FastEST, Inc.’s collection of software programs offers numerous ways with which sheet metal contractors can improve and streamline their estimating process, from faster takeoffs to quick and easy customizable bid reports. One particular example that can be highlighted is the ease and speed with which estimators can make value engineering comparisons after an initial estimate is completed. Let’s visit a particular example of this within the FastDUCT® program.
In this example, we have a partial takeoff of a school building. In the base bid, the rectangular duct and fittings were calculated as shop-fabricated galvanized metal, with a 1-inch acoustic liner. Round duct and fittings were taken off as spiral.
If we run a report on this estimate takeoff, the approximate results are: CDN $ 17,227 in materials, 184 hours of shop labour, and 440 hours of labour in the field.
Now, let’s say the estimator wants to see how the estimate’s numbers might change if they utilized unlined rectangular duct and fittings, with a 2-inch fiberglass duct wrap instead. With FastDUCT®, it’s just a few clicks of the mouse, and a new report can be run. The user simply needs to visit the takeoff and switch the applicable material spec being utilized—in this instance, change from the 1-inch lined duct spec to the unlined duct wrapped spec. There is absolutely no requirement to repeat the takeoff before a recalculation can occur.
Once the report is re-run, the revised numbers look like this: CDN $9,808 in materials, 116 shop labour hours, and 408 field labour hours.
So, to summarize and compare our two reports:
Original bid with lined ductwork and fittings: $17,227 in materials, 184 shop hours, 440 field hours
Revised bid with bare ductwork and duct wrap: $9,808 in materials, 116 shop hours, 408 field hours
Now, in the instance of this revised scenario, an insulation subcontractor quote would need to be integrated, which we could run a rough budget number off of the calculated duct wrap square footage of 5,076 square feet at CDN $2.50 per square foot, totaling approximately $12,690 in mechanical insulation cost.
That said, even at a glance, we can see the difference in material costs (about CDN $7,400) and labour hours (about 100 hours combining the shop and field) is at least worth comparing, and thereby considering the inclusion of a value engineering alternate bid option to the client.
This value engineering task can also be completed in our FastPIPE® and FastWRAPTM estimating programs, especially on projects where material or labour changes can make a large difference in base bid versus value engineering bid comparisons.
This was just one specific example of the numerous ways you can make the various steps in your estimating process easier and faster. We invite you to find out more about our estimating programs today. We offer some of the most affordable and easy-to-use mechanical, HVAC, and insulation estimating software products in the marketplace today. Visit our website at https://fastest-inc.com. You can watch videos of our latest and greatest program versions in action. You can also contact us at 800-828-7108, or email us at mike@fastest-inc.com.
