Tower, Site Construction $$$ Estimate Website?

[JeffFireRadio]

Is anyone aware of an outlet (website, etc.) to aid in estimating the cost of purchasing and erecting a new tower, lighting, equipment shelter, utilities, etc.? Without going to a turn-key vendor yet, our city would like to estimate the cost of constructing a 250-350' tower for use on the county's new 700-800 digital trunking system. We also want to compare costs of self-supported vs. guyed, different structural ratings (ice, wind, hardware loading), shelter sizes, etc. Yes, I'm familiar with the subject matter, just have never been able to find a tool to aid in cost estimations without going to a contractor or every sub-systems suppliers' catalogs and spending hours transposing the data. Thanks for any ideas.

[tvsjr]

A tower is not something you can spec out and even get anywhere close to a ballpark without having people come do an estimate. Many of the variables are site-specific (type of soil, grade, height AGL, prevalent weather conditions, expected ice buildup, etc.), zoning specific, FAA-regulated, use specific (how many antennas, any dishes, tower load rating), etc. Any estimate could easily be an order of magnitude off.

[Astro Spectra]

In Africa the typical budget estimate is US$320k for an 80M free standing tower, 10kVA diesel/battery hybrid plant, shelter and aircon. But tvsjr is right can easily blow out to 1.5x that depending on local conditions. This assumes you can actually get to the site by road. The number does not included AC power connection or ancillary buildings for minders. AC power lines can also be quite expensive, around US$10k per mile. For sites without AC, running costs are about $3,000 to $3,500 per month for loads in the range of 5 to 10kVA and depending on transport issues.

[JeffFireRadio]

Thanks for your time with the replies. I am moderately familiar with the costs and (more importantly) the variables. I have a city administrator looking for an estimate on a hypothetical tower without yet wanting to go to a contractor and announce to the world that we're looking. I gave a $200-300K wag and discussed the potential variables in depth. I also assume management wants to see something in print with their own eyes, not just my experienced guestimate.
I was just curious (despite a lot of time spent in the two-way radio world) if anyone had accomplished a website, towers-for-dummies book, etc. that I could point the city to in order to boost their confidence in my numbers. I have given them data on another city's figures in the region who just did a similar project. I think that will help for the immediate future.
Again, I appreciate your time in responding.

[MSS-Dave]

http://www.wirelessestimator.com/

This may be the best you can find based on your requirements. Join the discussion forum and see if you can glean some info there. I don't use the site, just familiar through the industry.

Dave

[JeffFireRadio]

Dave,

Thanks for the idea. Googled them and joined on the same day I posted this question. Ah, great minds.... Getting ready to spend some time looking over their forums in depth. Appreciate your idea.