Project Planning, Estimating, and Bidding
Planning fundamentals
Commercial planning starts with scope definition: work breakdown structure, sequencing, and the critical path. Candidates must distinguish the critical path (longest duration chain, zero float) from near-critical paths and understand total float versus free float. Know how a schedule logic error (open end, hard constraint, negative lag) distorts float calculations.
Estimating methods
Understand unit-cost estimating, assembly estimating, parametric (RSMeans-style) models, and square-foot historical ratios, plus when each is defensible. Cost structure matters: direct costs, indirect or general conditions, overhead, contingency, escalation, and profit are separate line items and questions often test whether contingency belongs in the base bid or a separate line.
Quantity takeoff discipline
Takeoff follows the drawing scale and the measurement convention (net versus gross, centerline versus face). Common traps: double-counting corner overlaps, mixing waste factors with quantity, confusing cubic yards delivered versus compacted, and forgetting formwork or reinforcement when pricing concrete.
Bidding mechanics
Know bid documents (invitation, instructions to bidders, bid form, addenda), bid bonds, alternates (additive and deductive), unit prices, allowances, and the difference between a bidder's qualification and a low-bid award. Addenda issued before the bid deadline become part of the contract; a bidder who ignores an addendum is nonresponsive.
Worked example
A slab is 40 ft x 60 ft at 6 in thick. Volume = 40 x 60 x 0.5 = 1,200 cubic feet = 44.4 cubic yards. With a 5 percent waste factor, order 46.7, round to 47 cubic yards. Trap: 6 in is 0.5 ft, not 0.6 ft.
Rule of thumb
Always convert units before applying waste, and price contingency as a percentage of direct cost, not of the final bid.