Is Construction Cost Estimation Essential for Bidding
Construction bids are proposals submitted by contractors, builders, or construction firms to compete for a construction project. These bids typically include detailed plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the construction project, outlining the work to be done, materials to be used, and the time required to complete the project.
Construction bids
are typically evaluated based on several factors, including the contractor’s experience and qualifications, the proposed work plan, the proposed cost, and the proposed timeline for completing the project. The contractor with the winning bid is typically awarded the contract to complete the construction project.
Accurate cost estimation is essential for success in construction bidding. When contractors bid on a project, they are essentially providing an estimate of how much they will charge to complete the project. This estimate needs to be accurate and reflective of the actual costs involved, to ensure that the contractor can deliver the project as promised while still making a profit.
Accurate cost estimation helps win bids:
Accurate cost estimation plays a critical role in helping contractors win construction bids in the highly competitive construction industry. Clients want to work with contractors who can provide them with a realistic and accurate estimate of the costs involved in a project. When contractors can provide a competitive estimate that is also accurate, they are more likely to win the bid and secure the project.
By providing accurate cost estimates, contractors can show their clients that they have a good understanding of the project requirements and are committed to delivering the project on time and within budget.
This can lead to a better working relationship between the client and contractor, as the client will trust the contractor’s ability to manage the project effectively.
Accurate cost estimation prevents cost overruns:
Accurate cost estimation is critical to preventing cost overruns in construction projects. When contractors underestimate the costs involved in a project, they risk running into unexpected expenses later on, which can lead to delays, extra expenses, and ultimately a lower profit margin for the contractor.
Cost overruns can occur for various reasons, such as unexpected delays, changes in project scope, or unforeseen circumstances that affect the cost of labor, materials, or equipment. If the contractor did not account for these contingencies in their original cost estimate, the project can quickly become more expensive than anticipated, leading to cost overruns.
When cost overruns occur, they can negatively impact the contractor’s profitability and reputation.
Accurate cost estimation enables effective project planning:
Accurate cost estimation is critical to effective project planning in the construction industry. When contractors have a clear understanding of the costs involved in a project, they can plan accordingly and ensure they have the necessary resources and materials to complete the project successfully.
With accurate cost estimation, contractors can develop a detailed project plan that outlines the resources and materials needed to complete the project within the specified timeframe and budget.
It also allows contractors to identify potential cost-saving opportunities, such as the use of alternative materials or technologies, that can help reduce project costs without sacrificing quality. This can be especially important in situations where the client has a tight budget or is seeking cost savings.
Accurate cost estimation creates blind trust with clients:
Accurate cost estimation is an essential element in building trust with clients in the construction industry. Clients want to work with contractors who are transparent and honest about costs.
Clients may be skeptical of contractors who provide low or vague cost estimates, as they may fear that the contractor doesn’t have a deep understanding of the project’s scope, timeline, and budget.
It can help prevent disputes and misunderstandings between the contractor and the client. When the client understands the costs involved in the project, they are less likely to question or challenge the contractor’s expenses. This can result in a smoother project process and a more positive experience for both the client and the contractor.
How to update and revise a CPM schedule as your project progresses.
A Critical Path Method CPM schedule is a project management tool used to plan and schedule project activities to ensure that the project is completed within the defined timeline. However, just creating a CPM schedule does not guarantee the success of a project. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the CPM schedule to identify any gaps or shortcomings and take corrective action. In this post, we will discuss how to evaluate the success of your CPM schedule in detail.
A CPM schedule is an essential document that outlines the activities and their interdependencies, which makes it possible to manage and monitor the project’s progress effectively. As projects are dynamic and evolving, it is common for schedules to require revisions and updates. Here are the steps to follow when updating and revising a CPM schedule:
Review the Current Schedule:
One of the crucial steps in updating and revising a CPM schedule is reviewing the current schedule. Before making any changes, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the current status of the project.
The review process helps identify any potential issues or challenges that need to be addressed. Project managers can develop solutions to overcome these issues and adjust the project schedule accordingly. Reviewing the current schedule ensures that the updated schedule accurately reflects the current state of the project, which is essential for effective project management.
