Advantages of Using Construction Estimating Software

There are various factors that must be considered while compiling bid for a construction project. It is important to know that all the bases are covered be it for a residential, industrial or governmental contract. Missing details or underestimating costs of a job can lead to losing a bid entirely.

Construction estimating software helps in simplifying the process of calculating the bottom line. The best construction estimators like ProContractorMX, Estimation and Bid4Build eliminate many common mistakes that could cost an estimator extra expenses. Besides, software can track and compare the estimated cost with the actual cost during and after the job itself.

Using construction-bidding software allows the bidder to manage job costs as well as subcontractor bids, all while generating detailed and profitable bids. Construction estimators account for all aspects of construction, including equipment, labor and materials, so that the bidder does not face unforeseen costs.

Construction Estimating Software should be able to develop and monitor outgoing bids efficiently and precisely. The best construction estimating software supports completion a number of other tasks that constitute the daily business functions of a busy contractor.

Investing in construction management software increases speed and accuracy in creating and presenting bids. Though estimating software application do not guarantee winning every bid, using estimating software helps in creating the best bid possible.

Features: Construction estimating software should have tools that simplify the job. It should be able to track job costs and bids, and to perform general office-management functions such as document preparation, purchase-order processing and archiving previous projects. It should also create invoices and perform some accounting tasks.

Good construction software provides the flexibility required to create bids for a variety of projects. It should also accept customized formulas and calculations, prepare reports, import national cost indexes, compare subcontractor and vendor quotes, and track jobs by divisions and sub-divisions.

Ease of Use: Construction estimating software manages many variables. Though it can be complex, but using the software should be easy. Good estimating applications are well organized and presented in a logical manner so that bidder can get the most out of them in a short amount of time.

Integration: High quality construction estimating software can seamlessly integrate with other third-party applications already being used by the bidder. Integration with accounting software such as QuickBooks, CAD software, Microsoft Project and more will enable saving time and money by consolidating the resources of the bidder. Besides, compatibility with mobile devices such as iPads and smartphones allows updating project information easily.

Help & Support: It is important that the software is complimented with tutorials, training classes or online demonstrations to provide better learning. This type of software involves many aspects; hence it is necessary to know how to utilize all of the features in a productive manner. Apart from tutorials, customer support should also be easily available through various means, and the support team should respond to inquiries promptly and thoroughly.

  

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Try this Project Management Software - for Free!

Try this Project Management Software - for Free!

PaintCOST Estimator for Excel makes painting cost estimating deceptively simple. Based on MS Excel and improving on its capabilities, PaintCOST Estimator creates fast and accurate painting estimates that help you win bids. With features like, built-in current cost data, effective and detailed reporting including scope of bid, quotation and paint order, estimating painting a painting job is now quick and fun. 

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Elements of a Cost Estimate

The foundation for a successful estimate depends on authentic takeoff of the quantities of the various materials involved in the project. The various elements that lead to an effective cost estimate are as:

Labor Hours: Labor hour amounts can be prepared by crew analysis or applied on a unit man-hour basis. The use of a labor dollar per unit of work is only applicable when the cost history supports the data that is being used. The estimator should make allowance for the varying production capability that occurs on the basis of the complexity of a project.

Labor Rates: The labor rate or wage is the cost per hour for the craftsmen on the project. To determine any craft rate, whether union or open shop, the estimator should start with the basic wages and fringe benefits. The estimator should include payroll burdens to the wages and fringe benefits. These are FICA (Social Security), SUI (State Unemployment Insurance), FUI (Federal Unemployment Insurance), WC (Worker Compensation) and others mandated by legislation and/or company operations. These burdens, along with the base wages and fringe benefits, determine the hourly cost of a craft classification which includes carpenter, pipefitter, etc.

The hourly rate can also include an amalgamated crew where different crafts are required for the performance of the work. Overtime or the lack of overtime is another factor that determines the calculation of the hourly rates. A project that is scheduled for completion using a forty hour work week will have a modest amount of overtime costs needed in the estimate. A project that is scheduled for extended 50, 60 or 70 hour work weeks will have a substantial amount included for overtime and loss of productivity.

