The most used material in the architectural industry is concrete. No modern day construction can be completed without it. It can be customized to get compressive strength or color application, placed in almost any shape or form and finished to resemble masonry, stone and other surfaces. It is durable and virtually maintenance-free. This component is quite easy to work with and installs relatively quickly.
The segment concrete estimating specially deals the basic areas like: concrete materials and placement, formwork, reinforcing, finishing and pre-cast industry. The quantities of concrete usually estimate in measure of cubic yards, as this is how supply companies charge for it. Formwork is taken off in square feet (generally in square feet of area in contact with the concrete as opposed to the actual area of the forms used). Reinforcing is normally taken off in tons of steel. Finishing is taken off in square feet of finished surface. Pre-cast concrete quantities are taken off in either square feet or by the piece, depending on usage and the type of unit being considered.
Concrete estimating is quite an important issue to the estimators as the large amount of total cost is based on the cost of the concrete. That’s why it will be a great help to the estimator to know the probable cost of the total construction.
Posted By:
Debarati Nath
content Writer
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Challenge of Construction Project Estimating
When we work on projects that deal with new processes or new technologies, we often find ourselves moving through territory where no one has gone before. Still, our customers, our partners, and our managers want us to provide reliable estimation that we can commit to. This is the basic challenge that project teams in innovative companies must deal with today.
The main challenge an estimator facing is the changing circumstances. The innovative and new techniques applied by the modern day engineers come frequently. Sometimes the innovative procedures change the total system of construction. This change varies greatly on the time estimation of the project.
New products are introduced regularly in the market. To get unique look of the construction the building owners sometime opt for new products. Some products have more potentiality than the usual previous products. May be the durability, quality and functions vary from the old product. Naturally the contractors want to avail the product to get the best possible result. This type of new products makes a huge difference in the production cost of the construction. The estimated cost in the building budget may not be the same after execution. So the estimator has to be very careful to overview such matter.
Apart from that there must be some uncertain circumstances during the construction period which can affect the estimating procedure. Various types of social issues like inflation, mass crisis of the materials, natural disaster make a deep impact of the estimating process. The cost and time estimating hamper much for all these types of challenges.
It is a sign of good estimator who can foresee the inevitable factors during the construction period and make a estimating according to this. Estimating lesser or more than the actual cost is a failure the estimator. That’s why the challenges of estimating are vital important to a successful estimator.
The main challenge an estimator facing is the changing circumstances. The innovative and new techniques applied by the modern day engineers come frequently. Sometimes the innovative procedures change the total system of construction. This change varies greatly on the time estimation of the project.
New products are introduced regularly in the market. To get unique look of the construction the building owners sometime opt for new products. Some products have more potentiality than the usual previous products. May be the durability, quality and functions vary from the old product. Naturally the contractors want to avail the product to get the best possible result. This type of new products makes a huge difference in the production cost of the construction. The estimated cost in the building budget may not be the same after execution. So the estimator has to be very careful to overview such matter.
Apart from that there must be some uncertain circumstances during the construction period which can affect the estimating procedure. Various types of social issues like inflation, mass crisis of the materials, natural disaster make a deep impact of the estimating process. The cost and time estimating hamper much for all these types of challenges.
It is a sign of good estimator who can foresee the inevitable factors during the construction period and make a estimating according to this. Estimating lesser or more than the actual cost is a failure the estimator. That’s why the challenges of estimating are vital important to a successful estimator.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Blue Ridge Numerics launches Upfront CFD for AEC & MEP professionals
Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc., a renowned company in upfront CFD software just released a new eZine known as Upfront CFD for the Built Environment. This eZine will provide a great benefits to the AEC & MEP professionals by incorporating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis upfront in the design and engineering procedure for new and existing building designs.
Architectural designers and MEP engineers will experience an userfriendly 3D simulation environment that provides validation and optimization of design issues like thermal comfort, energy savings, occupant safety, and air quality with utilization of data directly from BIM software systems.