Identify any Changes or Updates:
To update a CPM schedule, it is essential to identify any changes or updates that have occurred since the last update of the schedule. This involves reviewing any new information that has become available since the last update, including new activities, updated durations, and new dependencies.
Project managers should review any meeting minutes, emails, and other project-related documents to identify any changes or updates that may have occurred.
Re-Evaluate the Critical Path:
Re-evaluating the critical path is an essential step in updating a CPM schedule. After making any necessary updates or changes to the schedule, project managers should re-evaluate the critical path to determine if any new activities have become critical or if any activities have become non-critical.
To re-evaluate the critical path, project managers should identify the sequence of activities that have the longest duration and determine if any changes have affected the duration of these activities.
Update the Schedule:
Updating the schedule is a crucial step in CPM schedule management. After identifying the changes and re-evaluating the critical path, project managers must make the necessary updates to the schedule. This involves adding any new activities, updating the duration of existing activities, and modifying dependencies as needed.
When updating the schedule, project managers must ensure that all relevant details are included, such as the activity ID, duration, and predecessor activities. These details provide a clear understanding of the sequence of activities and help ensure that the schedule accurately reflects the project’s current status.
Communicate Changes:
After updating the schedule, project managers must communicate the changes to the team. This includes sharing the revised schedule with all relevant stakeholders, including the project manager, team members, and any external contractors. Communication is essential to ensure that all team members understand the changes and can adjust their work accordingly.
When communicating changes, project managers should clearly explain the reasons for the updates and any potential impacts on the project’s timeline. This helps stakeholders understand the rationale behind the changes and make any necessary adjustments to their work.
Monitor Progress:
Monitoring progress is a critical step in CPM schedule management. After updating and sharing the schedule, project managers must regularly track the status of the activities and compare them with the updated CPM schedule. This helps ensure that the project stays on track and meets its objectives.
To monitor progress, project managers should review the status of each activity and compare it with the updated schedule.
Are shop drawings and design drawings one thing?
Shop drawing, also referred to as fabrication drawing, is a detailed and comprehensive plan that translates the design intent into the technical specifications required by fabricators for the production, assembly, and installation of all the components of a structure.
These drawings provide fabricators with vital information such as required materials, dimensions, and specific instructions for the proper assembly, installation, and erection of the components. Typically, engineers, steel detailers, steel modelers, and fabricators are responsible for creating these drawings.
Shop drawing usually contains detailed information, including dimensions, connection details, fabrication standards, installation and erection instructions, on-site verification dimensions, comparisons with the construction documents to facilitate approval by the architect or engineer, and notes on any changes from the original construction documents to enable approval by the architect or engineer.
Difference between the two: Design drawings and shop drawings are both vital for the successful completion of various construction projects, including industrial, commercial, and bridge developments. While they are sometimes mistaken for the same thing, they each serve a unique and important purpose in the construction process.
Design drawings are utilized in the early stages of design to convey design concepts and proposals. On the other hand, shop drawings provide fabricators with the necessary details for the manufacturing, assembly, installation, and erection of the structure, including information about materials, welding, and connections.
Importance of Shop Drawings:
The creation of precise and accurate structural steel fabrication drawings is crucial for ensuring seamless communication between the architect or designer, the client, and the fabricator.
These detailed drawings serve as a critical tool for clarifying the requirements of the design and the expectations of the client.
- By providing a clear and concise illustration of the specifications, materials, and dimensions required for each component of the structure, shop drawing helps to ensure that the fabrication process flows seamlessly without any interruptions or delays.
- Moreover, fabrication drawings help to expedite the timeline of construction by enabling the fabricator to proceed with the manufacturing process without having to halt or pause production to confirm missing details or dimensions. This, in turn, can reduce the overall time required for fabrication, installation, and completion of the project, which can be highly beneficial for projects with tight timelines.
- In addition, fabrication drawings provide the fabricator with sufficient detail to ensure that steel elements are structurally sound and adhere to all necessary safety, quality, and project standards. The detailed information contained in these drawings enables the fabricator to verify the accuracy and quality of the materials, processes, and workmanship involved in the fabrication process.
