Construction Cost Estimating Blog

Latest electrical estimating software can smooth the work process of electrical engineers and electrical estimators

2012-02-09T13:13:00.003+05:30

Before the commencement of any construction work, electricians and construction managers should estimate the amount and cost of electricity essential for a specific location. Now-a-days technological innovations have forced electrical contractors to adopt innovative methods to estimate the amount and cost of electricity in a better, faster and accurate way. This leads to the development of new and advanced electrical estimation software in different version for electricians, electrical engineers and electrical contractors.

These new software increase the speed, accuracy and consistency of electrical estimation. The software also makes the electrical contractors bidding process faster as it can easily find out labor costs, material costs, equipment and subcontract expense precisely equal to the particular system to appear at a bidding amount and make faster electrical pricing and estimating calculation of the job cost.

These electrical estimating software are proved to be very helpful for project manager also to establish labor resources, equipment and subcontractor requirements and schedule and track job progress.

The software also provides some great benefits to electrical estimators also to fine-tune labor units mechanically by calculating the installation difficulty factor for each item. The software is also capable of amending conduit sizes, and fix installations according to laid down format.

Benefits of electrical estimation software :-

Includes a huge database of electrical-specific items for electrical contractors and estimators
Availability of Pre-built electrical assemblies
Detailed lists of electrical pricing of the items
National Electrical code tables to enable the electrical contractors tools automatically reconfigure requirements

Different kinds of electrical estimating software :-

Other useful electrical estimating softwares

Electrical Takeoff

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Seminar on construction project risk and control

2012-02-08T13:58:00.006+05:30

An exclusive event on construction project risk and control will be held on 12th & 13th February 2012 in Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event will focus on how to defend your construction project’s success with the help of key strategic risk management control and methodologies.

The attendee will gain the following knowledge:-

Can control their projects within interdepartmental risk management standards to gain transparency with one another
Can control their project’s development and reduce risks
Manage assets for the inferior outcome of project’s lifecycle with help of recognized and predictable risks
Become expert on risk-based documents to care for your project’s reliability
Make better budget control strategies to enhance project control intensity
Anticipate alternate risk responses to make stronger project continuity
Meet alternative methods to keep your budget

The following renowned personnel will held the chair :-

Dr Firas A. Zaki
Projects Controls Department Manager for Aljaber Engineering & Senior Vice President Membership/CoP (Elected)
PMI Arabian Gulf Chapter, Qatar

Stephen Hibbert Partner
Patton Boggs LLP, UAE
Head of Arbitration and Major Projects - Middle East for Patton Boggs, and specializes in project risk analysis

Also featuring international presentations by:
Dr. David Hancock
Head of Risk and Value
Transport for London, United Kingdom

Dr. Yasser Abdelghany
Construction Standards and Contracts Engineer - Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government of British Columbia, Canada

Paper to be presented was co-authored with:

Adel R. Zaki (M.Sc., P.Eng.)
Adjunct Professor
McGill and Concordia University
Vice President, Engineering
SNC Lavalin Inc., Canada

Dr. David Hancock
Head of Risk and Value
Transport for London, United Kingdom

Dr. Yasser Abdelghany
Construction Standards and Contracts Engineer - Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government of British Columbia, Canada

Paper to be presented was co-authored with:

Adel R. Zaki (M.Sc., P.Eng.), Adjunct Professor
McGill and Concordia University
Vice President, Engineering
SNC Lavalin Inc., Canada

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Software cost estimation with Construction Cost Model

2012-02-07T17:04:00.002+05:30

Dr. Barry Boehm developed the Construction Cost Model to be applied with the large majority of software projects. It originates from the spiral model for project planning that defines four quadrants in each turn only one to three for the progress and project management.

The construction cost model includes calibration data, formulas and details of the definitions. This model is utilized to estimate the costs and planning of software projects applying existing components.

Construction Cost Model can be termed as standard for detailed cost estimates and particularly the breakdown of costs in relation to the phases of projects.
Construction Cost Model estimates is more consistent, that the project settings become well known.

This model is intended for creating a precise model of software project cost estimating the number of man months necessary for the development.

For very large projects or detail specific projects, this model performs an Alpha revision. This model is applied for rough order of magnitude estimates of software costs.

This model estimates cost applying one of three different development modes like internal, structured and restricted.

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Home Construction professional for Estimating Software

2011-11-22T10:54:00.006+05:30

Construction Cost Estimate (Takeoff) is the heart of your financial plan. It is what your cost control is based upon. Cost Estimate should incorporate all the items to be included in the general contractor’s bid. A standard format is applied to break down the items for preparing the cost estimate. The cost of each item is established from a database of up to date construction cost information.

Accurate cost estimation plays a key role in construction projects that leads to better decision making. There are several methods available to prepare the estimate of a project. These methods are based on the project’s scope, estimating purpose and estimating resources.

Construction estimating software was designed to help you save time, win more bids and make bigger profits. Most construction estimating software takes months to get up-to-speed. Construction estimating software comes complete with a powerful cost database that’s a snap to update. Estimating construction costs has never been easier. If you can use Microsoft Office, you can use our templates for everything from standard floor plans to sub-contractor.

In developing your home construction cost estimate, you will discover that what your home will cost to build will depend on several things:

- The design and specifications: The kind amount, and quality of the things to be included in your home.

- The prices you are able to negotiate for the labor and materials to be used in the construction.

- How long it takes to build the home.

- How successful you are in ordering the correct amounts of materials and in controlling waste and theft.

Estimating Software then allows you to set up your List of sub-contractors and to assign any item in the un-priced Bill of Quantities to a Sub-Contractor ending up with unique Sub-Contract Bills of Quantities to form sub-contract packages to sublet. Construction cost estimating software can prepare and reports, schedules, outgoing tender as well as many other tasks that constitute the daily business functions of a busy contractor.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Estimating and Costing in Civil Engineering Software

2011-11-21T10:35:00.000+05:30

Estimator is a Civil Engineering Cost Estimation and Rate Analysis software for Architects, Builders, Contractors, Engineers, etc. With Estimator 2.0 you can prepare various estimates and rate analysis of residential and commercial buildings. You can also prepare Detailed Estimate, Abstract Estimate, Tenders, Measurement Book, Cost Abstract, Labour and Contractor’s Bill, Purchase Order and other site management documents.

Estimating Software serving customers doing highway, utility, tunnel, earthwork, bridges, environmental, paving, dams, wastewater, and pipeline and railroad construction. Estimator is available for the Windows operating environments. This is fast moving software with low cost and high performance.

Free Civil Engineering Software for Estimating:-

NomitechCost Estimating Software for construction management.

ExpertEstimation by Pronamics is elemental estimating software for engineering and construction that allows you full control over your estimates to produce better estimates quicker.

CivilEngineering Software - This is the links to software's which are useful for civil engineers.

Carlson2012 - The industries served by Carlson Software technology include: land surveying, civil engineering, construction/machine control, mining, accident reconstruction & agriculture.

CivilCalculator - Civil Engineering calculation software, performs calculations for hydrology, open channels, culverts, gravity sewer, pressure pipe, traffic, road geometry, Topo surveying, earthwork, pavement, concrete floors and unit conversions.

CostOSEstimating enables Cost Estimators to build cost estimates quickly and accurately. It catches the experience gained from previous estimates and enables the user to quickly build new ones based on previous already estimated items.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Material Takeoff Sheet for Excel Sheet

2011-11-19T11:04:00.000+05:30

Material takeoff or estimating sheet is the general form of listing and taking off types, sizes and quantities of material required in a bidding process of any construction work. This material takeoff sheet is already complete and ready for printing or entering your information directly into the excel document.

Material Takeoff is a term used in engineering and construction, and refers to a list of materials with quantities and types that are required to build a designed structure or item. This list is generated by analysis of a blueprint or other design document. The list of required materials for construction is sometimes referred to as the Material Takeoff List.

Material Takeoff is the process of analyzing the drawings and determining all the materials required to accomplish the design. We then use the material takeoff to create a bill of materials.

List of Excel sheet for material take off:-

Recover Excel Sheet: MS Excel provides so many features to manage records in that manner, a novice user can easily understand at the very first time. That's why most of the user uses MS Excel for managing records.

Excel Sheet Recovery: Are you unable to use damage MS Excel file? Due to file damage, file can restrict you to open normally or showing partial data inside file. Don't worry! If you are facing this kind of issues.

Repair Excel Sheet: SysTools Excel Recovery Tool is an Excel Record Repair Solution to repair any kind of records like journal records, income and expenditure records, workers attendance sheet etc.

Excel Sheet Reader: Try Excel Sheet Reader if you want to read corrupt Excel file without losing the original format. Software filters the data from corruption and gives you the fresh copy of Excel file. It is completely safe solution. If your Excel file gets damage, you can try this utility.

