On some plans, I wonder why the architect and engineer even bothered drawing a set of plans based on the number of notes they have included. There can be more work located in the notes than what is shown on the drawings! Estimator should notate on the plans which notes they have included or excluded [...]
Questions at bid time are an important component of the estimating and bidding process. The questions are usually posed in written form to the architect or owner unless there is a pre-bid meeting where questions are asked as a part of the overall presentation. These questions are asking for clarification on the scope for the [...]
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 [...]
When taking-off a set of drawings, it’s important to verify the completeness of the plans. Countless times I have seen drawings that look 100% complete, until I started looking at the layout of the each system. It’s very important to follow the systems to ensure that you are taking-off a complete system and nothing more [...]
Is This Really Possible In Construction? The economists call the recession that is underway a “cleansing” recession. This is a polite way of saying “thinning the herd” of the weaker firms or putting the poor business operators out of business. But is a cleansing recession really possible in our industry? I would like to think [...]
The estimator is the life blood of business, especially in construction. We have our counterparts in other industries. These are economists and actuaries to name two other occupations. All three deal in reliably forecasting (estimating) costs before they are actually incurred. There are many basic and advanced skill sets involved in estimating. The basic skill [...]
Unlike many professions, estimating is not a career you learn from a four year degree. Some colleges do offer classes for estimating, but it’s mainly a hands-on learning occupation. Many estimators I know refer to their alma mater as the school of hard knocks. There are several things an estimator can do to strengthen their [...]
I keep hearing and reading about all of this fuss and hullabaloo about this BIM thing – Building Information Modeling (or Management). Architects, engineers, and owners are singing the praises of information in 3D, 4D, or even 5D! So what is the fuss? BIM hasn’t even caught up with estimators and the estimating profession. Architects [...]
I have heard people state that 100% of accidents could/can be avoided. I don’t believe this one bit! I think this is another example of how schooling does not reflect the real world. In theory and hind sight a person could eliminate all accidents but in reality accidents will happen. My brother-in-law recently received 6 [...]
Every estimator I know would rather be a weather forecaster than an estimator. True! Weather forecasters are paid a handsome amount of money. They get all of the attention with headlines when right and little when wrong. They are not expected to be right all of the time. If they were right most of the [...]
