Estimating in Building Construction

Project Manual 27

all requests for interpretations must be made in writing
and state how many days before the date set for opening
bids they must be received. Check for this (often in instruc-
tions to bidders) and note it on the errors and omissions
sheet. It is further stipulated in the project manual that all
interpretations will be made in writing in the form of
addenda and sent to all bidders. In actual practice, it is
often accepted that estimators will telephone the archi-
tect’s/engineer’s office and request clarifications (interpre-
tations, really). If the interpretation will materially affect
the bid, the contractor must be certain to receive it in writ-
ing to avoid later problems. If there are contradictions
between the drawings and the specifications, they should
also attempt to get them resolved as early in the bidding
period as possible.
In keeping a list of all discrepancies (errors) and any
items not thoroughly understood, contractors should make

notations about where on the drawings and in the project

manual the problems occur. In this manner, when they ask

for clarification, it is relatively easy to explain exactly what

they want. The architect/engineer should not be contacted

about each problem separately, but about a few at a time.

Often the contractors will answer the questions themselves

as they become more familiar with the drawings and the

project manual. When calling architects/engineers, contrac-

tors need to be courteous, as everyone makes mistakes and

being courteous will help keep them on your side. Besides,

the information may have been included, but simply over-

looked. Contractors should not wait until bids are due to call

with questions, since verbal interpretations often will not

be given; and even if they are, the person who knows the

answers may not be available at the time. Regardless

of the project or the type of estimate, the keynotes to success

are cooperation and organization.

Web Resources

http://www.aia.org

http://www.csinet.org

Review Questions

1. What types of information are found in the project
   manual?


2. Why is it important for the estimator to review carefully
   the entire project manual?


3. Describe the CSI MasterFormat and how it is used.


4. What types of information are provided in the invita-
   tion to bid?


5. Why is it important that the bids be delivered at the
   proper time and place?
   6. How do the supplementary general conditions differ
   from the general conditions?
   7. What information is contained in the specifications
   (technical specifications) of the project manual?
   8. Explain what an alternate is and how it is handled dur-
   ing the bidding process.
   9. Why is it important to prepare the alternate amounts
   carefully and thoroughly?


6. Explain what an addendum is and when it is used.


7. Why is it important that the estimator be certain that
   all addenda have been received before submitting
   a bid?


8. How should the estimator handle any errors or omis-
   sions that may be found in the contract documents?