Recover Excel Sheet Protection Password: Most powerful Excel Password recovery tool quickly & securely recover excel file password and unlock xls protection. In some conditions you were lost or forget your excel protection password and unable to open the file, so you need to get your XLS file password to open it, then try PDS Excel Password Remover program and recover excel sheet protection password.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Portable Document Format (PDF) Estimate Software

2011-11-18T11:14:00.001+05:30

Portable Document Format (PDF) files are a common way files are shared around the industry because they are easy to produce, create a small file size and are readable on most systems. Use Estimating software to calculate takeoffs for PDF files fast and simple. You have one of two choices:-

Do the takeoff by hand looking at the picture. This was slow and often inaccurate. You could easily spend hours doing a simple takeoff, and still have errors that cost you money.

You could buy multiple software programs. First, to convert the PDF to TIF, Then another program to calculate distances and possibly a third program to integrate the answers with Excel.

Portable Document Format (PDF) Estimates can take a lot of time to do by hand, hours lose. Download and begin today PDF Estimates can take a lot of time to do by hand, hours lost.

Download a Fully Functional Trial PlanSwift Professional 14 Day Free Trial:-

http://www.pdfestimate.com/#form

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Estimating and Takeoff Tools for Contractors

2011-11-17T11:03:00.001+05:30

Estimating takeoff tools to convert printed or digital plans, or on-site measurements, to an accurate BOM based on your products pricing and construction methods. Estimating Takeoff Tools uses cutting edge technology to generate takeoffs directly from your PC screen. Using common digital image file formats, such as .TIF, .CAL, and most CAD files you can see your blue prints directly on your computer screen and use your mouse to quantify lengths, areas, volumes and counts.

Estimating Takeoff communicates with a digitizer for a truly competitive takeoff advantage. Any construction trade can use this program and is well suited for General Contractors, Subcontractors and Project Managers. You can purchase Estimating Takeoff Tool products and continue to develop new features and enhancements on a continuing basis.

Scale Master Pro XE - Advanced digital takeoff tool with dual LCD displays

Scale Master Pro - Affordable digital takeoff tool with dual LCD displays

Scale Master Pro XE with PC Cable - Advanced Digital Plan Measure with PC Interface

Scale Master Classic - Digital takeoff tool with 72 built-in scales

Scale Master Pro XE PC Interface - Interface your Scale Master Pro XE with your PC

USMP with Smart Takeoff - Complete area takeoff tool and graphic digitizing system with software

Ultra Scale Master Pro - Affordable, versatile and powerful takeoff tool and digitizing system

Smart Takeoff! For USMP - Graphic program for Ultra Scale Master Pro

These Estimating Takeoff tools from Calculated Industries plan measuring tools also know as plan scalars will help you get fast, accurate takeoffs for estimating bidding and layouts.

Takeoff and Estimating software tools are used worldwide and are industry. Some contractors simply need quantity takeoff tools to estimate the volumes and cost of the project. Other contractors will require advanced, non-takeoff related features, such as global positioning system interface, blade control, and site layout and design tools.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Quantity Takeoff Tutorial

2011-11-16T11:21:00.001+05:30

Quantity Takeoff Tutorial videos are designed to use as a guide for estimating with Microsoft Excel, including the formulas and functions for creating your own estimating templates. Some videos offer training for the use of powerful 3D Building Information Modeling tools for precision estimating, such as Cadsoft Envisioneer and VisionREZ by Ameri-CAD.

Simple Material and Quantity Takeoffs - Check this site for Revit Architecture Video Revit Tutorial Tips and tricks.

This is a short clip on single-click auto takeoff in Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2011.

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2010 - Tutorial 7/7 - Quantity Takeoff

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Cost Estimating Software in General Contractor and Builder

2011-11-15T11:16:00.001+05:30

Cost Estimating Software is designed for General Contractor and Builder that need to provide faster and more accurate cost estimates. Cost estimating software has lead to more efficient computations, leaving estimators more time to visit and analyze projects. Estimating enables manufacturers, including fabricating and machining shops, to quickly and accurately estimate cycle times and costs based on your equipment and shop rates.

Cost estimating software for Microsoft Excel The world's best way to create office productivity is now the easiest way to build accurate painting cost estimates. You can now work in a single MS Excel environment to quickly create, build, and manage your estimates. Experience the built-in area calculator. Utilize built-in reporting or use Excel's reporting functions. It's all in one complete, integrated solution - Paint Cost Estimator for Excel.

Most construction cost estimating software programs allow you to compare bids from multiple trades and suppliers, and select the best bid in terms of price, quality, and past trade and supplier performance.

Cost estimation Software involves the determination of one or more of the following estimates:

- Effort (usually in person-months)

- Project duration (in calendar time)

- Cost (in dollars)

General Cost Estimator comes with an extensive general construction cost database in the industry-standard, covering all cost categories of construction estimating. You can easily customize the database to suit your cost estimating style - add New Cost Data or Edit Existing Data, apply Your Own Overhead and Profit Factors, and make Changes to Suit the Way You Do Business. General COST Estimator is so simple that with a step-by-step wizard-like interface, you will generate a complete cost estimate within minutes.

There are five rules of successful estimating for general contractor and builder-

A good estimate must start with a complete understanding of scope of work followed by an accurate quantity takeoff. It's all too easy to miss out identifying items of work in the project.
Understand your resources and their cost to you – material suppliers, labor force, subcontractors, construction equipment, indirect costs, and management.
Evaluate your strength and weakness and establish comparative advantage.
Determine appropriate Overhead and Profit rates.
Use sound estimator’s Judgement and keeps an open mind and ear.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Roof Estimating Software for Contractors

2011-11-14T11:14:00.000+05:30

Roof contractors to help them sell more, build happier customers, estimate faster, generate more accurate proposals and bring more to their bottom line profits. Roof contractors, re modelers, architects can create accurate flooring estimates and save time and money by utilizing this software. The software includes roofing cost database in CSI format with cost items and current unit prices. Add or edit items to suit your business. Use cost indexes to adjust for local prices.

Have you ever needed estimating software for roofing? I just search this fantastic software designed just for roofers e.g. AppliCad. While there are programs out there for general contractors, this roofing estimate software is tailored specifically for roofing contractors. Print out a clean proposal rather than a sloppy hand-written estimate and put yourself above your competitors.

Roof Estimate Pro software is complete with roofing materials, and photos your own photos that can be customize with your choice of roofing products. This program will automatically produce estimates after you enter a couple of measurements, and you can format the program to your own specialized products, and pricing.

Roof Cost Estimator allows for user entries such as job and billing information, progress payment schedule. Additionally, all cost data is user modifiable, too. Roof Cost Estimator generates instant, on-screen reports including estimate summary and bid quotation which is a formal document suitable for sending to customer for signup.

Most measurements are obtained from ground observations. There is no need to measure ridges or valleys; they are computer derived. Complex roofs are computed in sections, with a Job Summary Tabulation showing the job squares, and total feet for ridges and valleys.

Roof Contractor contains industry standard user-modifiable unit cost data for all cost categories covering roofing installation as well as local city indexes that automatically adjust costs for local geographic area. Roof Contractor instantly creates user-modifiable, on-screen or printed estimate reports including price quotation. Use Roof Contractor as an estimating and sales tool to maximize accuracy, increase productivity while saving your valuable time.

Based on MS Excel, the program that you already know how to use; Roof Contractor will automatically improve accuracy and eliminate errors while saving time.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Electrical Estimating Takeoff Sheet

2011-11-10T11:06:00.001+05:30

Electrical Takeoff will provide the most accurate takeoff specifically designed for your company. We can do this by using the best estimator and database, which is continually updated. Make note of building feeders when doing your take-off and preparing an electrical estimate. Prepare your take-off sheet by listing feeders in top boxes above vertical columns. Then leverage your electrical estimating software to add these to your project costs.

Electrical takeoffs Sheet consist of eight basic sections: lighting, distribution, devices, branch circuits, equipment circuits, feeder circuits, site work, and special systems. Although other sections on a project may include emergency generators, cable trays, or fiber-optic systems, the procedure stays the same.

Electrical estimating, allow 10 to 25% additional MC Cable in your take off for trim off or waste. It is one of the most important activities of any mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) project. In spite of this, material and labour take-off sheets are one of the most neglected parts of the projects.

Electrical Estimating Software provides high quality electrical estimating software for Commercial and Residential Electrical Contractors at a price they can afford. Our electrical estimating programs will connect you to the advantages of computer estimating by offering you intelligent solutions to your electrical estimating needs.

Electrical Takeoff spreadsheets for residential electrical plus electrician's informational offer that includes many spreadsheets for estimating assistance. In an electrical estimation sheet you will find the total costs for materials, labours, overhead and profit and with it there is a list of work included in the price.

Electrical estimating software allows users to: organize electronic plans, calculate complex areas and volumes and measure curved or straight lengths. Miles ahead of just being an ordinary electronic plan viewer, on-screen Takeoff professional sets the industry standard in plan viewing and advanced takeoff software.

Estimating Takeoff can help you - concrete, framing, drywall, flooring, electrical, painting, plumbing, mechanical, lumber, carpet, masonry, roofing, tile, piping, brick, or any other construction or contractor trade, let Cost Estimating Takeoff help you do it the easy way.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Materials Estimator in Builder Estimating Software

2011-11-09T11:58:00.002+05:30

Materials estimators come in many different shapes and sizes, everything from the old salty hand to six-figure software programs. However, right in the middle is one of the best options, construction Takeoff and Estimating Software. Material takeoffs can be done with software in one-tenth the time it takes to do the same work by hand with highlighter and calculator.