Upfront CFD is suitable for any architectural project varying from component-level studies to wind/wake studies on the scale of a city block.
The eZine is free and can be downloaded from the following link: http://info.cfdesign.com/aec-ezine.html
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
The Estimating Service
Architectural designers and MEP engineers will experience an userfriendly 3D simulation environment that provides validation and optimization of design issues like thermal comfort, energy savings, occupant safety, and air quality with utilization of data directly from BIM software systems.
Upfront CFD is suitable for any architectural project varying from component-level studies to wind/wake studies on the scale of a city block.
The eZine is free and can be downloaded from the following link: http://info.cfdesign.com/aec-ezine.html
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
The Estimating Service
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tips for concrete estimation
Estimating concrete reinforcing costs is a vital phase of a construction. For ascertaining this keep in mind that the reinforcing steel supplier has taken account of all accessories, cutting, bending, and allowances for lapping, splicing, and waste. When no lap specifications are mentioned add 10% to your quantities for lapping, splices, and waste. Also consider 10% waste for welded wire fabric.
Consider the labor unit price for the subdivision of Reinforcing to put in accessories like bean and slab bolsters, high chairs, bar ties and tie wire
Besides checking structural drawings and architectural drawing, also take into consideration the mechanical and electrical drawings for equipment pads and grouting requirements on steel drawings
Deduct small (two square feet or so) while making estimation of the concrete quantities for floor slabs or walls.
One can avail the concrete prices from suppliers near the job site. A volume discount is obtainable which depends on the competition in the area. Don’t forget to add for waste on the whole for slabs and footings on grade.
In the case of compression testing for a project consider a least amount of one test per pour on smaller pours and a smallest amount of one test for each fifty yards of concrete placed. Each test should comprise of a minimum set of three cylinders.
For structural concrete estimation, includes the requisites for concrete additives, curing methods and surface treatments. Also give consideration to climate conditions alongwith hot or cold weather conditions, prerequisites for concrete placing and finishing methods and equipment.
For estimating precisely the components like formwork, reinforcing steel, ready-mix concrete, placement of the concrete mix, finishing of the surface, and curing should also be considered.
In order to finish the concrete surface a good rule of thumb for finishing concrete permits 1,000 S.F. of slab per each cement finisher.
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
rajib@jobs2india.com
The estimating Service
Consider the labor unit price for the subdivision of Reinforcing to put in accessories like bean and slab bolsters, high chairs, bar ties and tie wire
Besides checking structural drawings and architectural drawing, also take into consideration the mechanical and electrical drawings for equipment pads and grouting requirements on steel drawings
Deduct small (two square feet or so) while making estimation of the concrete quantities for floor slabs or walls.
One can avail the concrete prices from suppliers near the job site. A volume discount is obtainable which depends on the competition in the area. Don’t forget to add for waste on the whole for slabs and footings on grade.
In the case of compression testing for a project consider a least amount of one test per pour on smaller pours and a smallest amount of one test for each fifty yards of concrete placed. Each test should comprise of a minimum set of three cylinders.
For structural concrete estimation, includes the requisites for concrete additives, curing methods and surface treatments. Also give consideration to climate conditions alongwith hot or cold weather conditions, prerequisites for concrete placing and finishing methods and equipment.
For estimating precisely the components like formwork, reinforcing steel, ready-mix concrete, placement of the concrete mix, finishing of the surface, and curing should also be considered.
In order to finish the concrete surface a good rule of thumb for finishing concrete permits 1,000 S.F. of slab per each cement finisher.
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
rajib@jobs2india.com
The estimating Service
Monday, February 7, 2011
Techniques of Construction Cost Estimate
Construction cost estimating associates evaluating materials, labor, overhead, subcontractors and equipment needed to complete a project. Estimates come in two forms: hard money and cost plus. Hard money approximate is the ultimate cost for a project. Cost plus is shaping the whole cost for all aspects of the project plus adding profit margins. It's important to balance giving an attractive estimate with being able to turn a profit on a project.