- Perhaps most importantly, accurate fabrication drawings can help to reduce or even eliminate the need for rework during the construction process. By identifying and resolving issues and clashes early on in the process, unnecessary expenditure on additional labor and materials can be avoided.
Transferring design drawings into shop drawings: In recent times, the pressure on engineers and budget cuts have resulted in a decrease in the quality of design deliverables. It is not enough to simply transfer design drawings to shop drawings by inputting dimensions; a high level of expertise and information is required to accurately translate design intent.
Therefore, it is crucial to have a team of experts with technical expertise who can bring a project concept to life. Steel detailers need to be able to create a 3D model from design drawings, identify and rectify issues and clashes, and generate highly precise 2D shop drawings that ensure superior quality fabrication.
Design drawings and shop drawings both play critical roles in the lifecycle of steelwork, whether for a bridge, stadium, tank, or pipework. Design drawings enable an architect or engineer to communicate their vision for a project, while shop drawings provide detailed instructions and specifications necessary for fabricators to produce structurally sound, precise steelwork. The ability to accurately translate design drawings into shop drawings requires vast skill and expertise.
Few Best Reasons Removing Wallpaper Glue is Necessary
How to remove wallpaper glue?
Removing wallpaper glue can be a daunting task. The task of chipping away at the walls with scrapers and harsh chemicals does not sound fun. But, fear not! There are actually several alternative methods for removing stubborn wallpaper glue that is much easier on your walls, as well as your sanity. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to tackle this pesky problem and get your walls looking good as new in no time.
Assuming you are talking about removing old wallpaper glue, the best way to do this is with a putty knife and some elbow grease. You will want to start by scoring the wallpaper glue with the putty knife to create a crosshatch pattern. This will help the glue to release from the wall.
Once you have scored the glue, use a sponge or cloth soaked in warm water to wet the glued areas. Be sure to apply pressure while scrubbing to loosen the grip of the glue. You may need to repeat this process a few times before all of the glue has been removed.
Why you should remove wallpaper glue?
When removing wallpaper, it is important to remove all of the glue as well. If you leave behind any residue, it will be difficult to apply new wallpaper or paint over the area.
Here are a few reasons why you should remove wallpaper glue:
It’s important to start with a clean surface: If you don’t remove all of the glue, it will be difficult to get an even application on new wallpaper or paint.
Glue can be difficult to remove: Depending on the type of wallpaper glue, it will be difficult to get to remove if you don’t take care of it right away.
You don’t want any surprises later on: Once the job is done, you don’t want to find out that there was still some glue left behind. This can cause problems down the line, so it’s best to take care of it now.
Process of removing wallpaper glue:
Assuming that you have already prepared your walls by scoring the wallpaper and removing any loose bits, the next step is to focus on the glue removal process. The first thing you need to do is to use a putty knife or scraper to remove as much glue as possible. If there is a lot of glue built up, you may need to use a heat gun to soften it before you can scrape it away.
It is essential to get rid of as much glue as possible before moving on to the next step. The next step involves working on the residual adhesive with strippers or solvents. These strippers and solvents are formulated to break down the adhesive, making it easier to remove wallpaper glue.
To apply the stripper or solvent, use a paintbrush or roller, and apply it generously to the wallpaper. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies where the glue may be hiding. You should also make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when using these chemicals to avoid any contact with your skin or eyes.
After applying the stripper or solvent, let it sit for the recommended amount of time. This time can vary depending on the product used, so be sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully. After the recommended time has passed, use your scraper or putty knife to remove any remaining wallpaper glue. You may need to repeat this process several times before all of the glue is removed.
Removing wallpaper glue is a multi-step process that involves removing as much glue as possible with a scraper or putty knife, softening the remaining adhesive with strippers or solvents, and then removing it with a scraper or putty knife. It is essential to be patient and take the time to do it right to avoid any damage to your walls.
How beneficial shop drawings are in construction projects?
Construction projects are no small task. From the initial designs to the final inspection, there are a lot of moving parts involved in getting each project completed on time and within budget. One of the most important tools for ensuring a successful construction project is shop drawings.