Construction Estimating Techniques and Procedures applied in construction estimating materials, labor, plant and time is immensely useful in planning and execution of any work. The following are formulas to calculate the amount of material you all need for a variety of building projects.

Concrete: Width x Length x Height, divided by 27 = number of yards of concrete needed

Foundation Masonry Block: 8" high / 16" long / 3/8" mortar normal joint height.

Roofing: Width x length, divided by 100 = number of squares of shingles needed

Siding: Width x Height, divided by 100 Square Feet = number of squares of siding needed

Wood Siding: Width of board minus distance of lapping = coverage of wood siding per board

Brick: 7 bricks = one square feet of coverage Width of area to be covered x height of area to be covered, divided by 7 = number of bricks needed.

Builder Estimating Software creates estimates and bill of quantities. Construction estimating, bill of quantities, takeoff and digitizing requirements.

Cost of materials is probably the most obvious item you have to consider in your production costs which are the materials you use to make your products. Estimating software is a simple user-friendly program for residential construction building cost estimating software helps make material costing faster, easier, and more accurate.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Spreadsheet based Quantity Takeoffs Sheets

2011-11-08T11:59:00.000+05:30

Cost Estimating Software’s built in Quantity Takeoff feature allows you to perform detailed Item quantity calculations in spreadsheet based Quantity Takeoff Sheets. The QTO Sheet to the right is a simple example of how the total volume for a number of trenches within a Project can be quickly and accurately calculated.

The Quantity Takeoff sheet is a general form for taking off and listing types, sizes, quantities, etc. of the various items required in a bid other then ductwork or piping, for extending the material amounts, labor, costs, etc. and summations.

There are two kinds of digitizing software applications- 1) simple digitizer software that calculates quantities and often sends the quantities to spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel or 2) digitizing software that is integrated with a database, assembly driven estimating program. Once you decide to implement a digitizer, you’ll then need to evaluate which type of estimating software is best for applying costs to the digitized quantities.

Building Information Modeling automatically generates the quantity takeoff sheet. Interestingly, any changes in design updates the quantity take-off sheet and construction schedule automatically making the construction estimation and take-off effortless.

The Takeoff sheet to the right shows a very simple example of how this function can be used to work out the total area of multiple walls. Example of Estimating Takeoffs Sheets-

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Construction Estimating Tool for General Contractors

2011-11-07T12:22:00.000+05:30

General Contractors know the key to profitability is having accurate estimates for everything from electrical to concrete work. Contractors Software Group develops fully integrated and affordable general contractor software solutions to choose from based upon your size and needs of your contracting business. Estimating Software along with our Digital Takeoff solution, digitizes your construction plans or photos, generates fully detailed bids, cost estimates, and professional reports quickly and accurately so you can win more work, more often, more profitably!

General Contractors are benefited with reduced costs while hiring or employing a full time Surveyor or Estimator. Cost Estimating is a powerful and innovative construction estimating solution; you can create estimates, perform digital takeoffs and manage the bid day process using a single solution. A comprehensive materials database allows you to refine each bid to take full advantage of project opportunities, and accurately calculate the cost of any size project – quickly and easily.

Construction Estimating for General Contractor Software Features Include:

Fully integrated general contractor accounting, job costing, change order and subcontract management software
General contractor-specific functionality such as estimating/takeoff software and real-time accrual of job costs
Change order management to track potential changes at the field level, ensure that approved changes are invoiced profitably and automatically update the job estimate/budget
Equipment Management to track profitability by unit and maximize ROI on both equipment and fleet vehicles
Certified Payroll reporting for union and prevailing wage jobs
Vital project close-out processes with tracking of deficiencies
Powerful financial reporting that includes flexible WIP scheduling and detailed project views
Executive Dashboard reports that provide project costs, revenue and key performance indicators in real time

Construction estimating tools help to save general contractors time and money. Instead of general contractors looking up costs on materials, these tools do the grunt work.

We have been engaged in many changeable projects over the years offer QTO services for the following project categories:

- Hospitals

- Schools

- Highways

- Industrial Units

- Offices

- Residential, both housing and apartments

As a general contractor, you need tools that can help you estimate everything from plumbing to roofing. Whether you are working on new construction or remodels, On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid can help you quickly and accurately estimate and prepare your next bid.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Civil 3D Quantity Takeoff

2011-11-05T11:12:00.001+05:30

Quantity takeoff is an activity performed by General Contractors, Subcontractors, Cost Consultants, and Quantity Surveyors as part of the construction process. It involves counting the number of items associated with a particular construction project, determining the associated materials and labor costs, and formulating a bid as part of the bidding process. Quantity takeoff is also applied to the pricing process.

Civil 3D included new quantity takeoff capabilities. Quantity takeoffs within civil 3D allow the designer to easily create quantity takeoffs based on the design model. Design changes to the model are reflected when the quantity takeoff report is run at any point in the design. This provides the capability of conducting accurate quantity takeoffs throughout the design.

BIM solution for civil engineering helps project teams create, predict, and deliver transportation, land development, and environmental projects more efficiently. AutoCAD Civil 3D helps civil engineers explore more what-if scenarios and optimize project performance with visualization and analysis tools such as geospatial and storm water analysis, quantity-takeoff, and interactive 3D simulations.

The Civil 3D quantity takeoff capabilities make it possible to easily perform quantity takeoffs of the design without taking the design into another quantity takeoff program. By performing quantity takeoffs on the model errors may be reduced. By creating a custom application within Success Estimator it is possible to import data from an external source. This ability could reduce errors caused by manual entry of information.

Features of Project Estimating:

- Automatic and Manual Takeoff Methods

- Document Types Supported include DWG Sheet, 2D DWF, 3D DWF, Image Files and pdf

- Count, Area, Volume and Linear measuring options

- Data Validation

- Reporting

- Export, Print and Publish QTO data

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh
Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Material Take Off with Revit

2011-11-04T12:09:00.001+05:30

One of the larger features that was included with the Revit 9 release was material take off's. This feature allows us to easily schedule the type, quantity, etc. of materials that are used in our Revit designs. Needless to say, this is a huge part of green building. With this information we can also begin cost analysis & estimating directly from Revit.

Material takeoff schedules list the sub-components or materials of any Revit Architecture family. Material takeoffs are detailed reports of the materials you will need to purchase for each project, as well as the total quantities of those materials. Material takeoff schedules have all the functionality and characteristics of other schedule views, but they allow you to show more detail about the assembly of a component.

To more specific number for scheduling for Material takeoff:

Since “Volume” is calculated, first create a project parameter for materials called "Thickness". Set type to “Length”.
Next add a “Calculated Value” column in the schedule to divide the “Material: Volume” parameter by the “Material: Thickness” parameter [which would be entered manually for each material in the project] once you add that parameter to the schedule. Calculated value column should be set to “Area”.
The “Calculated Value” column will display a more specific number for scheduling.

Integrated materials takeoffs can increase your productivity, and save you valuable time and money.

- Soft Costs

- Site Costs - landscaping)

- Foundation Materials

- Windows and Doors

- Electric, HVAC & Plumbing

- Interior Finish Materials - dry wall, trim, floor and labor

- Cabinets - kitchen, vanities & counter tops)

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Cost Estimating Software for home construction

2011-11-03T12:35:00.000+05:30

Estimation software developed for estimating some of the biggest projects in the world. Creating an accurate and reliable construction cost estimate has always been difficult and time-consuming; and yet, it is an absolute necessity for the success of the project. In order to streamline the process and give a distinct competitive edge to the estimator, we chose to base our popular cost estimators on the world-renowned productivity tool, Microsoft Excel.

A truly effective cost estimating solution requires three things:

1. Based on a full understanding and methodology of the general construction industry

2. Easy to implement while saving time and providing accuracy you can trust

3. Provide essential localized pricing along with flexibility and customization

The main features of cost estimating software for home construction:-

Choose the right site: This is one of the majority critical steps at what time construction a made to order residence. One of the most important issues to think is whether the place determination complement the type of house with the intention of you will build.

Sort resources early on enough: To be 100% sure to you contain the equipment in a apt mode you should arrange them weeks or still months sooner than structure starts on your custom-built home.

Cautiously decide a structure contractor: Finding a building outworker or companionship is one obsession. Judgment the true one is fairly one more obsession. The construction contractors be supposed to have a reasonable sum of knowledge. They ought to be completely approved bonded, and insured.

Stick to limited officially permitted protocol: First, you will need to secure confined structure consent. This process classically involves submitting an application, structure strategy and a fee. Following securing the construction allows you willpower in addition call for to stick on to the structure codes in your district.

Review the home subsequent to it has been completed: After the house's structure has been complete you are supposed to assessment it cautiously manifold time. Appraisal it by the builders straight away subsequent to the construction is complete.

