Patent ID: 8650104
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method implemented by a computerized apparatus configured to estimate building construction or building renovation project costs, the method comprising: receiving, from a user, one or more inputs for first general level building construction or building renovation project parameters, wherein the one or more inputs for first general level building construction or building renovation project parameters is useable by the apparatus to populate one or more inputs for first specific level building construction or building renovation project parameters; determining, by a computer processing device, one or more inputs for second general level building construction or building renovation project parameters based at least partially, on a comparison of the one or more inputs for the first general level building construction or building renovation project parameters to a first rule, wherein the one or more inputs for second general level building construction or building renovation project parameters are missing inputs of the one or more inputs for the first general level building construction or building renovation project parameters required for determining a building construction or building renovation project cost estimate and that the user did not input, wherein the one or more inputs for second general level building construction or building renovation project parameters are useable by the apparatus to populate one or more inputs for second specific level building construction or building renovation project parameters, and wherein the one or more inputs for second general level building construction or building renovation project parameter are associated with the one or more inputs for first general level building construction or building renovation project parameters as defined by the first rule; and wherein at least one of the one or more first or second general level building construction or building renovation project parameters relate to a room type for the building construction or building renovation project, and wherein upon receiving the room type, determining, based at least partially on the room type, first or second specific level building construction or building renovation project parameters relating to finishes and furnishings for applying to the room type; displaying to the user the one or more inputs for second general level building construction or building renovation project parameters for verification by the user prior to determining the project cost estimate; determining the one or more inputs for second specific level building construction or building renovation project parameters, based at least partially, on a comparison of the one or more inputs for second general level building construction or building renovation project parameters and a second rule; wherein the first rule and the second rule relate at least partially to information from at least one prior building construction or building renovation project; and determining, by the computer processing device, the building construction or building renovation project cost estimate based at least partially on: a) the one or more inputs for first general level building construction or building renovation project parameters and b) the one or more inputs for second general level building construction or building renovation project parameters and c) a geographic location of the building construction or building renovation project, wherein an index multiplier is determined based on the geographic location, and wherein the index multiplier is applied to the one or more inputs for first and second general level project parameters for determining a modified price or cost for materials or commodities associated with the first and second general level project parameters; and d) cost data relating to variability in commodity pricing based on non-conventional occurrences relating to shipping disruptions of commodities or inclement weather that affect prices of commodities to be used in the building construction or building renovation project, wherein the cost data is updated substantially in real time as events relating the non-conventional occurrences.