Estimating Programs......

woodmagman

Cool….we both agree why square foot pricing or lineal or what have you does not work if you do not follow the same process as the estimate was based on. Using your examples, I can tell you a 10 foot wall takes X amount of time to frame using a specific process and manpower. 100 feet of wall take 10 times

10 HOURS DAYS
Note pad of calculation

10 feet of task. 1hour or (A)
Material to complete 10 foot task cost of material or (B)

A+B=X

Number of calculate trips 1 (C)
Set up and take down time 2 hours (AA)
Overhead profit and other based on man hour (D)

C+AA+3D=F

X+F=COSTX

100 feet of task 10hours or (AAAAAAAAAA)
Material to complete 100 feet of task cost of material or (CCCCCCCCCC)

10A+10C=10X


Number of calculated trips 2 (2C)
Set up and take down time 4 hours (4C)
Overhead, profit and other based on man hour (D)

2 C +10A+14D=G

10X+G=COST10X


It is not about the square foot or lineal foot, it is about the process. With out adding the process you are not completing the equation. This equation can be calculated on paper or in any simple spreadsheet. The constant is the foot, the variables are the labor and cost incurred completing the process. If you have determined a process for breaking the variables down into a manageable size they can be used in the calculation.

the key word is ESTIMATING

modterry

This is a great forum of ideas. We build custom modular homes and for 2009 shifting back to kitchen and bath remodeling like I did 20 years ago. My main problem with bidding programs is they don't relate to the specs- I am building an on line system where the specs drive the estimate for materials, labor, tasks. For example: I am using Topics : for instance = Kitchen Counters: If the spec is granite - then I can price the materials , Labor ,(Granite takes more labor than laminate to install) . If I have done a detailed bid - by line item , then when the project books - I can assign the material line items to a PO and it is integrated.

Our specs have the a Code, Topic, Specification, Product and this is shown to the customer

Then: behind the specs are: the materials by same code system ( assembly ) , labor, tasks ( tasks go into the schedule )

This system has created 4 data tables for each project: Specs, Materials, Labor, Tasks

I have 4 "Standard " Tables that are copied into each project - I find that it is easier to delete what does not go in the project than to remember all the items each time I do a project.

We have eliminated most specs on our plans and have everything in our job notebook.

I then have added pictures and the "How TO" for the production staff within the specs also. This has really helped. Sure was hard to get the production staff to read the specs at first. Now when they ask how high does a single closet rod and shelf is - I tell them look it up

Has any one seen a program that is driven by the specs first, then materials, labor, tasks , etc ?