Cost estimating software program, is designed as an intricate and detailed spreadsheet. This program is specifically designed for custom homebuilders. It comes with a pre-formatted task list allowing you to select desired items for the home. The software can then generate a custom report of future plans. Builders Software is unique when compared to most estimating programs on the market.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Construction Takeoff and Estimating Software

2011-11-02T12:09:00.001+05:30

If you are in the construction industry then you should consider using construction estimating and takeoff software to help you come up with a more accurate estimate for the cost of a project. When you are working in construction, building, and making estimates as to the cost of any building project then you will really benefit from software with on screen takeoff, and digital takeoff capabilities.

Construction estimating software can help you gain a competitive advantage by facilitating your preparation of detailed, profitable bids while managing job costs and subcontractor bids. Construction Takeoff Software for estimating has not been around forever and there are still a lot of construction companies doing estimates, and takeoffs the old fashioned way, by hand or with maybe an excel spread sheet.

Features of the Estimating software include:

- Excel integration

- Excellent customer support & training

- Takeoff prints with a color coded legend

- Easy to set-up parts & assemblies for materials and labor

- Easy plan navigation for zooming and panning, including sort cut keys

- Powerful reports

- Fully customizable

A quality construction estimating program can prepare and monitor outgoing bids as well as many other tasks that constitute the daily business functions of a busy contractor.

Download for Construction Takeoff and Estimating Software:

http://www.planswift.com/takeoff-estimating-software/request-trial.html?sr=1&button=text_link

For more information about the Plan Swift, please visit http://www.planswift.ie/

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

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Global Associates
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Exterior Siding Cost Estimating Takeoffs

2011-11-01T12:26:00.000+05:30

Takeoff cost estimating software helps cost estimators collect and synchronize Multiformat design data and high-quality images, providing comprehensive support and enabling a smoother design-to-cost workflow. Use cost estimating Takeoff to leverage property data to automatically or manually measure, count, and price various building objects.

Cost Estimating provides a comprehensive set of takeoff tools for use with 3D DWF models, 2D DWF sheets, DWG sheets, PDF files, and image files (TIFs, GIFs, and JPGs). The type of document you select on the Documents palette determines the automatic and manual takeoff tools that are available.

Jason Pratt explains how you can do Exterior Siding takeoffs-

Cost Estimating Takeoff Tools with 3D DWF models and 2D DWF sheets. These tools use the design data embedded in the DWF files by publishing applications to create takeoff data. These tools are:-

Model Takeoff: This tool, which can be used only with 3D DWF files, extracts the object tree from the model and adds it to the Takeoff palette. The items that are created by the Model Takeoff tool are placed in a takeoff group whose name is based on the model name.

Search Takeoff: This tool, which can be used with 3D models and 2D sheets, creates takeoff data for multiple items based on search criteria you define. Using the tool, you select a piece of geometry on a sheet and specify search criteria based on the object’s design data.

Single-Click Auto Takeoff: This tool, which can be used with 3D models and 2D sheets, lets you create a takeoff measurement with a single click on a piece of geometry.

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Web Developer
Global Associates
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Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2012

2011-10-31T13:08:00.000+05:30

Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2012 has been released:-

New installation wizard to streamline the Autodesk Quantity Takeoff installation process and to compliment the Ultimate tier of the Autodesk Building Design Suite
User Assistance (Documentation) transition to Web Help. Includes improved search capabilities and streamlined Help reference content
Content value combinations such as Quantity 1, Quantity, 2, WBS, or No Label are now available for in-canvas takeoff objects from the Contextual Tools toolbar. Default settings are modified from the Project Settings dialog
Legend Improvements: You can now select "Neither" as a quantity value. Units are now left-aligned and integers are right-aligned as expected. Decimals are also right-aligned and maintain alignment with decimal points
Default units and currency can now be specified for all projects from the Project Setup Wizard.
Square and cubic units will now be shown in exponential form such as m² and m³
Perimeter is a General Model Takeoff property that will populate as a Quantity 2. Visible in areas such as Takeoff Item Properties, and as a column in the Workbook
Assignment relationships are exported with catalogs, making them available for use in other projects
You can now specifically duplicate groups without objects
Descriptions for groups and their subgroups can be relabeled with the same label, label and number strings, or with just number strings
Advanced print options are available from the Print dialog. These options include the ability to send data as bitmaps to the printer
Negative dimension values are possible
Different versions of QTO can now run concurrently (2012, 2011, and 2010 for example)
Memory and performance enhancements

System Requirements (32-bit & 64-bit)

A single deployment cannot target both Microsoft Windows 32 and Microsoft Windows 64 operating system architectures. To target both architectures, two separate deployments must be created. This selection can be made in the Deployment Creation dialog.

Operating System
Microsoft® Windows XP Professional
Microsoft® Windows Vista®
Microsoft® Windows 7

Web Browser
Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 7.0 or higher

Processor
Intel® Pentium® IV processor, 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor (or faster)
Multiple processors supported
Dual core supported

Memory (RAM)
2 GB (minimum)
4 GB (recommended)

Hard Disk
550MB free space

Display Resolution
1024 x 768 True Color (minimum)

Display Card
128 MB Video Adaptor Card (minimum)
256 MB or greater, Direct 3D compatible 3D Video Adaptor Card (recommended)

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh
Web Developer
Global Associates
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Latest & upcoming IT trends for construction industries for completing a project successfully

2011-10-31T12:53:00.000+05:30

Tablets, apps, the cloud, and the Internet of Things are going to be playing a major role for construction industries.

In construction, tablets are the most important devices for many contractors and builders. The tablets facilitate users to evaluate project plans remotely, verify schedules, and reference contracts. As the tablets and apps walk off side by side, many construction software providers start to use or convert it for use in another format or product. The tablets have positively turned the jobsite more associated.

Cloud services are also widespreading extensively in construction industries. The cloud technology can be applied for the applications and business processes. By utilizing cloud service the construction professionals can accumulate and access vital documents from anywhere. Cloud-based solutions empower the construction professionals to work from any Web browser or mobile apparatus. It can also enhance the communication level between different team members.
Cloud technology is applied to execute site layout, grading, drainage, earthworks balancing and computations. A contractor is able to ensure the value engineering of a design or to verify if the site can be evaluated more competently. The cloud technology also assist to work together with the in-house 3D modeling staff or estimating professionals and encompass remote access to the data they generate—all from the jobsite, all via the Internet.

Now-a-days M2M (machine-to-machine).is being popular in construction industries. This technology comes in different forms that range from condition-based service monitoring technology in the field, RFID (radio frequency identification) to facilitate tracking equipment, materials, and even workers.

Useful links
CONSTRUCTION WITH CLOUD TECHNOLOGY

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Utilize Metrix model for effective software project duration estimation

2011-10-25T17:02:00.000+05:30

Metrix is an easy to use stochastic model to be utilized for software project duration estimation. This model applies Monte Carlo simulation over an activity graph to deal with the project duration uncertainty.

Metrix model provides great advantages as it generates a probability distribution of the software project duration without any single estimate for duration.

Rather than focusing on probability distribution functions, Metrix model facilitates the historic duration estimation of the team members with the help of Monte Carlo simulation system.

The Metrix model remove the gap among the forecasted software project duration and the real project duration.

Metrix model can anticipate the delivery date of a project function of the chronological estimation miscalculations of the same team.

The Metrix model creates an intermission for the potential project durations and a possibility distribution. So one can view the probable project durations in conjunction with the probability that certain duration will materialize.

The components of Metrix model:-

Expertise-based component: The software developer will execute a task duration estimation to be followed with task completion.

Learning oriented component: The accurateness of estimations prevail as individual task duration estimations is mechanically adjusted with historical individual estimation errors.

Mathematical-statistical component: Monte Carlo simulation is utilized to facilitate the distribution of probability for the possible project duration.

Algorithmic component: the model contains input data with which several steps & consequences are repeated and the results are defined clearly in outputs.

By applying this model the project managers can achieve better control over the project duration, related probability of a certain duration outcome. Thus project uncertainty has been trim down to a great extent.

Metrix model applied the historic duration estimation of the team members. Similar models based on Monte Carlo simulations necessitate a duration probability distribution function for each task. The Metrix model easily eliminate the probability distribution.

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RS Means adds a wing to its cost database with the launch of 2012 Annual Cost Data Publications

2011-10-24T13:39:00.000+05:30

RS Means, a trusted name in construction cost data, has been providing accurate and the latest information for construction professional. RS Means construction cost data is updated annually to avail up-to-date labor, materials and overhead costs for construction estimating projects.

RS Means adds a new update to its cost database by launching 2012 annual cost book series which contain wide-ranging data and cost estimating reference materials to provide protect against fluctuating costs and deliver more accurate estimates.

The latest update include the following features :-

Building Construction Cost Data 2012 Book: The addition of more than 23,000 unit costs of Building Construction Cost Data for building components along with new data featuring sustainable construction costs. This publication is arranged by the latest CSI MasterFormat 2010 system with restructured and developed cost data for estimating, planning and budgeting in 2012.

Assemblies Cost Data 2012: The 27th annual edition of RSMeans Assemblies Cost Data is arranged by the UNIFORMAT II classification system for reliable estimating and reporting. It contains all of the building components necessary to build up precise assembly level cost estimates, validate unit price estimates, and bring up to date reference information and cost-planning guidelines.