Material Prices: Material prices fluctuate up and down every now and then and it is important that the estimator understands as well as anticipates the frequency and extent of the price variations and the timing of the buying cycle. Material prices can be affected by:

• Purchase at a peak or dropping time of the year for the manufacturer
• Availability of material
• The size of the order
• The delivery timeframe requirement
• Physical requirements for delivery, such as distance, road size, or site access
• Payment terms and history on previous purchases
• Sole-source items
• Exchange rates (if the material need to be imported into the U.S.)

Equipment Costs: Equipment rates depend on the project conditions to decide on the accurate size or capacity of equipment necessary to execute the work. When interfacing with other equipment, cycle times and equipment capacity control the costs on the project. Costs also vary if the equipment is owned by the contractor and not rented.

Subcontractor Quotes: A subcontractor quote, like the general estimate, contains labor, material, equipment, indirect costs, and profit. It is dependent upon having the quantities, labor hours, hourly rate, etc., developed in an authentic way just like any other part of an estimate. The amount of the subcontractor quote is also depends on the payment terms of the contract, and previous payment history between the subcontractor and general contractor. It is significant to consider the bonding costs.

Indirect Costs: Indirect costs consist of labor, material, and equipment items that are necessary to support the overall project.

For the owner: Design fees, permits, land acquisition costs, legal fees, administration costs, etc.

For the contractor and subcontractor: Mobilization, staffing, on-site job office, temporary construction, temporary heat/cooling, and temporary utilities, equipment, small tools and consumables, etc.

Profit Amount: Appropriate or contracted profit rate should be applied uniformly to all contractors and to original bid and change orders.

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Published  By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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GSA Proposes Building Swap for Federal Triangle South Project

The General Services Administration (GSA) has proposed plans to redevelop a deteriorating federal office complex by L'Enfant Plaza. GSA informed that developers have been showing great interest for more than a year ago. The agency has issued a request for qualifications seeking developers to offer construction and development services in exchange for two federally owned properties at Federal Triangle South.

The selected developer would be responsible for offering the space planning, construction service and other aspects of shifting about 1,500 workers from the GSA's regional headquarters to the GSA's national headquarters at 1800 F St. NW. Besides, the developer will also renovate three historic buildings at the St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast D.C. for the Department of Homeland Security.

The winning bidder would take title to the GSA regional headquarters, 301 Seventh St. SW, and the adjacent Cotton Annex, which is currently an empty building near the regional building. Both are expected to present great redevelopment potential.

Dan Tangherlini, GSA Administrator, informed that the idea of a building exchange for services could play a larger role in how the agency does business if the current proposal is successful. The GSA regional headquarters and Cotton Annex are test cases to that end. He also added that doing these exchanges is relatively new to GSA.

It is expected that request for qualifications will be due by May 22, and the GSA will be able to issue a more formal request for proposals to qualified bidders over the summer, putting the agency in position to make an award by next spring or summer.

The GSA has obtained funding for both projects after great efforts and the building exchange proposal offers the agency a way around the congressional appropriations process. The project would also set the stage for the possible demolition and redevelopment of the old federal buildings.

Federal Triangle South is bounded by Independence Avenue, Sixth Street, Maryland Avenue and parts of D and 12th streets. The Department of Energy and Federal Aviation Administration are also based there, and their buildings could also be considered for a exchange in the future.

Tangherlini informed that this is an opportunity for them to re-examine how to use these buildings and reassess how this space fits within the surrounding community, making sure they are maximizing the utilization of the assets, getting underutilized or vacant properties off their rolls and back into contributing to the economies of the communities of which they are hosted. He said that the GSA requires considering a range of ideas given the tight budgets with which it has had to work over the past few years.

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.washington.quantity-takeoff.com

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Robot Structural Analysis 2014 tutorial part 1

he new improved Robot Structural Analysis 2014 is advanced structural analysis software that offers structural engineers with advanced building simulation and structural element analysis capabilities for large, complex structures. The software provides a smooth workflow, helping engineers to perform simulation and analysis of a variety of structures quickly and easily. Some of its various features are as follows:

1. Flexible solving options
2. Wind load simulation
3. Direct Analysis Method
4. Bidirectional link with Revit
5. Advanced auto-meshing and structural modeling
6. Localized for global markets
7. Materials and design codes support
8. Integrated solution for concrete and steel
9. Open and flexible API
10.Structural loads and load combinations
11.Wide range of analysis capabilities
12.Engineering analysis solvers
13.Reporting analysis results support

  

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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The Collision Industry Information Assistance's (CIIA) is organizing basic estimating courses

The Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA) is going to re-launch its most recognized basic estimating course to facilitate the staff associated with collision shops and insurance company. This course will provide great assistance to them while creating estimates.

