 years ago D4COST has now gone through several evolutions. The system is now the most powerful conceptual cost estimating tool available.

D4COST includes a new interface that provides a platform for Unit Cost Estimating in addition to the cost modeling features of the previous versions. D4COST offers 6 Unit Cost Databases that are time/date stamped, to provide users with same cost escalation and local modification adjustments on unit costs as is available for historical data cost models.

What Users Say About D4COST

"As most Architects know as soon as the owner is contemplating to proceed with a project he wants to know what is the schedule and most importantly what is the cost going to be at completion. We have tracked projects that we have established budgets using D4COST and found that the conceptual estimates were accurate compared to our final estimate and ultimately the actual bid price. D4COST is an essential part of our estimating process.

"We have found the software to also assist in our marketing. Nothing is more impressive to an owner to sit down with him in front of a computer using D4COST’s visual pictures of projects along with the database descriptions to establish a level of quality. Then to adjust it for location and project anticipated time frame, and within 5 minutes you can print an estimate of probable construction cost that has a factual basis that he can take with him. Talk about a client that is impressed!

"We have also used D4COST to do detailed estimates and found the format easy to work with. I would recommend this software to any design professional that wants to have confidence in giving clients accurate conceptual estimates that can be a true budget through the design process. My hat is off to your company and keep improving on an outstanding program."

Troy Secord, AIA
President, Secord & Lebow Architects, Inc.

"We use D4COST primarily for commercial office space costs. We can get a quick snap shot and a reliable ballpark cost number when we model from D4COST’s data. D4COST is fast and provides us with a number in about 10 minutes."

Mike Lawson, Project Manager
CLW Real Estate Services Group, Tampa, Fla.

"We have used your program for a long time, dating way back to the DOS period. Since that point in time, we have upgraded several times and have continued to find the program to be very effective. Your database, combined with our Firm’s historical data, gives us the accuracy needed for our design probable costs and for leading the owner into budgeting."

John S. Dendy, AIA
John Dendy & Associates, Architects, Mobile, Ala.