from the point where they are called out at the drawing plan views, the steel estimator will be exploring the nuances of reading and using structural steel contract drawings.
Chapter 8, Structural Steel Material Listing, uses the same contract drawing samples that were presented in Chapter 7, and explains how the information for materials is derived from the structural contract set and is then transformed into steel items to be fabricated. Information on how to calculate the lengths and sizes of parts and pieces is provided in detail. Sample take-off sheets listings are shown at the end of each example.
Chapter 9, Reading Architectural Drawings, explains the process of reading and interpreting the information presented in these drawings in such a way that the reader can create a listing of steel materials. Samples for improvising steel fabrication information that is not specifically shown at the architectural drawings are given for both the bid letter and the take-off listing.
Chapter 10, Fabrication Labor, provides commonly-used theoretical labor time applications as well as the thought process in applying those labor factors. Information is included on welding and weld symbols, and how to read them. Sample calculations with extensions demonstrating the application of shop labor factors are shown.
Chapter 11, Paint and Painting, reviews sections of a typical specification on Painting and Coatings Section 099000. It explains how the information required for the steel fabricator is derived from this document. Information on applying paint labor and theoretical paint coverage is presented along with samples of how that information is utilized.
Chapter 12, Shipping and Handling, offers basic information with regard to obtaining pricing for trucking—it calculates the steel to be shipped based on the take-off listing. Information and application of handling theory and labor is provided.
This guide provides the beginner and those less experienced in steel estimating with a strong foundation in the trade. All of the suggested practices within these pages are designed to help you stay on the track to success. Remember: the information provided must be adapted to suit the fabrication company for whom the steel estimator is working in order to achieve a successful project.
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Steel estimators identify all the steel items to be fabricated from the set of bid or contract documents. They list and price these items. They then provide a bid price to the potential customer, prior to their required bid date and time, in the format requested.
Learning to become a steel estimator takes time, practice, and repetition. It is a profession that is learned by doing. There is no set format for doing the job—only unwritten practices that have been handed down by predecessors to eager apprentices. Each estimator’s skill is developed over time and trial. What works or does not work to gain success is learned quickly.
All the information needed to prepare a steel estimate with regard to takeoff and pricing is indicated in the bid and contract documents. A complete price must include all the labor hours to fabricate the work; all costs for steel detailing, steel materials, fasteners, buyouts, forming, and specialty items; all paint and related labor; shipping; and last; all markup and profit extensions.
It is the steel estimator’s goal to include everything needed for the completed scope of the work and still be the low bidder against the competition. Although this task sounds impossible, it is not because all the other steel estimators bidding on the projects have the same set of information. The utilization and interpretation of that bid set information, together with the knowledge and experience of the steel estimator, are the trick to being successful.
It is highly unlikely that any two projects in the commercial marketplace will ever be the same. Because all jobs are different, it stands to reason that the methods for steel estimating vary from project to project. Nevertheless, the basics applications, as defined in this manual, remain consistent.
Consistency in the work structure helps to avoid confusion, both for steel estimators and for others who need to use the information created within the steel estimate. Developing a consistent format for the take off and estimating practices will enable others to quickly understand the information provided. Because the specifics of the steel fabrication company’s requirements will vary, the estimating format needs to be shaped individually.
The basic information contained in this book will get you started and move you along in the right direction. Your work activity will help you learn more. Each project may reveal something new and different in the plans and specifications. Be flexible in dealing with project inconsistencies. Learn to work with potential customers in order to resolve any problems that may arise from those issues.
Steel Estimating is a little like gambling—you throw down your dollar and place your bet. You never really know how other people arrive at their bid numbers. What is truly important is that you know how you arrived at your price. Don’t spend a whole lot of time trying to figure out how your competition arrived at theirs—the unknowns will leave you with many unanswered questions. In the end, the project sells for what the market will bear. Stay on top of what the current market values are by obtaining post bid information whenever possible. Having this information will help you know where your finished pricing has to be in order to create a successful quote.
Mentoring with someone who has a successful background and years of steel estimating experience is a great way to get started. Build a strong foundation for yourself by working with those who are successfully established in the industry, and stick with the winners.
The ability to read the contract drawings and the shop fabrication drawings is essential to steel estimators. Acquiring a working knowledge of these drawings is important. By understanding contract drawings—what the steel fabricated items look like and how they are used—you will know exactly what to look for and where.
After they are familiar with the drawings, steel estimators must then learn to list the steel materials, also referred to as “performing a take off.” Listing the materials from the contract drawings becomes easy once you know what you want to find. After the take off is complete, the pricing is installed and the shop labor is applied. All the rest is just math steps—with the extensions of weights, pricing, and markups—to arrive at the proposed sale amount.
It is essential that steel professionals know everything there is to know about the steel items being quoted. They must know the plan for detailing the steel; purchasing the materials, goods, and services; and the required time to schedule for the shop, as well as the anticipated final shipping date for the steel. As the steel estimator, you must create a good map to the project by way of your take off, using adequate and current pricing and labor hours; you should demonstrate the expediency and efficiency toward which the project managers and shop managers will need to perform.
Create a complete plan with everything itemized and listed, including contract drawing details and drawing references. Those who refer to the plan should be able to see the necessary steps for fabrication, using the guides provided for them to follow. This plan created by the steel estimators will be referenced during the entire course of the project. From bid day through to the final billing, all the information you put in your quote will be very valuable.
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