Courses will commence from Tuesday May 13, 2014 arranging two classes weekly over a three week period, with students accumulating a total of 18 hours of in-class time.

The course will continue for more than six nights. The course is designed for technicians and insurance employees and focuses on to the fundamental of estimating, understanding vehicle construction, estimate writing, understanding collision manuals, supplementary charges and damage study.

Time & Locations

London

• Tuesday May 13, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday evenings

Burlington

• Tuesday May 20, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday evenings

Burlington

• Tuesday May 20, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday evenings

Barrie

• Monday June 2, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Monday and Wednesday evenings

Toronto

• Tuesday June 3, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday evenings

Brampton

• Monday June 16, 2014, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Monday and Wednesday evenings

CIAA is also planning to organize two extra all day courses in May and June.

Windsor

Friday May 9, 2014; Friday and Saturday

Ottawa

Friday June 27, 2014; Friday and Saturday

Association members will be eligible for one of the courses to get discounted rate of $450 per person and the non-members will have to pay $550. All the participants must make the payment before the relevant courses.

For registration, please contact the CIIA at 1-866-309-4272, or by email at info@ciia.com

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Ohio Unveils Nearly $2.4 Billion in Building Projects in New Budget

Columbus: Gov. John Kasich and Republican lawmakers unveiled nearly $2.4 billion in planned building projects, outlined as part of a new biennial capital budget to be considered by the Ohio House and Senate soon.

The total includes $675 million for school repairs, about $450 million for colleges and universities, $369 million for road, bridge and related public works projects, $100 million in Clean Ohio funding for farmland, open spaces and related projects, and $574 million for state agencies' capital needs. The latter includes monies for improvements at state parks.

The new capital budget is up from about $1.8 billion OK'd for 2013-14; most of the projects are backed by long-term debt issued by the state. Administration officials estimate the spending proposal will create 31,000 jobs over the next several years.

The legislation included more than $14.7 million in projects in Mahoning County, about $1.1 million in Columbiana County, $14.8 million in Stark County and nearly $1.5 million in Trumbull County, including:

• Statewide Development Centers in Mahoning County, $937,500 through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
• Youngstown Radio Reading Service, $8,170 through the Ohio Broadcast Media Commission.
• Southern Park Historic District in Mahoning County, $250,000 through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.
• Butler Institute of Art in Youngstown, $279,717 through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.
• Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown, $500,000 through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.
• DeYor Performing Arts Center in Youngstown, $100,000.
• The Nursing Outreach Initiative in Mahoning County at Eastern Gateway Community College, $250,000.
• Elevator replacements at Youngstown State University, $2.5 million.
• Utility upgrades and expansions at YSU, $2.5 million.
• Campus building upgrades at YSU, $1.5 million.
• Roof repairs and replacements at YSU, $1.5 million.
• Instructional space improvements at YSU, $1 million.
• Campus lighting upgrades at YSU, $800,000.
• Moser Hall Advanced Manufacturing Lab at YSU, $700,000.
• Restroom renovations at YSU, $400,000.
• Youngstown Tech Block Building No. 5 at YSU, $1.5 million.
• Museum of Ceramics in Columbiana County, $223,850 through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.
• Science Lab Expansion at Kent State University in Salem, $500,000.
• Classroom building renovations at Kent State University in East Liverpool, $420,000.
• Tech Belt Oil and Gas Learning Center at Eastern Gateway Community College in Trumbull County, $250,000.
• Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning repairs and replacements at Kent State University's Trumbull County campus, $950,000.
• TBEIC Energy Integration Laboratory Shared Resource Center at Youngstown State University in Trumbull County, $250,000.
• Pro Football Hall of Fame, $10 million.
• Fine Arts Building renovations at Kent State University's Stark County campus, $1.5 million.
• Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning repairs and replacements at Stark State College, $2.5 million.
• Student Center One renovations at Stark State College, $500,400.
• Atrium skylight glass replacement at Stark State College, $220,000.
• Parking lot improvements at Stark State College, $95,710.