Shop drawings offer detailed information about a given part of the structure, such as plumbing or electrical systems, which allow contractors to better manage their construction processes. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how shop drawings can be beneficial in construction projects, from saving time and money to improving overall project quality.
What are shop drawings?
Shop drawing are detailed drawings of the components of a construction project that are created by the contractor or subcontractor. They show the dimensions, materials, and assembly instructions for each part of the project. Shop drawings are used to fabricate and assemble the final product on-site.
Importance of Shop Drawing:
Shop drawings are an essential part of the construction process because they help ensure that all parts of the project fit together correctly. Without shop drawings, it would be difficult to know how to assemble the final product on-site. Shop drawings also help the contractor or subcontractor communicate their vision for the project to the rest of the team.
What should be included in a shop drawing?
A shop drawing should include all pertinent information about each component of the project, such as dimensions, materials, and assembly instructions. All team members must have access to the most up-to-date version of the shop drawing so that everyone is working from the same set of plans.
The purpose of a shop drawing is to provide the information necessary to manufacture, purchase, or install a component or system. Shop drawing include dimensions, notes, and other pertinent information. They may be two-dimensional (2D) drawings or three-dimensional (3D) models.
Shop Drawing are typically required for:
- Prefabricated components
- Custom-manufactured items
- Made-to-order products
- Items with special finishes
Advantages of shop drawing
Shop drawings are an essential part of the manufacturing process that offers various benefits to businesses and contractors. By providing detailed measurements and specifications, shop drawings can assist contractors and installers in ensuring that the final product matches the initial design. This ensures that the project is completed as per the customer’s requirements and reduces the chances of any costly rework or changes.
Shop drawing can save time and money by avoiding potential problems during installation. By identifying any design or material issues before installation, contractors can prevent potential rework or costly delays. This helps in reducing any project risks and costs, making the overall project more efficient.
Shop drawing can be used as a training tool for new employees or contractors. Shop drawing help in educating new employees or contractors about the installation process and the specifications required to ensure the final product meets the design standards. This can lead to more consistent and higher-quality installation work.
Shop drawings can provide valuable information for troubleshooting issues that may arise during installation. By referring to the shop drawings, contractors and installers can quickly identify and fix any issues or discrepancies that may arise during installation. This can save time and resources and keep the project on track.
Challenges while making shop drawing:
Creating shop drawings can be a challenging process, particularly when it comes to ensuring that the drawings accurately represent the construction project.
One of the primary challenges is that the construction process is often complex and subject to frequent changes, which can make it difficult to keep up with the latest design modifications. Therefore, it is important to stay updated with the latest design changes and ensure that the shop drawings reflect those changes to avoid any discrepancies.
Moreover, the shop drawing need to be accurate, precise, and easy to understand, which can be challenging, especially if the project is complex. It requires a high level of skill and attention to detail to create shop drawings that reflect the correct design intent and can be easily understood by contractors and installers.
Is it a good idea to paint over wallpaper glue?
Before painting over wallpaper glue, some steps are to be considered, which are as follows:
Remove the previous wallpaper:
Removing dated wallpaper is an essential step in the process of painting wallpaper glue. The method of removing the wallpaper will vary depending on the type of wallpaper being used. Vinyl wallpaper, for example, can typically be removed using a steamer, hot water, or a spray bottle. However, removing wallpaper can be a challenging task, especially if the entire home is covered in it. In such cases, it is advisable to seek the assistance of professional wallpaper installers to carry out the removal.
Once the wallpaper has been removed, you will notice that a coat of sticky adhesive remains on the surface of your walls. This adhesive residue is the mixing glue that was left behind from the wallpaper and will need to be removed before you can start painting. It is important to clean and prepare the walls thoroughly to ensure that the paint will adhere correctly and last for a long time.
Prepare the work area:
Before removing the glue residue, it is important to properly prepare the work area. The process of removing and painting wallpaper glue can be messy, and it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect your home and belongings.
Begin by removing any furniture from the area or covering it with plastic sheeting if it cannot be moved. It is also advisable to use painter’s tape to protect the baseboards and crown molding from accidental drips or splatters. To further protect your flooring, place a tarp or sheet on the floor to catch any drips or spills that may occur.
