Standardization In The Home Building Industry: An Empirical Investigation Into The Compatibility Between Accounting And Estimating Cost Codes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of standardized cost codes for the estimating and accounting functions related to the scale of operations by Pennsylvania’s home building contractors.  Firm size was examined as to its impact on three issues in construction standardization practice:  1) the use of a standardized number system for estimating, 2) the use of a standardized number system for accounting, and 3) the use of the same standardized number system for both estimating and accounting.  Significant differences existed among firm sizes regarding all three items relating to standardized cost codes - a standardized numbering system used for estimating, a standardized numbering system used for accounting, and the same standardized numbering system used for both estimating and accounting functions.  Overall, however, a large percentage of Pennsylvania home building firms are behind the curve with regard to their knowledge and utilization of standardized cost codes.