Electrical Cost Data 2012: Electrical Cost Data comes up with over 13,000 entirely modernized cost entries in line with the most recent products, materials, and electrical construction methods along with energy-saving light fixtures and devices, photovoltaic, and mass notification systems. The database acts as a resourceful reference to present the latest information accessible to deal with any kind of electrical estimate.

Mechanical Cost Data 2012: Mechanical Cost Data includes materials, equipment, and labor costs to generate consistent cost estimates for the most multifaceted mechanical construction projects as well as executing feasibility studies; getting labor cost data; and analyzing costs.

Plumbing Cost Data 2012: Plumbing cost data empowers customers to evaluate rapidly through specifications and takeoffs; organize estimates associated with plumbing; apply the nation’s leading database of plumbing cost information; and arrange work schedules and estimate duration times.

To know more about the 2012 cost data series, go through RSMeans.com. Look for the 2nd edition of Green Building Cost Data and more new 2012 cost data releases from RSMeans this fall.

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The role of quantity surveyor for construction project

2011-10-22T13:10:00.000+05:30

Quantity Surveyors perform in the areas where major construction work is executed. They work on diversified projects like office blocks, schools, hospitals, factories to bridges, railways, oil and mining development, shipbuilding and large process engineering works for example oil refineries.

A Quantity Surveyor can also be termed as Construction Economist, or Cost Manager and is considered as a team of professional advisers to the construction industry.

As an adviser their work range from estimating and monitoring construction costs, from the phase of a project through to the completion of the construction period. After construction being completed the quantity surveyor may be utilized for other work like ax depreciation schedules, replacement cost estimation for insurance purposes and, if required, mediation and arbitration.
Quantity surveyors perform as consultants to the owner mutually for the public and private on major building and construction projects. They may also perform as scholarly in the building and construction disciplines and in financial institutions, with developers and as project managers.
The work of Quantity Surveyors are intimately related with architects, financiers, engineers, contractors, suppliers, project owners, accountants, insurance underwriters, solicitors and Courts and with all stages of government authorities.

Quantity surveyors work with the Bill of Quantities, a document utilized for categorizing the quantities of materials and labor in a construction project. BOQ is This is assessed from design drawings, applicable for tendering & progress payments by the contractors, for variations and changes and ultimately for statistics, taxation and valuation.

The quantity surveyors facilitate owners to attain his requirements at feasibility stage in most cost-effective way. A Quantity surveyor generally applies the techniques that vary from Cost Planning, Estimating, Cost Analysis, Cost-in-use Studies and Value Management to establish a project budget.

The quantity surveyor plays a vital role to make sure that the design all through design the quantity surveyor ensures that the design stays on budget through Cost Management. Necessary additions are counterbalance by identifying other savings.

After the design and drawings are completed, the quantity surveyor will set up a Bill of Quantities, to be issued with the specification utilized by contractors for submission of submit tenders. The quantity surveyors/estimators normally arrange for tenders and may price alternatives for consideration. The quantity surveyor also evaluates tenders and makes recommendations on the type of contract or special clauses in it.

Throughout construction the quantity surveyors are required to reasonably value progress payments at usual intervals. They are also asked to make assessment on changes to design or quantities raised with reference to appropriate Bill of Quantities rates. The quantity surveyor/contract administrator should organize claims on behalf of contractor for progress payments and additional work.

After completion of construction the quantity surveyor can create depreciation schedules of the various project components and give advice on pragmatic insurance replacement costs. If any construction disputes arise the quantity surveyor is often entitled to be an expert witness, and in some cases also operates as arbitrators. In this case the quantity surveyor will work for both the contractors and owners.

Besides new projects, a quantity surveyor also works for refurbishment of old buildings, alterations to existing buildings and insurance replacement estimates. In public authorities they keep up cost statistics on a state or nation-wide basis, and there are scopes for academic careers in the building disciplines.

Useful links
The role of quantity surveyor in Project Controls and in Contract
http://forum.quantity-takeoff.com/showthread.php?1064-The-role-of-quantity-surveyor-in-Project-Controls-and-in-Contract

How to be a Quantity Surveyor
http://severialdia.com/how-to-be-a-quantity-surveyor/

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EstimatorXpress v.8 makes the estimating process fast and error free

2011-10-20T13:06:00.000+05:30

EstimatorXpress v.8 is an exclusive estimating software that produces professional estimate with incomparable estimating speed and accuracy.

The software is ideal for builders building works as the builders can apply the software for estimating anything from new builds and extensions to renovations, conversions and smaller works.

The users will be able to link to 1000+ live material/merchant prices (along with trade discounts) with the HBXL Price Tracker™ database.

The users can also print off detailed reports and professional quotes to enhance the win rate.

With the help of numerous in-built rapid estimating calculators, EstimatorXpress will reduce the estimating time by more than half and cost & compute all materials, labour and plant to save hours of time.

The users can easily put in dimensions and quantities into on-screen drawings to provide rapid estimating. The users can also import a complete set of plans while merging EstimatorXpress with PlansXpress.

EstimatorXpress has come up with some bonus packs and these bonus packs are included in the NEW EstimatorXpress Ultimate Pack or are purchaseable separately at just £50 +VAT each.

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The American Concrete Institute is planning to publish a new standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Nonstructural Members

2011-09-29T14:38:00.000+05:30

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the leading developer of new steels and steelmaking technology in North America, is going to launch a new standard for nonstructural members.

This new standard is known as AISI S220 and is being developed by AISI committee on Framing Standards (COFS). AISI S220 is a North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Nonstructural Members and expected to be completed at the end of 2011 and published in 2012.

AISI S220 will be familiar with nonstructural members for instance wall studs applied in interior partition walls. It may also be applied to other members provided that they fulfill the nonstructural definition and limitations.

AISI S220 will clear the misunderstanding between engineers and building officials. The misunderstanding happens as the design and installation requisites for nonstructural members are found in a variety of documents together with the standards for structural members.

AISI S220 will accumulate this information addicted to one standard facilitating the steel industry to get a comprehensible understanding of design constraints for members in the nonstructural category whereas making it easier for design professionals to identify and building officials to approve steel for building projects.

AISI’s codes and standards work is accomplished in the Construction Market Council of the Steel Market Development Institute SMDI, a business unit of AISI.

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Carlson Takeoff 2012 can speed up the design file conversion process

2011-09-26T11:05:00.000+05:30

A new wing added to Carlson Takeoff software with the emergence of Carlson Takeoff 2012. Some robust improvements like increased 3D visualization, capability for working with PDF files, and the ability to provide customized, more professional reports.

The contractors now get the ability to speed up converting design files. The estimators can now transform images to CAD linework acclerating the process of making this image data useful.

This CAD-based project-estimating and modeling software is compatible with AutoCAD® 2012 and IntelliCAD® 7.0 built-in.

For road work project the contractor can break out cross section quantities by staging and also the reporting of inappropriate material for end areas with newly added report formatter.

The software is also very useful for creating machine control models that output to all leading machine control providers.

Carlson Software is also presenting a bunch of other softwares like 2012 versions of Carlson Survey, Carlson Civil, Carlson Hydrology, Carlson GIS, Carlson Point Cloud, Carlson Mining, and Carlson Natural Regrade, each featuring its own industry-specific improvements.

Posted by Rajib Dey
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Maxwell System unveils 9.3 of Maxwell Systems™ Estimation®

2011-09-22T17:24:00.000+05:30

Maxwell System Inc unveils the new version alias 9.3 of Maxwell Systems™ Estimation®. This new product includes some new advancements for takeoff and estimating that range from several maintenance enhancements, CAD integration with EastCoast Sheet Metals CAD/CAM product for the Estimation HVAC and Mechanical solutions. Now linking with AutoCAD files is expanded and becomes more convenient.

9.3 of Maxwell Systems™ Estimation® will provide lots of benefits to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors as the software combines together estimates, labor needs and cost analysis to bid more preciously and enhance speed & overall efficiency.

The software comes up with some exclusive features like improved functionality for estimating; wide-ranging purchasing for materials management; project management; digital and digitized takeoff; and incorporation of estimating, purchasing, and accounting systems.

Some notable improvements with 9.3 of Maxwell Systems™ Estimation® :-

EastCoast Sheet Metal CAD/CAM integration for accelerated takeoff
Advanced search capabilities in Takeoff help improve speed and convenience throughout process
Item data import with price updating now allows users to bring Excel

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Composition of total price of a construction project

2011-09-20T11:35:00.000+05:30

The total cost of a construction project comprise of direct cost, contingency costs and margin.

Direct cost includes labor, material and equipment costs related with a construction project.

As for example direct cost for building foundation may contain the following :-

Cost of formwork, reinforcing steel and concrete
Cost of labor to create and later strip the formwork, and position and complete the concrete
Cost of equipment cost related with foundation activities like concrete mixer.

Contingency costs affect overall project cost which happens during the course of the project. While estimating the project cost there is always some When estimating the cost for a project, product or other item or investment, there is always ambiguity regarding specific content of all items in the estimate, how work will be performed, what work conditions will be like when the project is executed and so on. These uncertainties may create risks to the project. These risk are sometime referred as "known-unknowns" as the estimator is conscious about them and based on past experience, can even estimate their probable costs.

