Estimating in Building Construction

144 CHAPTERTWELVE

The estimator should make notes on the types of mate-
rials required, catalog numbers (if available), and quantities
required and call a supplier that can provide them. Installa-
tion may be with the general contractor’s work crews, or a
subcontractor may be used.

Expansion Control Covers. Expansion control covers
include the manufactured, cast or extruded metal expansion
joint frames and covers, slide bearings, anchors, and related
accessories. These materials are taken off by the linear foot,
with the materials and any special requirements noted.
Many times they are installed by a subcontractor doing
related work. For example, an expansion joint cover being
used on an exterior block wall might be installed by the
masonry subcontractor (if one is used). In other cases, the
general contractor may assume the responsibility. The key is
to be certain that both material and installation are included
in the estimate somewhere.

12–9 Metal Checklist

Shapes:

sections

weights

locations

fasteners

Engineering:

fabrication

shop drawings

shop painting

testing

inspection

unloading, loading

erection

plumbing up

Installation:

riveting

welding

bracing (cross and wind)

erection

bolts

Miscellaneous:

clips

ties

rods

lengths

quantities

painting

hangers

plates

anchor bolts

Fabrications:

metal stairs

ladders

handrails and railings

(pipe and tube)

gratings and floor plates

castings

Ornamental:

stairs

prefab spiral stairs

handrails and railings

metal castings

sheet metal

Expansion control:

expansion joint cover

assemblies

slide bearings

Web Resources

http://www.sdi.org

http://www.daleincor.com

http://www.asce.org

http://www.mca1.org

http://www.steeltubeinstitute.org

http://www.steeljoist.com

http://www.vulcraft-in.com

Review Questions

1. What two materials are most commonly used for struc-
   tural framing metals, and how are they priced?
   2. Under what conditions might it be desirable for the
   contractor to use a structural subcontractor to erect the
   structural metal frame of the project?
   3. Why should the estimator list each of the different
   shapes (such as columns and steel joists) separately?
   4. What is the unit of measure for metal decks? What type
   of information needs to be noted?
   5. How are fabricated metal and ornamental metal usually
   priced?
   6. Estimate the metal decking requirements for the build-
   ing in Appendix C.
   7. Using the drawings for Billy’s Convenience Store
   (Appendix F), prepare an estimate for the structural
   steel found in the roof structure.