Looking For Retaining Wall Estimating Software..

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 01-29-2010, 04:07 PM   #1
Pro
 
Little's Avatar
 
Trade: Commercial Construction
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 249
Send a message via AIM to Little

Looking For Retaining Wall Estimating Software..


I've been doing all my wall take-offs by hand and could really benefit from a take-off program for doing so. Anyone use one to do any large commercial retaining walls?

__________________
Commercial Construction, Central Jersey
Little is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 01-29-2010, 05:47 PM   #2
Pro
 
AtlRemodeling's Avatar
 
Trade: Residential Remodeling
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Suwanee, Georgia
Posts: 380

Re: Looking For Retaining Wall Estimating Software..


Unless things have changed recently, most of the block companies have a downloadable software on their websites (ie Allan Block, Keystone, Cornerstone, Versa, etc). Please keep in mind every one of these software programs that I used will not design a wall over a certain height (normally 12-15'). They will still give you face area but not grid lengths.

After doing a tremendous amount of these walls, I could usually hit the grid lengths +/- 6" of the engineers final designs but for tall walls you will always need a design from an engineer familiar with SRW design.
AtlRemodeling is offline  
Old 02-01-2010, 05:15 AM   #3
Member
 
wheeler's Avatar
 
Trade: design / build defense contractor
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Hamden, CT
Posts: 90

Re: Looking For Retaining Wall Estimating Software..


perspectives on software from the peanut gallery -- it never lies and never tells the truth. so go the way of the stubby pencil is my recommendation, and never look back.

estimating programs that spit-out line-items from a small amounts of information use work packages. i have an estimating department loaded to the gills with all sorts of very smart people. my chief estimator does his retaining walls in excel with work-packages that he created for various categories of walls. examples of categories are segmental below 8' tall, segmental between 8' and 12' tall, cast in place stem wall with key below 5' tall, w/out key, etc. you name the wall, its height and length and we can spit out a detailed line-item estimate of labor hours, material, equipment and subs. he applies specific rates, some checks against the plan, and there you have it we have a detailed estimate.

observations. our work packages duplicate on multi-discipline jobs and never pickup on reality, with much emphasis on who is actually building the wall. the process of remembering past mistakes is cumbersome and tricky, and its interesting how software can magnify a mistake ten-fold in a microsecond. software cannot imagine what we might encounter on the job we happen to be bidding, and on our design / build jobs possibly suckering us down a very wrong path with a deceptively attractive price tag.

i check every single one of our estimates with a stubby pencil and if i had more time, that's exactly how i'd produce them.
wheeler is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Estimating Software Immanuel Electrical 12 04-28-2011 03:44 PM
Paint Estimating Software? Da Vinci Painting & Finish Work 18 08-12-2010 07:49 PM
Estimating Software brianlinx Electrical 8 02-01-2010 04:50 PM
Estimating / Project Manager Software Brickman311 Technology 4 02-03-2008 08:37 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?