DCD developed the system of estimating the cost of tomorrow's buildings using historical data from yesterday's projects over 50 years ago when it began publishing the one and only construction cost estimating magazine Design Cost Data (DCD) , in continuous publication since 1958.

By taking the known costs of an existing building, and applying modifiers for location and time, one can use history to project future costs. In 1991, DCD developed a computer-based cost estimating system, D4COST, that contains a massive database of historical building costs along with local cost adjusters and indices to adjust for the changes in construction costs over time. This database also provides indices that project into the future changes in construction costs based on economic and construction cost trends.

Cost estimating using this powerful system is available on this website in abbreviated form in the DCD Archives. Use it for cost estimating individual projects. (Note: professionals requiring these services on a routine (and/or more technical) basis may want to investigate how to license D4COST software for use in their offices.)

DCD Technologies, Inc., compiles and maintains the most complete, accurate and up-to-date historical construction cost database in America. DCD's mission is to provide this information to the building industry in such a manner that DCD is the first information source industry professionals turn to for preliminary building cost analysis and estimating.