Estimating is the mainly significant of the realistic aspects of construction management, and the matter deserves the nearby attention of one aspiring to a career in the profession. It is a relatively easy subject to understand; however, as it brings one up against practical work, methods and system, knowledge of it cannot be acquired without close application.
Estimating Materials
From the approximate of a work it is potential to conclude what materials and in what quantities will be necessary for the work so that the arrangements to procure them can be made.
Labor
Labor is the largest expenditure on any construction work. When estimating, imagine a margin for overtime and also lost time because of difficult weather. Balance the cost of adequate labor to meet particular deadlines with fewer workers working extra overtime. Labor expenses comprise more than just the hourly wage. A single worker laboring through overtime might be less expensive than two workers laboring during regular hours.
Overhead
Overhead costs such as securing permits, deposits for utilities, job site insurance, connecting utilities, and extraneous expenses (security, framing, etc.) should also be factored in to the estimate. Some items, such as office operations or mandated workers' compensation payments, are considered the "cost of doing business," and it is up to the estimator to balance what to absorb and what to add to the estimate to ensure getting the job.
Estimating Subcontractors
Presently as the estimator is working for the client, subcontractors---plumbers, electricians, etc.---are working for the estimator. Receive all quotes with exact terms and deadlines. Insist on penalties for missed contract terms. When including subcontractors' costs in the final estimate, calculate reasonable markup for profit.
Job Site Equipment Rental
Construction estimating means bringing in equipment not always owned by the general contractor. Skid steers, forklifts, generators, pneumatic tools and compressors and power lifts are examples of rented equipment. Include in the estimate the time needed to complete the job plus a reasonable markup for profit.
Successful Estimating Attitude
Construction estimators walk a well row between trailing the work or receiving the job and not making sufficient money. A victorious estimator is positive, thorough and---most important---has the reliability to do both the company and the buyer right. Approach each estimate with the attitude of providing the best price to gratify everyone connected with the project.
Estimating Plant
An estimate will help in determining amount and kind of equipment needed to complete the work.
Estimating Time
The estimation of a job and the past experience allow one to estimate quite closely the length of time necessary to complete an item of work or the work as a whole.
Whereas the significance of knowing the probable cost requires no emphasis, estimating materials, labor, plant and time is immensely useful in planning and execution of any work.
Estimating is the mainly significant of the realistic aspects of construction management, and the matter deserves the nearby attention of one aspiring to a career in the profession. It is a relatively easy subject to understand; however, as it brings one up against practical work, methods and system, knowledge of it cannot be acquired without close application.
Estimating Materials
From the approximate of a work it is potential to conclude what materials and in what quantities will be necessary for the work so that the arrangements to procure them can be made.
Labor
Labor is the largest expenditure on any construction work. When estimating, imagine a margin for overtime and also lost time because of difficult weather. Balance the cost of adequate labor to meet particular deadlines with fewer workers working extra overtime. Labor expenses comprise more than just the hourly wage. A single worker laboring through overtime might be less expensive than two workers laboring during regular hours.
Overhead
Overhead costs such as securing permits, deposits for utilities, job site insurance, connecting utilities, and extraneous expenses (security, framing, etc.) should also be factored in to the estimate. Some items, such as office operations or mandated workers' compensation payments, are considered the "cost of doing business," and it is up to the estimator to balance what to absorb and what to add to the estimate to ensure getting the job.
Estimating Subcontractors
Presently as the estimator is working for the client, subcontractors---plumbers, electricians, etc.---are working for the estimator. Receive all quotes with exact terms and deadlines. Insist on penalties for missed contract terms. When including subcontractors' costs in the final estimate, calculate reasonable markup for profit.
Job Site Equipment Rental
Construction estimating means bringing in equipment not always owned by the general contractor. Skid steers, forklifts, generators, pneumatic tools and compressors and power lifts are examples of rented equipment. Include in the estimate the time needed to complete the job plus a reasonable markup for profit.
