Calling it the first product of its kind, Timberline says its Commercial Construction Knowledgebase contains pre-built construction models (office core and shell and above and below grade parking structures) R.S. Means Cost Data content and pricing for more than 700 cities and 20,000 items and a comprehensive list of Smart Assemblies(TM)--a function that allows takeoff of a building component, such as a wall or slab, in one step. Later versions will reportedly cover the needs of mechanical, piping, and electrical contractors.

Designed for use with another company product, Timberline Estimating, the company says commercial contractors who develop pre-construction or conceptual "courtesy" bids "will find this tool invaluable for producing estimates under tight deadlines." The Takeoff and estimates that are produced include all construction details and costs, by item, assembly or model, says Timberline, adding that the level of pricing detail means estimates can be quickly revised and instantly recalculated to answer any number of "what-if" scenarios for cost comparisons.

Timberline's stock price has fluctuated between $4.50 and $7.95 over the past year. On Tuesday afternoon shares were trading for around $6.48 apiece, up more than $0.18 from Monday. During the first quarter of 2002, the company generated $222,000 in net income on revenue of $13.57 million, which compares to net income of $594,000 on revenue of $14.1 million during the first quarter of 2001.