Remove the excess glue:
Removing the excess glue residue requires a few simple household items such as a sponge, bucket, and water. To effectively remove the adhesive, a solution must be created. In a large bucket, mix hot water with 1 cup of vinegar and a small amount of fabric softener. The solution should then be applied to the walls using a sponge.
Once the solution has been applied to the walls, it should soak into the adhesive, breaking down the bond and making it easier to remove. In some cases, one coat may not be enough to fully remove the adhesive, so additional coats may be needed. Just be sure to be cautious about the amount of water used, as too much water can cause damage to your walls.
Inspect the wall for any damage:
After removing wallpaper and cleaning the walls, it is common for the drywall to have cracks, scrapes, or chips. Before painting, it is important to inspect the surface of the walls for any damage and take the necessary steps to repair it. Ignoring any damage could result in an uneven or poorly done paint job.
To repair drywall damage, use wall tackle or joint compound and apply it to a putty knife. Apply a small amount to the knife and hold it at an angle to fill the cracks or damaged areas. Repeat the process several times until the cracks are filled with putty. Once the putty has dried, use sandpaper to smooth out any uneven patches and create a seamless surface for painting over wallpaper glue.
Paint over wallpaper glue:
Before painting wallpaper glue, it is crucial to apply an oil-based primer to the walls to prevent any reactivation of the wallpaper glue. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use oil-based paint, such as Benjamin Moore, when painting over wallpaper glue. This is because water-based paint may reactivate the glue residue, which could result in a sticky mess.
To paint the walls, apply multiple coats of oil-based paint, allowing each coat to fully dry before applying the next. This will ensure that the paint is evenly spread and the surface of the wall is covered thoroughly. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific paint you are using, including drying time and recommended coats, to ensure the best results.
Step guide to producing shop drawings.
Shop drawings:
Are detailed, scale drawings that are produced by contractors, subcontractors, or fabricators. They are used to convey information about a building project’s components and system, and provide a visual representation of the design for the construction team. Here’s a step-by-step guide to producing shop drawings:
Review the project specifications and design documents: Before proceeding with the creation of shop drawings, it is crucial to thoroughly review the project specifications and design documents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the design goals and specifications. This step will ensure that you have all the necessary information to accurately create the shop drawings.
- Create an outline: Before beginning the actual creation of shop drawings, it is advisable to create a detailed outline of the scope of work. This outline should encompass a comprehensive list of all the different systems and components that need to be included in the shop drawings, in order to give a clear picture of the work that needs to be done.
- Create a detailed floor plan: To create a comprehensive and accurate representation of the building, it’s crucial to develop a detailed floor plan. Using the project specifications and design documents as a guide, carefully plot out the placement of all systems and components, considering the location and relationships of each element. This will allow you to visualize how everything fits together, ensuring that all components are positioned correctly within the building.
- Create detailed drawings: To create detailed shop drawings, you need to make an accurate representation of each component and system that is included in your project’s scope of work. The drawings should include all relevant information such as the dimensions, finishes, and materials used. This step is crucial in ensuring that all necessary information is captured and communicated to the various parties involved in the construction process. By creating detailed drawings, you can effectively visualize and plan out each component and system, ensuring that they will be installed correctly and meet the project specifications.
- Verify accuracy: Before finalizing the shop drawings, it is essential to check for accuracy and ensure that the drawings comply with the project specifications and design documents. This includes verifying that the drawings accurately reflect the sizes, finishes, and materials specified in the project requirements. It is also important to ensure that the drawings accurately depict the placement of each component and system in the building.
- Make Revisions if necessary: Once you have checked the accuracy of your shop drawings, if there are any changes that need to be made, it is important to revise the drawings accordingly. This could be due to updates in the project specifications or design documents, or simply because you have identified areas in the drawings that can be improved. Ensure that all revisions are made accurately, and then re-check the drawings for compliance and accuracy before moving forward.
- Submit for review: After thoroughly reviewing and verifying the accuracy of your shop drawings, you can now submit them to the relevant authority, such as the architect or engineer, for approval. Ensure that you provide all necessary information, including all relevant details and specifications, to facilitate a smooth and efficient review process.