Margin alias markup includes three component indirect or distributable costs, company-wide or general and administrative costs; and Profit.

Indirect costs relate to project-specific cost not related with a specific physical item. These costs may range from project management cost, payroll preparation, receiving, accounts payable, waste disposal and building permits.

Company Wide Cost comprises of costs not associated with project but occurred throughout the course of a project. These types of costs belong to the costs of some parts of company salaries and rentals. Company wide costs may also include the costs occur prior to or after a project. These types of costs relate to proposal preparation cost and the cost of outside auditing.

Profit for construction may come in two ways – Gross Profit and Net Profit. Gross profit is calculated by deducting the real cost of the job from the total price decided. The range of gross profit may range from 25 percent to 40 percent.

But the average net profit creates the bottom line of a construction firm. The average net profit is calculated by deducting overhead expenses from Gross Profit. Net profit is what is left after all expenses are deducted.

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Some useful methods for construction cost estimation

2011-09-14T15:57:00.000+05:30

Cost estimation can be termed as a well-devised forecast of the possible construction cost of a specific building project. A detailed cost estimate presents information to owners, architects, and builders about the facility and the project budget throughout the design phase.

A cost estimate should incorporate all the items to be included in the general contractor’s
bid. A standard format is applied to break down the items for preparing the cost estimate. The cost of each item is established from a database of up to date construction cost information.

Accurate cost estimation plays a key role in construction projects that leads to better decision making. There are several methods available to prepare the estimate of a project. These methods are based on the project’s scope, estimating purpose and estimating resources.

Parametric cost models
Under this method a parametric model is applied in which costs are forecasted based on project characteristics (parameters) in a mathematical model. Here models are developed from historical cost data based or from building a model scenario on similar systems or subsystems. Models can be simple (for instance, with the cost per square foot to estimate the total cost of building a home) or they can be complex (for instance, applying several factors to estimate the total cost of home construction, for example the number of floors, windows, and doors).

Statistical analysis is performed on the data to discover connections between cost drivers and other system parameters, for example design or performance parameters. The analysis creates cost equations or cost estimating relationships to be utilized independently or grouped into more complex models.

Bottoms-Up method
This method is applied at the time of progression of level of detail with the advancement of project. Under this method a work statement and set of drawings or specifications are utilized to “takeoff” material quantities necessary for executing each separate task achieved in completing a prearranged operation or generating an equipment component. From these quantities, direct labor, equipment, and overhead costs are derived and added. The contractors always organize this type of estimate to support their proposal bid process. This entails with a detailed WBS and pricing out each work package making up the project.

Top-down estimate
It is subsidiary technique that starts with work breakdown structure (WBS). To get a top down estimated schedule the estimator has to break down the activity and set up linkage between activities. It is applied once a good overall estimate is ascertained for the project and the method is sub-divided down through the layers of the work breakdown structure.

A top-down estimate facilitates a project manager to obtain a very similar project’s budget, work some financial math magic and get a rational budget for the current project.

Top down estimating is primarily applied in construction projects to provide a quick estimate where the prerequisites are more or less static, and there aren't too much unknowns. This method can also be applied for small software projects.

Top-down estimates employ rules of thumb, parametric models, analogies, or cost estimating relationships (CERs). CERs based on historical experience that can present data involving the cost to build up a source line of software or the cost per square foot for a building construction project.

This method estimate the size (duration and cost) and risk of a project (or phase) by looking at the project as a whole and matching it with the similar projects executed in the past.

Specific Analogy Technique
This method is useful for early life cycle macro-estimation. Analogous estimating relies on historical information to forecast the cost of the current project. Under this method one has to select one or two completed projects that most intimately match the characteristics of your launching project concerning the scope of the current project, its size, and other known variables.

The process of analogous estimating considers the known cost of an item used in previous estimating systems as the basis for the cost of a similar item in a new estimating system. If any similarity is found, observe how many effort hours that project took, and utilize the information for your estimate. (If the organization don’t have any tracking for actual effort hours, detect how many people worked on the project for how long, and then regulate the hours as required.) Adjustments are made to known costs to make up differences in relative complexities of performance, design, and operational characteristics.

Watch the following power point presentation for demo.
http://www.nps.navy.mil/orfacpag/resumePages/OA4702/Chapter%2011%20Analogy.ppt

Cost Review and Update Technique
Under this method an estimate is created by investigating previous estimates of the same project for internal logic, completeness of scope, assumptions, and estimating methodology and bring up to date with any alterations.

Trend Analysis Technique
This method compares originally estimated contract costs against actual costs on work performed up till now to obtain a contractor efficiency index. The index is very useful for regulating the cost estimate of work not completed so far.

"Design-to-Cost"
Under this method all cost goals for development, acquisition, or operations and maintenance are utilized like design parameters together with technical performance, in the systems design trade-off process. In some situation where the absolute value of a dollar threshold required to be enclosed, the project definition, conceptual design, and development can deal with performance trade-offs to arrange the project in a predetermined cost envelope.

"Cost as the Independent Variable"
This method is an affordability based method ideal for planning project scope. The method begins with a fixed budget and performs toward the back in the course of a repetitive procedure of prioritizing and choosing constraints to appear at a project scope attainable within budget constrictions.

Posted by Rajib Dey
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Chilton unveils ChiltonEstimating ideal for professional automotive technicians

2011-09-13T18:54:00.000+05:30

Chilton just released ChiltonEstimating, an online tool to create estimates, work orders, and invoices for professional Automotive Technicians.

By utilizing ChiltonEstimating the users can avail the current labor times with all content online and with two shop-user logins they can work on multiple job simultaneously. Besides the users can also open two work orders at a time to save huge time.

The information within ChiltonEstimating is regularly updated to enable users to get the most appropriate and latest information while carrying out an estimate. Furthermore, all vital customer information within ChiltonEstimating is accumulated securely online to ensure that all data may not be lost or destroyed.

ChiltonEstimating comes up with several pricing option to suit your requirements and can be purchased as an annual or monthly subscription.

Buy online

System Requirements
Internet Explorer 7.0 or later versions, Firefox 3.6 or later versions
High-speed Internet connection
Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, 32bit or 64bit versions

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Site Work Estimating Sheets facilitate the work of estimator

2011-09-12T18:55:00.000+05:30

Site work estimating sheet s are useful for intermediate estimators, real estate developers, general contractors, project managers to develop an accurate site-work construction cost estimate.

Site work estimating sheets are utilized for estimating foundation, earthwork construction & stabilization, underground utilities, estimating roadwork and paving.

Site work estimating sheets contain work quantities, assemblies, price quotations, unit price, elements, labor, equipment hour, man hours, individual and subcontractor material for site work estimate as well as cut and fill, underground utilities, road-building estimate.

Given below some site work estimating sheet which can be downloaded at free of cost :-

SHEET 1

SHEET 2

SHEET 3

SHEET 4

SHEET 5

SHEET 6

SHEET 7

SHEET 8

SHEET 9

SHEET 10

SHEET 11

SHEET 12

SHEET 13

SHEET 14

SHEET 15

SHEET 16

Some state of the art software ideal for HVAC & Mechanical Estimator

2011-09-09T15:20:00.000+05:30

HVAC estimating software provides great benefits to mechanical, piping, plumbing or sheet metal estimator to estimate the material and labor cost required to build a heating and cooling ventilating system. In order to find out the total cost estimate for the HVAC ventilating system all facets of material and labor cost are documented. A wide-ranging bill of materials supported with detailed design criteria and specifications for the HVAC system are generated alongwith related labor cost for manufacturing and installing a system in a building.

The HVAC estimating software also enhance your bid volume and accuracy by providing consistent, professional bids itemized in greater detail that are easily evaluated and amended to boost your business bottom line and competitive position. The software also provides a detailed bid report and summaries during a project.

The HVAC estimating software also facilitates the commercial estimator to characterize duct construction standards for rectangular, round and oval ductwork.

FastDuct

FastDUCT is an unique HVAC estimating software ideal for industrial and commercial sheet metal contractors to figure out construction cost quickly and precisely. The software can easily computetakeoff from rectangular, round, and oval ductwork and sheet metal and HVAC equipment.

The user can customize their specifications to go with their standard for duct construction or purchasing duct.

READ MORE

FastPIPE

FastPIPE™ is a state of the art mechanical piping software intended for plumbing contractors to estimate the plumbing work and construction cost accurately and in less time.

FastPIPE™ applies interactive Windows Graphics to make the estimating process easier. Theestimator can view what he is taking off.

With its improved detailed take-off capabilities the software can easily track diverse areas or location within a project.

READ MORE

FastWrap

FastWrap provides great assistance for the mechanical insulation contractor and gives piping & duct insulation support for mechanical, industrial piping, plumbing, HVAC piping, HVAC duct and industrial duct.

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QuickPen Autobid

QuickPen AutoBid SheetMetal software empowers HVAC estimator to create HVAC and Sheet metal estimate quickly and accurately. HVAC and sheet metal estimators can raise their bid volume by modifying bids quickly and take action to last-minute changes in bidding process to meet up the most deadlines.

