I am seeing more projects that go out to bid with at least one addendum. Addendums are becoming the norm instead of an occasional thing. Sometimes the changes are clouded on the drawings, other times the changes are issued on new drawings. Sometimes there are simple changes to the specifications, other times entire spec sections [...]
One way that you can really mess up an estimate is by assuming that the floor to ceiling height is all the same. Checking the sections of the building really comes into play when you are working off of the mechanical, plumbing and electrical drawings. When you are routing the pipe or conduit you really [...]
An estimator is a true jack of all trades. Not only do we have to know how the job is going to be built we also have to know what the contract has to say. Contracts are not written in conversational English instead it is written in legal speak. Before signing a contract you have [...]
The other day I was talking with a long time estimator. We were discussing why, after all these years, he is still doing estimating. He said it was all in the thrill of the hunt. The estimate was the preparation for the hunt and bid day was the hunting trip. And when the final numbers [...]
Is it time for a few of the lower end contractors to fold up shop? I think the resounding answer to the question is YES. I have heard horror stories from all over the country about how the low bidder is taking the job for less that the material and subcontract costs! Also there is [...]
When starting an estimate you can make a checklist from the specification and go through the checklist while you are doing the takeoff. When you are done with the takeoff you can compare the items that you have checked off of the list with the estimate and see where any holes in the documents might [...]
Some owners are seeing a benefit to the economic times. Projects get few and far between and the backlog shrinks. The contractors want to keep their best people busy and not lay them off. This can mean that the cream of the crop for the construction of the next project may be available. The days [...]
We did it! Cost Estimators made the list of U.S. News & World Report – Best American Careers. We are not high on the list but we are on the list. The list reports that the stress level is high and the activity can very from sitting behind a desk to being out in the [...]
The construction industry, especially the estimating field, has been known for the high stress. Now more than ever the stress levels are high. There are many ways to cope with the stress from physical activity to having a drink of your favorite libation. I know that I love being able to hop on my bike [...]
I was reading the cover story of March 1, 2010 issue of ENR. The construction manager is able to get the project done three months early and the building team attributes the completion of the stadium to teamwork and virtual construction tools. I love reading articles like this that stress that contractors, architects and owners [...]
