How to turn online blueprints into a qualified construction bid proposal
How to turn online blueprints into a qualified construction bid proposal
You may know how to read a 24"x36" set of blueprints, but how do you begin to read construction plans on a computer screen? First, run out and invest in a 24" monitor (or larger) or a multiple screen display so you won't go crazy trying to scroll through each drawing! Make sure you have installed Adobe Reader and WinZip programs, as most online plan sets are in a .pdf or .zip file format.
These simple steps will help you turn digital plans into a qualified bid proposal:
Look at the General Notes and/or Cover Page to locate where your scope of work can be found in the plans. Sometimes this information can also be found in the first pages of the Architectural Plans.
Identify and download all file names using the following guideline to pick out the plans for your scope of work:
Architectural: All A drawings
Structural: All S or ST drawings
Civil: All C drawings or S for Site
Electrical: E drawings
Plumbing: P drawings
HVAC: H or M drawings
Landscaping & Irrigation: All L or LS and IR drawings. Sometimes lighting plans are called L plans too.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing: MEP drawings
3. Keep a note of which pages you will need to reference for your proposal.
4. If there are specs, take a look at any specific materials required by the builder or the project owner. Often times, specs will contain important manufacturer, color, or type information for the materials you will need to use. Specs are usually broken down by divisions according to the following:
Division 00 Procurement and Contracting Requirements
Division 01 General Requirements
Division 02 Site Construction
Division 03 Concrete
Division 04 Masonry
Division 05 Metals
Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites
Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 08 Openings
Division 09 Finishes
Division 10 Specialties
Division 11 Equipment
Division 12 Furnishings
Division 13 Special Construction
Division 14 Conveying Equipment
Division 21 Fire Suppression
Division 22 Plumbing
Division 23 Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning
Division 25 Integrated Automation
Division 26 Electrical
Division 27 Communications
Division 28 Electronic Safety and Security
Division 31 Earthwork
Division 32 Exterior Improvements
Division 33 Utilities
Division 34 Transportation
Division 35 Waterways and Marine Construction
Division 40 Process Integration
Division 41 Material Processing and Handling Equipment
Division 42 Process Heating, Cooling, and Drying Equipment
Division 43 Process Gas and Liquid Handling, Purification and Storage Equipment
Division 44 Pollution Control Equipment
Division 45 Industry-Specific Manufacturing Equipment
Division 48 Electrical Power Generation
5. Assemble a materials take-off for all the materials you will need to complete your scope of work, including spec items. Contact multiple suppliers to make sure you get a competitive price and take advantage of available supplier discounts. A great resource for evaluating materials and labor costs on any scope of work is www.get-a-quote.net .
6. Assemble a labor take-off for the required hours it will take to complete the job. Again, www.get-a-quote.net is a great resource for estimating labor costs.
7. Last, include your overhead allocation, profit margin, supervision costs, and waste/overage estimates specific to your scope of work.
If you need assistance in bidding, you can always hire a professional estimator who will assemble bid packets for you. If you are looking for projects to bid on or estimating services, contact us at EliteProNet today and let us help you get back to work! Why You Should Design your own T-shirts Online Online Travel Agencies In India Watch Out For Rolex Watches Price Online Capital One Online Banking through UK Buy Best-fit Customized Clothes Online Quick Payday Loans Online Provide You Easy Online Loans Pass the Assessments When You're Applying for Payday Loans Online The Truth About Online Executive Mba Save Time And Money By Buying Tea Online Are You Considering Getting Your Degree Online? Maryland Will made simple by a Maryland Attorney online Maryland Uncontested Divorce Prepared for the first time online by a Maryland Attorney Why Online Casino 24/7