3.
Basic Web Scraping Example
Here’s a simple script to get you started:
import requests
from bs4 import BeautifulSoup
import pandas as pd
# Set the target URL Institutional and Industry Data Sources
Engineering News-Record (ENR): A leading U.S. publication that provides monthly
updates on prices for 67 building materials across 20 major cities. ENR also
publishes the Construction Cost Index (CCI) and Building Cost Index (BCI), which
are essential benchmarks for tracking inflation and cost trends in construction.
Wikipedia
Building Cost Information Service (BCIS): In the UK, BCIS offers detailed cost
data, including the Price Adjustment Formulae Indices (PAFI), which are widely used
by quantity surveyors and contractors for inflation adjustments in contracts.
Wikipedia
National Statistical Agencies: Agencies like the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
(BEA) and the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) collect extensive data on
construction inputs, labor, and materials, contributing to national accounts and
economic indicators.
Wikipedia
🧰 Commercial Tools and Cost Databases
Construction Estimating Software: Tools such as Procore, CM Fusion, and
CostCertified integrate cost databases that include material prices, labor rates,
and equipment costs. These platforms allow contractors to manage budgets, track
expenses, and adjust estimates in real-time.
cmfusion.com
+3
Wikipedia
+3
YouTube
+3
Cost Databases: Comprehensive databases store information on materials, labor, and
equipment, often categorized by region and project type. They support estimators in
creating accurate and detailed cost estimates.
Wikipedia
📊 Data-Driven Forecasting and Analytics
Machine Learning Models: The construction industry increasingly utilizes machine
learning to forecast material prices. These models analyze historical data to
predict future trends, helping stakeholders make informed procurement and budgeting
decisions.
MDPI
Big Data Analytics: By aggregating data from various sources—such as supplier
databases, market trends, and project histories—firms can identify patterns and
anticipate price fluctuations, enhancing strategic planning and risk management.
🌐 Global and Regional Reports
International Construction Market Surveys: Organizations like Turner & Townsend and
Arcadis publish annual reports analyzing construction costs across different
regions, providing insights into material price trends, labor costs, and market
dynamics.
Arcadis
Government and Industry Reports: Reports from entities such as the World Bank and
national governments offer data on construction costs and material prices, aiding
in international comparisons and policy-making.
The World Bank
🧭 Best Practices in the Industry
Regular Data Updates: Maintaining up-to-date cost data is crucial for accurate
budgeting and forecasting.
Integration of Multiple Data Sources: Combining institutional data, commercial
databases, and real-time market information provides a comprehensive view of
material costs.
Adoption of Technology: Utilizing advanced software and analytics tools enhances
the ability to predict and respond to price changes effectively.
url = "https://example.com/building-materials"
# Send a GET request to the website
response = requests.get(url)
soup = BeautifulSoup(response.text, 'lxml')
# Extracting material names and prices
materials = []
prices = []
for item in soup.select('.material-item'):
name = item.select_one('.material-name').get_text(strip=True)
price = item.select_one('.material-price').get_text(strip=True)
materials.append(name)
prices.append(price)
# Create a DataFrame to organize the data
df = pd.DataFrame({
"Material": materials,
"Price": prices
})
# Save the data to an Excel file for further analysis
df.to_excel("material_prices.xlsx", index=False)
print("Scraped data saved to 'material_prices.xlsx'")
