46 CHAPTER SIX
meet the needs of the project, the first call should be to the
architect/engineer to discuss the situation. The architect may
decide to issue an addendum that revises the specifications. If
not, the estimator will have to include these costs in the gen-
eral construction estimate. Typically, the temporary wiring
and transformers are included in the scope of the electrical
subcontractor’s work. All power consumed must be paid for,
and how this is handled should be in the project manual; often
the cost is split on a percentage basis among the contractors,
and it is necessary to make an allowance for this item also.
Heat is required if the project will be under construc-
tion in the winter. Much of the construction process requires
maintenance of temperatures at a certain point. The
required heat may be supplied by a portable heater using
kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, or natural gas for small
projects. The total cost includes the costs of equipment, fuel,
and required labor (remember that the kerosene type must
be filled twice a day). On large projects, the heating system is
sometimes put into use before the rest of the project is com-
plete; however, costs to run and maintain the system and
replace the filters before turning the project over to the
owner must be included in the estimate.
Sanitary Facilities. All projects must provide toilets for
the workers. The most common type in use is the portable
toilet, which is most often rented. The rent often includes the
cleaning and servicing of the toilets on a regular basis. Large
projects will require several portable toilets throughout the
job. This item is also one of the first things that must be on
the job site. Another important aspect with regard to portable
toilets is waste hauling—how often the waste will be removed
and whether weekend service is available. If the contractor or
one of the subcontractors works on weekends, the portable
toilets must be cleaned. This often will incur an additional
charge that needs to be included in the estimate to ensure that
there will be adequate funds in the project budget.
Drinking Water. The cost of providing drinking water
in the temporary office and throughout the project must be
included. It is customary to provide cold or ice water
throughout the summer. Keep in mind that the estimated
cost must include the containers, cups, and someone to ser-
vice them. If the construction is taking place in a hot and dry
area, special electrolyte liquids may be required to maintain
the health of the labor force.
Photographs. Many project specifications require pho-
tographs at various stages of construction, and even if they are
not required, it is strongly suggested that a digital camera and
a video camera be kept at each job site. The superintendent
should make use of them at all important phases of the project
to record progress. In addition to the cost of the above items,
the cost of processing and any required enlarging of the pic-
tures should be considered. The use of webcams is becoming
increasingly popular. These devices come with a wide variety
of features and options. These cameras allow persons to view
the project via the Internet. If a webcam is desired or required,
the hardware and operating costs need to be included.
Surveys. If a survey of the project location on the prop-
erty is required, the estimator must include the cost for the
survey in the estimate. A survey may be used to lay out the
corners and grid lines of a building even if it is not required
by the contract documents, which costs need to be included
in the estimate. Check the project manual to see if a licensed
surveyor is required, and then ask several local surveyors to
submit a proposal.Cleanup. Throughout the construction’s progress, rubbish
will have to be removed from the project site. The estimator
needs to estimate how many trips will be required and a cost
per trip. In addition, a plan needs to be devised concerning
where the rubbish can be dumped. As landfills become sparse,
it is becoming more difficult and expensive to dump construc-
tion waste. Because some landfills will not accept construction
waste, the debris may have to be hauled for long distances. In
addition, recycling of construction waste and “green construc-
tion” is an area that is receiving lots of attention, which may
require wastes to be separated by type. As the cost and difficulty
of disposing of construction waste increases, so does the feasi-
bility of some alternate methods of disposal.
Before acceptance of the project by the owner, the con-
tractor will have to clean the floors, the job site, and, in many
cases, even the windows. This is typically performed by a
cleaning service and estimated by the square-foot.Winter Construction. When construction will run into
or through the winter, several items of extra cost must be
considered, including the cost of temporary enclosures,
heating the enclosure, heating concrete and materials, and
the cost of protecting equipment from the elements.Protection of Property. Miscellaneous items that
should be contemplated include the possibility of damaging
adjacent buildings, such as breaking windows, and the possi-
ble undermining of foundations or damages by workers or
equipment. Protection of the adjacent property is critical. It
is recommended that the contractor’s insurance carrier be
contacted prior to commencing construction, as the insurer
can survey the adjacent structures for existing damages. This
service is normally provided at no charge. If the insurance
carrier does not provide this service, a consultant should be
hired to take a photographic inventory.
All sidewalks and paved areas that are torn up or dam-
aged during construction must be repaired. Many items of
new construction require protection to avoid their damage
during construction, including wood floors, carpeting, fin-
ished hardware, and wall finishes in heavily traveled areas.
New work that is damaged will have to be repaired or
replaced. Often, no one will admit to damaging an item, so
the contractor must absorb this cost.
The supplementary general conditions should be checked
carefully for other requirements that will add to the job over-
head expense. Examples of these are job signs, billboards,
building permits, testing of soil and concrete, and written
progress reports. Section 6–6 is an indirect estimate checklist
that is helpful in estimating this portion of the project.