Learn the use of planswift online and download a 14-day free trial version

PlanSwift presents an exclusive instructional video tutorial on how to use Planswift, Takeoff and Construction Estimating Software.

Learn how to download the electronic blueprints directly from the planroom as well as practically any other digital plan right into the software. After that start your calculation by pointing & clicking on-screen.

The users can also download a 14-day free trial version from the below link:www.planswift.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

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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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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Construction Scheduling Techniques

Construction cost estimator should create project scheduling to assign dates to project activities and to match the resources of materials, equipment and labour for organized project procedure. Proper scheduling eliminates problems that can arise due to production limitation. This also helps in procuring necessary materials timely and thus providing assistance in completing the project within the stipulated time frame.

Scheduling technique include acquiring detailed construction schedules from contractors to monitor work progress. This helps in comparing the actual work performance with the schedule and prevents delays. Scheduling can also analyze the actual reason for construction delays, if any, after the completion of the project, like alterations as per owner request, worker strike, unavailability of material or any other unforeseen reason.

Scheduling technique brings uniformity in the work process and introduces consistency in the workflow. Documentation is extremely significant to keep a track on the labour hour and to research and develop alternative methods for construction to optimize cost.

The number of labour employed and the duration of their work plays an important part in construction cost scheduling. Proper scheduling of labour hour ensures organized and efficient work from the labour end and reduces the risk of delaying the project. Alternative methods may include replacement materials, employing different construction methodology etc. Scheduling technique also offers precise comparison of expenses for the proposed alternate project completion methods. 

Hence scheduling technique guarantees-

• Proper use of resources like material, equipment, labour etc.
• Ensures timely completion of project
• Prevents delays and extra expenses
• Helps in cost optimization
• If delay occurs, analyzes the actual reason of delay
• Monitors the modifications and changes introduced by the owner

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Published by Tuhin Maity
CAD Drafter & Designer
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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CostX® 3.50 version is useful for BIM users

CostX® is the most recognized  BIM estimating solution to look at and takeoff  from 3D/BIM models (including IFC). The software is compatible with the leading 3d design packages like Revit®, Archicad®, Microstation®, Tekla® and Google Sketchup® as well as all standard 2D drawings.

The users can customize their BIM estimating process by applying built-in templates and import model data as well as generate model maps easily. It can easily measure in the 2D and 3D process from the same model. Measurements are focused on all views.

One can support 5D BIM with the information supplied by the model live-linked to user-defined rate libraries and workbooks under one roof. 

CostX® also imports collection of drawing files as well as external rate information and exports to diversified formats, brining interoperability to a superior level. 

BIM users can experience the capability of BIM (Building Information Modelling) with CostX®, as it has full 3D graphics competence with the power to bring forth object properties and create automatic quantities from 3D BIM models. 

Watch this live demonstration of CostX®

Published by Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (A well know overseas company for construction estimating)

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