Estimating, Bidding, and Project Planning
Estimating, Bidding, and Project Planning tests quantity takeoff, pricing discipline, public bid compliance, and the scheduling that keeps permits and inspections from delaying a New Jersey job.
Estimating fundamentals
Build estimates from a quantity takeoff by trade or CSI division, then apply labor productivity, material waste, overhead, profit, and contingency. Contractors generally pay New Jersey sales tax on materials they buy and consume, so do not simply add sales tax as a client line item unless the contract requires it. Include escalation for long-lead materials and separate alternates from the base bid.
Public bidding
Local public entities follow the Local Public Contracts Law: sealed bids, addenda, bid bonds, and performance and payment bonds when required. Public works bidders must hold Public Works Contractor Registration and pay prevailing wage, with certified payroll records. State contracts follow Division of Purchase and Property procedures.
Planning
Use a critical-path schedule to sequence permits, long-lead procurement, rough-in inspections, and final inspections. Site logistics, temporary utilities, erosion controls, and staging affect productivity as much as crew size.
Worked example
A 24 ft by 30 ft slab at 4 in thick: 24 x 30 = 720 sq ft; 720 x 4/12 = 240 cu ft; 240/27 = 8.89 cu yd. Add 10 percent waste for grade and spillage: 8.89 x 1.10 = 9.78, so order about 10 cu yd. Show the conversion and waste allowance in the bid backup so the quantity can be checked.
Traps
Forgetting waste and compaction; omitting prevailing wage from a public bid; missing an addendum; using a proposal as a takeoff substitute.