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.ohio.quantity-takeoff.com 

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Excel Spreadsheet design with Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are professionals who have broad technical knowledge, possess strong problem solving skills and enjoy working with people. Their work is directly related to the public wellbeing and safety, and has a significant impact on decision making processes. This was part of a multi-sheet project for the complete design of an A-frame wood structure.

Originally, a civil engineer worked on public works projects and was contrasted with the military engineer, who worked on armaments and defenses. Over time, various branches of engineering have become recognized as distinct from civil engineering, including chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, while much of military engineering has been absorbed by civil engineering.

Civil engineers usually practice in a particular specialty, such as construction engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, land development, transportation engineering, hydraulic engineering, and environmental engineering. Some civil engineers, particularly those working for government agencies, may practice across multiple specializations, particularly when involved in critical infrastructure development or maintenance.

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Construction with Quadrotor Teams

Teams of quadrotors autonomously build tower-like cubic structures from modular parts. Work done by Quentin Lindsey, Daniel Mellinger, and Vijay Kumar at the GRASP Lab, University of Pennsylvania.

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.washington.quantity-takeoff.com
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Building a New Timber Frame Home in New Jersey

This exclusive video tutorial is presented by Davis Frame Company's latest timber frame raising in New Jersey!  


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Published By
Arka Roy
www.newjersey.quantity-takeoff.com
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GSA Proposes Building Swap for Federal Triangle South Project

The General Services Administration (GSA) has proposed plans to redevelop a deteriorating federal office complex by L'Enfant Plaza. GSA informed that developers have been showing great interest for more than a year ago. The agency has issued a request for qualifications seeking developers to offer construction and development services in exchange for two federally owned properties at Federal Triangle South.

The selected developer would be responsible for offering the space planning, construction service and other aspects of shifting about 1,500 workers from the GSA's regional headquarters to the GSA's national headquarters at 1800 F St. NW. Besides, the developer will also renovate three historic buildings at the St. Elizabeths campus in Southeast D.C. for the Department of Homeland Security.

The winning bidder would take title to the GSA regional headquarters, 301 Seventh St. SW, and the adjacent Cotton Annex, which is currently an empty building near the regional building. Both are expected to present great redevelopment potential.

Dan Tangherlini, GSA Administrator, informed that the idea of a building exchange for services could play a larger role in how the agency does business if the current proposal is successful. The GSA regional headquarters and Cotton Annex are test cases to that end. He also added that doing these exchanges is relatively new to GSA.

It is expected that request for qualifications will be due by May 22, and the GSA will be able to issue a more formal request for proposals to qualified bidders over the summer, putting the agency in position to make an award by next spring or summer.

The GSA has obtained funding for both projects after great efforts and the building exchange proposal offers the agency a way around the congressional appropriations process. The project would also set the stage for the possible demolition and redevelopment of the old federal buildings.

Federal Triangle South is bounded by Independence Avenue, Sixth Street, Maryland Avenue and parts of D and 12th streets. The Department of Energy and Federal Aviation Administration are also based there, and their buildings could also be considered for a exchange in the future.

Tangherlini informed that this is an opportunity for them to re-examine how to use these buildings and reassess how this space fits within the surrounding community, making sure they are maximizing the utilization of the assets, getting underutilized or vacant properties off their rolls and back into contributing to the economies of the communities of which they are hosted. He said that the GSA requires considering a range of ideas given the tight budgets with which it has had to work over the past few years.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Published By

Arka Roy

www.washington.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Construction Cost Estimator App for the Mac, iPad, and iPhone

With the help of Construction Cost Estimator contractors can develop on-site estimates for construction projects. This application is not only cost efficient but also saves time and allows contractors to generate an estimate quickly and easily. After creating the estimate, contractors can also email it to the customer as a PDF.

3 different Craftsman Costbooks with detailed cost breakdowns for over 30,000 common construction items can be optionally installed by users in the U.S. and Canada. Available in a Mac version for $39.99, an iPhone version for $19.99 and an iPad version for $29.99, all the version of the application are available in the App Store.

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Published By 
Arka Roy
www.costestimationjournal.quantity-takeoff.com
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