Making estimating easier.

Everyone is looking for good suggestions on how to make the estimating job easier. I don't have all the answers: however, I can offer some tips that should prove helpful.

Start by looking over the drawings thoroughly to get a good overall understanding of the job. Don't try to figure

Second, look at the section that represents the general view of the entire project. Pick the section that could be used as if there was no gingerbread anywhere and as if the whole job could be built based on this one area, with some slight changes in wall heights. This analysis provides the general pattern of the job.

Then pick out the easiest wall and start there. More than likely, it will be in the representative section just picked. While proceeding you will automatically learn additional factors about the job that will be helpful later.

Work your way around the exterior of the building in a systematic fashion, such as right to left. Never deviate from this approach.

Take off the exterior first, including the backup. Check the plans for walls that return back over the roof. After completing the exterior, work back through the partitions. I like to keep the various sections separate, writing down every single dimension. When finished, I have a total of all the 12-inch, 8-inch, 6-inch, and 4-inch CMUs.

I use Excel for everything. Total up all the linear foot dimensions in each section and put them together into one line item for each size of CMU or glazed material. This system works very well due to the variety of materials that may exist in a building. The chances for mistakes increase if you try to keep track of all the different types as you go.

After getting the overall length down, go back and break out the different types of walls that exist (walls that go to the deck, differing ceiling heights, etc.). In this process, don't change the overall linear foot count, just split them into their various categories. This system helps prevent mistakes.

Remember the first time through is only to make sure that you have the correct linear footage. Work from established dimensions and then try to figure it all out as you go.

Check the scales for accuracy. Take known dimensions to ensure that the scale stated is the correct one. Here is a suggestion.

On the Excel spreadsheet, take a stated dimension (such as 264.67 feet), use any scale on a ruler (best to use a small one like 3/32 or 1/16), and measure the 264.67. Assume that it comes out to 451.34 feet. Type the known dimension of 264.67 feet into cell C. Insert the made-up dimension of 451.34 feet into cell D. Type in the made up dimension of 451.34 feet into cell E (to check the formula), which now becomes the used scale dimension. Cell F becomes the answer each time you use this system based on the formula: C (known dimension/D (made-up dimension) x E (used scale) = correct dimension (F).

If using a 1/16 scale in the beginning, continue with the same figure. Scale the footage, insert that number into the used dimension (3rd cell), and the answer appears in the fourth cell. Label the scenario by plan page. Each time you change sheets, alter the scale to fit that page.

Try to establish relationships in estimating; for example, grout to rebar. Estimates were done by hand in earlier days. After figuring the grout, rebar was done. If I could work out some formulas that were accurate based on these two pieces of the estimate, I would have a valuable tool for simplifying the job.

I have always thought that two formulas for use with grout are a lot easier to remember then 30 or more done previously. The first is the size of the block (12 inch, 8 inch, etc.), and the second is spacing. The formula is 12-inch CMU sq ft x 0.5 (size of CMU) x 0.25 (2-ft 8-inch spacing) = cu ft of grout. Then cu ft x 3.877 = length of the rebar.

The boxed copy shows several other formulas.

If there is twice as much rebar as grout, add another dimension to the formula (x 2). If there is half as much rebar as grout, the factor is x 0.5, and SO on.

It's better to use decimals rather than feet and inches. Divide the number of inches by 12 to achieve the decimal equivalents.

Take lots of notes, and keep a detailed list of questions. You may not get all the answers, but have addressed the issues. Use the notes to write the scope of work.

Grout formulas: 4-in. CMU x 0.08 6-in. CMU x 0.18 8-in. CMU x 0.30 10-in. CMU x 0.40 12 in.-CMU x 0.50

Vertical spacing formulas for any block: 8-in. oc x 1.00 16-in. oc x 0.05 24-in. oc x 0.34 32-in. oc x 0.25 40-in. oc x 0.20 48-in. oc x 0.167 56-in. oc x 0.143 64-in. oc x 0.125 72-in. oc x 0.112

Rebar formulas from cu ft of grout to linear feet of rebar: 4-in. CMU cu ft x 24.25 6-in. CMU cu ft x 12.93 8-in. CMU cu ft x 6.93 10-in. CMU cu ft x 4.974 12-in. CMU cu ft x 3.877

Ron Willis owns Masonry Estimating and Consulting Services (www.meacs.com.) He can be reached at 972-475-8748 or ron@meacs.com.