Successful Estimating Attitude
Construction estimators walk a well row between trailing the work or receiving the job and not making sufficient money. A victorious estimator is positive, thorough and---most important---has the reliability to do both the company and the buyer right. Approach each estimate with the attitude of providing the best price to gratify everyone connected with the project.
Estimating Plant
An estimate will help in determining amount and kind of equipment needed to complete the work.
Estimating Time
The estimation of a job and the past experience allow one to estimate quite closely the length of time necessary to complete an item of work or the work as a whole.
Whereas the significance of knowing the probable cost requires no emphasis, estimating materials, labor, plant and time is immensely useful in planning and execution of any work.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Candy - A unique software for construction estimating
Candy is a comprehensive, integrated software suite designed by construction professionals being extensively utilized by big multinational consortiums and small contractors over 40 countries for estimating, planning, modeling, managing and controlling construction projects.
Construction Computer Software innovated this software. It is a single-package, project control system that includes Estimating, Valuations, Critical Path Planning, Forecasting and Cashflow Modelling alongwith some inter-related modules like Material Costing, Drawing Register, Sub-contract database, Cost Reconciliation, Information Schedules and Time-Location charts.
It is used worldwide by large multinational consortiums and small contractors alike.
Candy provides a dynamic link between money and time – the interactive link between the bill of quantities or estimate, and the program or schedule of work. So the management team and clients get a wealth of information at their finger-tips.
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
rajib@jobs2india.com
Construction estimating service
Construction Computer Software innovated this software. It is a single-package, project control system that includes Estimating, Valuations, Critical Path Planning, Forecasting and Cashflow Modelling alongwith some inter-related modules like Material Costing, Drawing Register, Sub-contract database, Cost Reconciliation, Information Schedules and Time-Location charts.
It is used worldwide by large multinational consortiums and small contractors alike.
Candy provides a dynamic link between money and time – the interactive link between the bill of quantities or estimate, and the program or schedule of work. So the management team and clients get a wealth of information at their finger-tips.
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
rajib@jobs2india.com
Construction estimating service
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A complete online course for estimating & bidding
A complete course over the internet is being arranged to provide training on construction estimation & bidding.
The course module will involve the followings :-
An Overview of Estimating and Bidding
Planning and Organizing the Estimate
Estimating General Conditions
Estimating Labor and Equipment
Estimating Sitework - Excavation
Estimating Sitework - Utilities and Other Site Amenities
Concrete Estimating - Footings and Foundations, Slab on Grade, Columns, Walls,and
systems
Estimating Masonry Construction
The participants shoud have the following skills :-
Capability to read blue prints
Accustomed to use spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, or Quattro Pro
Basic construction knowledge that includes basic math skill, Estimating terminology (quantity take off, unit price, production rate, etc., versed with calculator and
architectural scale
The course will last for 10 week long.
The course fee will vary from $600 for AACE member and $500 for Nonmember
For registration & detailed overview, please visit the following link
https://www.aacei.org/educ/online/courses/DLC105.shtml
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Construction estimating Service
The course module will involve the followings :-
An Overview of Estimating and Bidding
Planning and Organizing the Estimate
Estimating General Conditions
Estimating Labor and Equipment
Estimating Sitework - Excavation
Estimating Sitework - Utilities and Other Site Amenities
Concrete Estimating - Footings and Foundations, Slab on Grade, Columns, Walls,and
systems
Estimating Masonry Construction
The participants shoud have the following skills :-
Capability to read blue prints
Accustomed to use spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, or Quattro Pro
Basic construction knowledge that includes basic math skill, Estimating terminology (quantity take off, unit price, production rate, etc., versed with calculator and
architectural scale
The course will last for 10 week long.
The course fee will vary from $600 for AACE member and $500 for Nonmember
For registration & detailed overview, please visit the following link
https://www.aacei.org/educ/online/courses/DLC105.shtml
Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Construction estimating Service
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