QuickPen AutoBid SheetMetal save time for HVAC estimator to a great extent as it can easily segregate an area in GTO and transfer it to alternate or a different HVAC system.

The estimator can also apply it at inventory time to cost and produce spreadsheets of stocked material.

READ MORE

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Global Associates
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360Value® enhance the property valuation system

2011-09-07T17:27:00.000+05:30

Xactware and AIR Worldwide jointly launches 360Value®, a web-based replacement-cost estimator for residential properties, commercial properties and agricultural. The software is ideal for insurance agents, underwriters, inspectors, property owners and others to figure out the cost to rebuild properties, make property valuation, improve risk management and enhance business decisions.

360Value® is applied for the following purpose :-

To determine the replacement costs at the time of quoting, underwriting data analysis and management reporting
Rationalize workflow through property prefill
To update estimates for policy renewal
To accomplish periodic assessments of a portfolio to find out policies with obsolete estimates and property information.
Manage catastrophe risk
Enhance the policyholder experience
Consolidate underwriting data

This component based software is liable for all the material and labor components required to reconstruct the structure. 360Value obtains the underlying material and labor cost data, in part, by analyzing more than 3 million damage-repair estimates each year.

360Value connects the underwriting and claims functions to facilitate the insurers to predict the claim loses and speed up the claim process. The adjuster are able to bring the replacement cost up to date and evaluate the property details before a site visit.

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Global Associates
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The American Concrete Institute recently publish 318-11 building code

2011-08-29T14:07:00.000+05:30

The American Concrete Institute has launched ACI 318-11 to be applied for all concrete design, construction, inspection, repair, and research professionals. The new publication includes most updated code necessary for concrete building design and construction together with the corresponding commentary.

ACI 318-11 will provide a great assistance to Engineers, architects, contractors, specifiers, building officials, students, and professors.

Key features of ACI 318-11:
There are advancements for Reinforcement detailing for seismic applications which include reinforcement detailing for distinct segments of special structural wall systems, detailing of horizontal bars at special boundary elements, and tightened confinement details for flexural hinge regions of large beams.

In order to verify the concentration of dissolved sulfates in water, brackish water, or seawater, Test methods ASTM D516 and D4130 should be applied and to find out percent sulfate by mass in soil ASTM C1580 should be followed.

Recently accessible bend bar types are incorporated into proper provisions. Grade 80 bend bars in compliance with ASTM A615 or A706 should be utilized for non-seismic applications. Zinc and epoxy dual-coated reinforcing bars per ASTM A1055 are also now recognized.

Test records required to find out standard variation for a mixture design should be up to 24 months old. In order to execute acceptance testing of concrete the testing agencies must adhere to ASTM C1077.

Detailing requirements for ties for circular columns have been explained thoroughly and addition made for minimum reinforcement of deep beams.

There are amendments for Detailing requirements of temperature and shrinkage reinforcement for post-tensioned slabs.

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DraftLogic Electrical & ConEst IntelliBid 7.0 are now integrated to make electrical estimating process 14 time faster

2011-08-25T13:10:00.000+05:30

DraftLogic Electrical, the leading electrical design software is now seamlessly integrated with ConEst IntelliBid 7.0 to feed all line voltage elements of an electrical design into electrical estimating software mechanically. Now electrical systems design, takeoff, and estimating will be put in under one roof.

This combination will provide some great benefits to electrical designers and estimators as they can easily verify and optimize their estimate because there is NO counting, NO scaling, NO measuring, and NO take off work for line voltage systems.

The electrical designers and estimators will be able to create a completed electrical design and estimate from an architectural floor plan fourteen times faster.

By utilizing this combination DraftLogic Electrical users can export all elements (devices, feeders, and branch circuit wiring as well as luminaires, receptacles, and motors) of their electrical design with associated details into ConEst IntelliBid's count sheets to get rid of manual counting and data entry.

Panel schedules for every panel and every circuit are settled. Every interconnection from every Branch Circuit wiring run is settled together with support for DraftLogic Electrical's multiple circuit home run groupings facilitating the estimator not to perform any take-off and scaling work. Vast detail about each piece of switch gear, motor, and feeder is fed into their respective count sheets, saving thousands of keystrokes.

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Related Costs of a built construction

2011-08-18T16:21:00.000+05:30

The owner should take into consideration the preliminary capital cost and the consequent operation and maintenance costs for a building construction. The cost component is formed with these cost categories.

The capital cost relates to the expenditures required for initial formation of the construction. The capital cost consists of land acquirement expenses along with assembly, holding and improvement, Architectural and engineering design, Construction financing, Planning and feasibility studies, materials, equipment and labor, Insurance and taxes throughout construction, Owner's general office overhead, equipment and furnishings not taken in construction, Inspection and testing.

The operation and maintenance cost over the project life cycle for succeeding years should comprise of relevant land rent, Labor and material for maintenance and repairs, cyclic renovations, Insurance and taxes, Financing costs, Utilities, Operating staff, Owner's other expenses

The extent of these costs varies according to nature, size and location of the project in addition to the management organization.

In order to compute the life cycle costs the owner should also consider the equivalent operation and maintenance cost of each alternative for a suggested construction.

In a construction budget there should be arrangements for allowance of contingencies or unexpected costs all through the construction process. This contingency must be contained in each cost item or incorporated in a single category of construction contingency. The amount of contingency depends on historical experience and the predictable complexity of a particular construction project. The contingency expenses for a construction may be associated with design development alterations, schedule adjustments, general administration changes (such as wage rates), contradictory site conditions for those anticipated, Third party obligations required for the duration of construction, as for example new permits.

The owner can avail the contingent amounts not expend for construction near the end of construction to the owner. These amounts can also be considered as additional project elements.

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Carbon Footprint - A brief overview

2011-08-17T13:27:00.000+05:30

A carbon footprint is the total assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced through transport, land clearance, the production and consumption of food, burning of fossil fuels, like natural gas, crude oil and coal, manufactured goods, materials, wood, roads, buildings, and services. It is generally expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its alike other GHGs (methane, ozonem, nitrous oxide), emitted. These greenhouse gases are converted into the amount of CO2 affecting the global warming.

The carbon footprint is a division of the ecological footprint and of the more comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment(LCA). A carbon footprint is calculated for the time period of a year.

A carbon footprint is categorized as the primary footprint and the secondary footprint.
1. The primary footprint arises from direct productions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels together with domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane).
2. The secondary footprint arises from the indirect CO2 productions with the whole lifecycle of usable products related with their manufacture and eventual breakdown.

Carbon footprint provides great effect on population, economic output, and energy and carbon intensity of the economy. So once the carbon footprint is set up, some steps should be taken to decrease the amount of carbon footprint. These steps range from technological developments, better process and product management, development of substitute projects like solar or wind energy or reforestation, changed Green Public or Private Procurement (GPP), decrease the amount of energy for production requirement, decrease the reliance on carbon emitting fuels, carbon capture, carbon offsetting, consumption strategies.

In the medium- and long term, the carbon footprint has to be diminish to less than 2'000 kg CO2 per year and per person for a sustainable living.

Once the greenhouse gas emission is ascertained, they should be converted to CO2 equivalencies. Suppose one has 100 grams of NH2, then you have to convert applying a conversion factor so that it is in terms of CO2. Emission factors (grams per mile) are available from different ranging from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Energy Information Administration (EIA), and the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

If you get the emission factor (e.g., 200 grams/mile) and the activity (e.g., 100 miles), the greenhouse gas emissions can be easily calculated (i.e., 200 x 100 = 20,000 grams). Each of the emissions that are calculated is specific to a pollutant (e.g., CO2, CH4, etc.).

Few people prefer to convey their carbon footprint in kg carbon rather than kg carbon dioxide. One is able to convert kg carbon dioxide in kg carbon by multiplying with a factor 0.27 (1'000 kg CO2 equals 270 kg carbon).

Carbon Footprint Calculator :
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How to prepare a bid estimate to win a project

2011-08-02T16:45:00.000+05:30

A bid process is required to award the most jobs in construction industry. In a bidding contest the lowest bidder will be awarded the contract. Estimating a construction bid involve some knowledge of the building process.

The bid estimate is specific to the project conditions illustrated in the plans and specifications. The bid estimate is required by contractors and subcontractors for bidding purposes or the owner to appraise bids.

In order to prepare an accurate construction bid, the most current drawings, project specifications and copies of any addenda or change bulletins that have been issued are required. The company who is calling for the bid should render all of these documents. In case the drawings are submitted from a plan room, the addenda and bidding requirements should be checked properly.

Review the drawing and floor plans. Then review the title and symbols pages for any general project requirements.

Review the project specifications for getting most sets of construction documents. Read the section related with your trade and read the prelim section featuring general project conditions.

Measure material quantity by executing a material takeoff. As for instance, an electrical contractor should take into consideration the receptacles, switches, junction boxes, light fixtures, and length of wires and conduits along with panels, transformers and any electrical connections for equipment or mechanical work. These estimates will sum up the total material price.

