There are many considerations when calculating the amount of labor it will take to complete a project. There is the obvious actual amount of time to perform a certain task plus many more factors. Some items to take into consideration are working below grade, confined work area, height (both height from floor to the work [...]
When estimating a project, it is important to keep notes and backup related to the estimate for references at a later point in time. On two recent occasions, a client has called with questions about an estimate that we had previously done. One estimate had been completed only a couple of weeks ago so the [...]
It’s hard to believe the 9/11 attacks were 10 years ago already. The other day I came across a website that has a live webcam of the construction at ground zero that I thought was interesting and wanted to share with everyone. The link is http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/worldtradecenter/
An estimator does not have the typical 8-5 job. Depending on their bid schedule, they can put anywhere from 8 to 12+ hours in per day (including Saturday and Sunday if needed). I tried once to leave the construction industry and worked for a “normal” business for a while. For some unknown reason, I decided [...]
Hard copy plans and specifications are usually organized very well. So why do architects think that since plans are in electronic format that they can throw file organization out the window? On a regular basis I look at plans and specifications for projects around the country and it amazes me how the files are clustered [...]
It’s always important to check all the drawings when estimating a project, not just the plans that pertain to your scope of work. Besides the obvious items such as type of walls and the heights of each floor, there can also be items that belong in your scope of work. One recent example I have [...]
A recent client had me asking the question: “Why?” The format they were requesting for on estimate would actually provide less information than a “standard” estimate. As a construction professional, I knew their were better ways of handling the project but what I didn’t know were their reasons why they were requesting that format. After [...]
With warmer weather approaching, it’s time once again to start paying more attention to dehydration and heat exhaustion. With warmer temperatures, our bodies will sweat more to try to keep us cool. As a result, dehydration can occur if we do not replenish the water we have lost. Some of the signs that you may [...]
I recently came across several old American Society of Professional Estimator newsletters and found a humorous article/joke in one that I thought I would share. The following was printed in the September 1981 issue of The Buckeye Estimator: Even though this is almost 30 years old, it seems nothing has changed today! I hope everyone [...]
For years manufacturers have “helped” architects and engineers design projects by providing specifications for products they sell. Typically this results in the manufacturer obtaining an advantage over the competition on bid day. Now that BIM is becoming more widely used, manufacturers have found another way to get their products sole sourced. Manufacturers are making modules [...]
