Estimating in Building Construction

(Barré) #1

Listed below are the steps in working up a detailed esti-
mate. These steps should form a basis for estimating, so it is
important to read and understand them.



  1. Carefully check the drawings and the project manual to be
    sure that you have everything, including all addenda. Not
    all architectural and engineering offices number their
    drawings in the same manner, so sometimes there can be
    confusion as to whether you have all the drawings.
    Architectural drawings are usually prefixed with the letter
    A. Structural drawings may be prefixed with the letter S, or
    they may be included with the architectural drawings.
    Mechanical drawings may be prefixed with M, P, or
    HVAC. Electrical drawings typically use the designation E.
    Some jobs have no prefixes before the numbers, but in
    these circumstances the pages are typically labeled Sheet 1
    of 25. Typically, the front of the project manual or the
    drawings contains a list of all the drawings included in the
    set. Check all sources to ensure that you have received all
    of the drawings. If there are any discrepancies, check with
    the architect/engineer and complete your set. Follow the
    same procedure with the project manual. Check the list in
    the front of the project manual against what was received.

  2. Scan the drawings to get a feel for the project. How large
    is it? What shape is it? What are the principal materials?
    Pay particular attention to the elevations. At this step, it
    is important that the estimator understands the project.
    Make a mental note of exterior finish materials, the
    amount of glass required, and any unusual features.

  3. Review the floor plans, again getting the “feel” of the
    project. The estimator should begin to note all unusual
    plan features of the building. Look it over; follow


through the rooms, starting at the front entrance. Again,
make a mental note of what types of walls are used.
Note whether enlarged floor plans show extra dimen-
sions or whether special room layouts are required.


  1. Begin to examine the wall sections for a general consid-
    eration of materials, assemblies, and makeup of the
    building. Take special note of any unfamiliar details and
    assemblies; circle them lightly with a red pencil or a
    highlighter so that you can refer to them readily.

  2. Review the structural drawings. Note what types of
    structural systems are being used and what types of
    construction equipment will be required. Once again, if
    the structural system is unusual, the estimator should
    make a mental note to spend extra time on this area.

  3. Review the mechanical drawings, paying particular
    attention to how they will affect the general construc-
    tion, underground work requirements, outlet require-
    ments, chases in walls, and other items of this sort. Even
    under separate contracts, the mechanical portions must
    be checked.

  4. The submitted bid is based on the drawings and the
    project manual. You are responsible for everything con-
    tained in the project manual as well as what is covered
    on the drawings. Read and study the project manual
    thoroughly and review it when necessary. Take notes on
    all unusual items contained in the project manual.

  5. Visit the site after making a preliminary examination of
    the drawings and the project manual. The visit should be
    made by the estimator or by other experienced persons,
    including members of the proposed project execution
    team. By including these persons on the site visit,


30 CHAPTER FOUR


FIGURE 4.2.Sample Estimate Schedule.
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