Work out the labor costs. Find out the time frame for completion of the job and multiply this number of hours with the average wage plus any labor burden to ascertain the total labor costs.

Put material and labor costs together and comprise any special fees like permits, wage scale, bonds, insurance premiums or other costs. Multiply the total dollar figure with an appropriate percentage to contain overhead and profit.

Finally prepare your bid form putting price, complete scope of work and the name of the project.
In case the project is different from typical designs, the contractor should evaluate the actual cost of construction by taking the actual construction procedures to be used and the related costs.

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Some new technologies for Perfect bidding and estimating

2011-07-30T13:37:00.000+05:30

Perfect bidding and estimating plays a vital role for construction industry to measure the profitableness in the construction industry. In order to achieve this every construction firm should utilize right technology as it will develop and increase functionality across the construction job cycle and create more value to contractors.

C-BID Services (www.cbidservices.com, ) a leading provider of comprehensive bid solicitation is making partnership with PlanSwift, a takeoff and estimating solution by Tech Unlimited Inc. C-BID’s online planroom assist you to store, organize and distribute your plans online from one easy to use centralized location with a bid-document library where significant bid information (project documentation, up-to-date bid information, drawings, specifications, and addenda ) can be accumulated.

Online plan room also contains a digital filing tool that can be utilized by bid participants to invite, bid and respond. As the plan room utilizes a recognizable approach to folder structure and document organization, it can be easily incorporate into workflow.

By contributing The Plan-Room digital file tool to PlanSwift takeoff and estimating software, C-Bid and Tech Unlimited can greatly influence the general contractors for getting rid of manual takeoffs and lessen the margin for error by storing bid documents in the cloud.

Recently, new technology incorporations between JB Knowledge Technologies’ SmartBidNet, www.smartbidnet.com, College Station, Texas, and jobsite123.com, www.jobsite123.com, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will connect general contractors employing SmartBidNet with subcontractors on jobsite123.com. This will enhance bidding and estimating for both general contractors and subcontractors.

Besides, SmartBidNet and Cloud Takeoff from To Scale Software, www.toscaleplans.com, Cincinnati, Ohio, built up a new partnership to meliorate the data contribution and collaboration for GCs and subcontractors throughout the bidding and takeoff process.

These types of partnerships are creating new opportunities to bid projects efficiently in technology-advanced construction marketplace.

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Construction Contract - General Overview

2011-07-26T16:30:00.000+05:30

A construction contract is a contract purposely carried off for the construction of an asset or a group of interdependent or interrelated assets relating to the design, technology and function or ultimate purpose or use.

A fixed price contract denotes to a contract where the contractor consents to a fixed contract price or a fixed rate per unit of output, which may be subject to cost escalation clauses in some incidents.

A cost plus contract denotes to a contract where the contractor is recouped for permissible or otherwise defined costs in addition percentage of these costs or a fixed fee.

Under IAS 11, if a contract addresses two or more assets, the construction of each asset reported for individually if (a) separate proposals were submitted for each asset, (b) portions of the contract regarding each asset were negotiated independently, and (c) costs and revenues of each asset can be evaluated. If not, the contract is reported for in its entireness. [IAS 11.8]

Two or more contracts are accounted for as a single contract if they were negotiated together and the work is interconnected. [IAS 11.9]

If a contract provides an alternative to order one or more extra assets, construction of every extra asset is accounted for as a separate contract if either (a) the additional asset dissents considerably from the original asset(s) or (b) the price of the additional asset is separately negotiated. [IAS 11.10]

Schedule of Quantities
A schedule of quantities is formed for all the projected works after the creation of architectural and engineering design. The true project cost will be determined by putting estimated unit rate adjacent to each work item. In order to keep the design intact the cost of budget should be amended with the change of building material or lower requirement of specification.

Estimation / Cost Planning
An estimate of capital cost along with direct & indirect cost and an estimate of capital expenditure containing plant , labor , material , temporary works , fixed overhead , subcontractors , suppliers , operation and maintenance etc. should be prepared for financial schedule to evaluate the economic viability. Simultaneously, an income schedule must be set up for a commercial project to anticipate the profitableness and rate of return.

Financial Support
Financing of a project, particularly for a commercial project, may significantly affect the choice of project size and type of contract to be selected by the client. In case the financial status mainly governs the size and sequence of the project, the client itself should know well about the financial schedule of its capital investment and expenditure. If short of funding, it should look for supports well in advance from outside parties or banks when necessary.

Contingency
In spite of preliminary investigations in engineering design stage, there are always possibilities of experiencing unanticipated problems after the commencing of work. With the purpose of doing away with the situation of running out of budget, the client or its engineer frequently take into accounts a contingent sum of money to cope with the unpredicted additional works.

Preparation of Contract Documents
During the design phase the engineer should have arrange for the right form of contract documents to be utilized with construction to the client. Sincere attention and sufficient time should be given to organize the contract documents failing which may cause sudden additional expenditure. Now-a-days some common forms of contract known as FIDIC Contract are available.

Preparation of Tender Documents
At the time of submitting tenders some vital information like represent the full design , detailed requirements , stage completions of works , contractor’s responsibilities , terms of payment and any other special conditions should be included into tender drawings , specifications , bills of quantities , works programme and the contract documents so that the renderers’ can easily understand the value of work to render a competitory but precise quoted price to cover the whole of the work. Inadequate information in the tender documents will cause disputes and claims accordingly throughout and at the end of the contract.

The following documents should be included into a tender:
a) Instructions to tenderers
b) Form of Tender
c) General Condition of Contract
d) Special Condition of Contract
e) General Specification
f) Particular Specification
g) Bills of Quantities
h) Methods of Measurement
i) Tender Drawings
j) Additional appendices
k) Form of Agreement

Preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQ)
The bill of quantities contains a schedule of predetermined work items for item-by-item portion of contract works. It presents the brief description of the necessitated work and with estimated quantity taken off from the tender drawings. To get over the complete work the contract may include a series of bills which constitute a part of the tender documents for the renderers to estimate against each item with a unit rate or unit price. On the ground of the total offered price will then be developed. Assessment of the BoQ items will be based on the “preamble” and compliant with the process described in the “Standard Method of Measurement (SMM)”. A brief examination must be carried out to resolve the errors related with the “BoQ unit” and the numerical figures of the “ BoQ quantity”.

Though construction contracts are considered as the systems for evaluation construction cost, they also constitute the allotment of risk to the different parties involved in the construction. The owner is empowered to select the type of contract to be utilized for a specific facility to express the terms in a contractual agreement.

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Permits & Building Codes for Construction

2011-07-20T15:55:00.000+05:30

Building codes represent a set of regulations which state the minimum conditions necessary to safeguard life, safety and protect the public welfare through regulating the design, construction practices, construction material quality (including fire performance) location, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures.

The Code and Guidelines delineate the responsibilities of clients, project managers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, related entities, industrial associations and employers in the construction industry.

State governments have the authority to set up such regulations and may pass on all or part of this authority to counties or municipalities.

Most state and local jurisdictions prefer to accept the model building codes maintained by the International Code Council (ICC). Among the ICC’s family of International Codes are the International Building Code (IBC), which comprises requirements regarding almost all types of new buildings, and the International Residential Code (IRC), which includes requirements related to new one- and two-family dwellings. Some of the provisions within these codes are proposed for ensuring that structures are able to sufficiently reject seismic forces and remain safe during earthquakes.

When modulating materials, many of the model buildings codes pass on to quality standards developed by standard-setting organizations for example the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Some building codes and insurance rating organizations also trust on test information from Factory Mutual Research (FM) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
It is a privately held non-profit association that manages and organizes the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.

US DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Provides a guide to building codes all over the nation. Know about federal construction regulations and rules.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (ASHRAE)
Provides links to HVAC standards in addition to training, events, etc., for HVAC contractors.

Building Codes, Construction Standards, Building Permit Information & Links
Get relevant data about building code officials, code books, building permit departments, national and international construction standards, model energy codes, and residential construction guidelines.

Building Codes & Standards - Information Sources)
It is a division of the University of California at Berkeley's Environmental Design Library and provides links to a diversity of building codes (including obscure ones) and code organizations.

Code Check
This site provides a guide to writing safe codes for plumbing, mechanics and homes.

Code Links and Other Resources
This site generates a thorough and searchable listing of building codes, code-writing organizations, and standard-writing organizations.

NCSBCS
The National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards. It contains an well-organized, supportive system of building regulation to gurantee the public’s safety in all buildings, residential and commercial.

Building Energy Codes
DOE's Building Energy Codes Program is an information hub on national model energy codes.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
This site provides online database for codes and standards along with important safety information on demand. Public safety can be improved through the adoption and enforcement of key ANSI codes and standards.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Online government code database for the ADA includes design standards, enforcement, code certification and new or proposed regulations.

Florida Building Codes Online
This site also provides online database for building codes.

Online Permit Resources
Permit Place
This site contains links to most of the United States local municipalities' permits. In case of requiring a building or environmental permit, just find your city and click the link.

US Census Permits Index
This Census Bureau site lets you search for permits issued by state, metropolitan area, and other criteria, and includes updated statistics on national building permits as well as documentation.

Accela Citizen Access

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