Wendes Blog

2019-10-10 15:05:19 How to prepare a Budget Estimate

2019-10-14 1:22:02 Calculating installation labor and material pricing for piping, fittings, valves and specialties is a function of several system type characteristics. As an example there are categories of material types; Black iron, copper, stainless steel, cast iron, plastic polybutylene, high density, polybutylene, brass. There are many other material types used but the most common plumbing material types are PVC, CPVC and PEX. Items are broken down based on either pipe or fitting type. Sizes ranges are most commonly from 1/2″ to 3″ diameter. Connection types are threaded, welded, flanged etc. Hanger types are band, ring, clevis, etc. The estimate should be broken down in labor and pricing tables, and on extension sheets based on material type, item type, sizes, connection type and hanger type. Hangers usually are not considered a fundamental category but should be listed separately. The takeoff may be broken down in categories so that correction multipliers may be applied based on project conditions. Project conditions may be applied based on standard floor plans, tight space, congested areas, elevated piping runs, equipment rooms, etc. with a breakdown based on different material types and system types; hot water heating, black steel, schedule 40 etc. and refrigeration system. Equipment

2019-09-28 10:37:24 There are six important basic performance standards to start an estimate

2019-10-14 1:28:13 The acronym BIM refers to Building information Systems and is defined by Autodesk as an intelligent 3d model-based process that gives architecture, engineering and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure. What does BIM design and HVAC Estimating have in common and what are the potential advantages? In most cases files generated in Autodesk Revit and other Autodesk construction products have the potential to be exported to estimating platforms and the data may be used to facilitate the takeoff process. Wendes Estimating Software offers this potential however, the file format of data with both systems must be aligned. In other word the description of pipes, valves, duct, accessories etc. within both systems should be the same. While there are set up requirements involved with the alignment of data between both systems the potential for both BIM design and estimating systems to share information offers an opportunity for sharing labor and cost information.      

2019-09-23 1:48:10   We are covering some of the basic estimating principles detailed in a manual written by Herb Wendes, ” Everything You Wanted To Know About Estimating But Were Afraid To Ask.” The updated and expanded version of the original manual is now published by Fairmont Press, Inc. “Mechanical Estimating Manual”.