- Review feedback: Carefully evaluate any comments or feedback you receive from the architect or engineer and make the necessary changes to your shop drawings. Ensure that these changes are in compliance with the project specifications and design documents and that the revisions accurately reflect the design intent.
- Finalize and distribute: After receiving approval on the shop drawings, it’s time to finalize them and make copies for distribution to the relevant parties involved in the construction process, including the construction team, subcontractors, and suppliers. Ensure that the final version of the shop drawings is complete and accurate, ready to be used as a reference during the construction process.
By following these steps, you can produce clear, accurate, and detailed shop drawings that will help to ensure a successful construction project.
How can you secure a Construction Bids and provide the client with a clear understanding of the cost and timeline for the project?
A constructions bid is a formal offer made by a contractor to a client, in response to an invitation to bid on a construction project. It includes a detailed description of the scope of work, labor, materials, and equipment needed to complete the project, as well as the contractor’s estimated cost for the work and the proposed timeline for completion. The goal of a construction bid is to secure a contract for the contractor and provide the client with a clear understanding of the cost and timeline for the project.
Importance of Construction Bids:
The constructions bid process is an essential part of the construction industry, as it plays a critical role in the successful completion of construction projects. Here are a few key reasons why construction bids are important:
Establishing cost and timeline:
A construction bid provides a clear understanding of the estimated cost and timeline for a project, allowing the client to make informed decisions about the project and budget accordingly.
Competition:
Constructions bids help to create competition among contractors, leading to more competitive pricing and higher quality work.
Legal protection: A well-prepared construction bid can serve as a legally binding document, protecting both the contractor and the client from misunderstandings and disputes over the scope of work and payment.
Evaluation of contractors: Construction bids allow clients to evaluate the qualifications, experience, and past performance of contractors, helping to ensure that the best contractor is selected for the project.
Transparency:
The construction bid process promotes transparency and fairness, reducing the risk of Fraud, corruption, or unethical behavior in the construction industry.
Difference between Constructions Bidding and Construction Estimation:
Construction bid and construction estimation are two distinct but related aspects of the construction process. Here are the key differences between them.
- The primary purpose of a constructions bid is to formally offer to perform a construction project for a specified cost and timeline. In contrast, the purpose of construction estimation is to determine the cost and timeline of a construction project before it is put out to bid.
- Construction bids are typically based on detailed project specifications, drawings, and plans provided by the client or the architect. Construction estimations, on the other hand, are based on preliminary information and conceptual designs, which may be subject to change.
- Construction bids typically provide a much higher level of detail than construction estimations, including a detailed description of the scope of work, labor, materials, and equipment required to complete the project.
- Constructions bids are legally binding documents, whereas construction estimations are not. A construction bid becomes a legally binding contract when it is accepted by the client.
- Constructions bids are used to select the contractor for a specific project, and competition between contractors is a key aspect of the bid process. Construction estimations, on the other hand, are typically prepared by a single contractor or construction consultant and are not intended for use in a competitive bidding process
Construction Bid Template:
There are several benefits of using a construction bid form template for your construction company or as a project manager. Firstly, templates can significantly speed up the bid-making process, allowing you to send out more bids in a shorter amount of time. This helps to reduce the costs of the bidding process while increasing the potential projects your team can take on. It also streamlines the bidding process, freeing up time for billable tasks and making it easier for new hires to take over the bidding process.
Another advantage of using a construction bid template is that it helps establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the bidding process, making it easier to scale your construction company. The ability to customize bids to each project also enables you to create more professional-looking proposals, helping you stand out from your competition.
Using a construction bids form template has many advantages, from speeding up the bid-making process to streamlining work for your whole team and allowing for better revenue forecasting. It is an essential tool for construction companies looking to grow and compete effectively in their market.
What are the general steps involved in the construction bidding process?
The construction bidding process involves a contractor presenting a proposal, called a tender, to a client for carrying out or managing a construction project. It plays a crucial role in construction projects as it allows firms to choose contractors to hire.
Standard Procedure of Bidding:
The standard procedure for construction bidding includes the following steps:
- The client or general contractors issue bid invitations to contractors or subcontractors.
- The contractors or subcontractors receive the invitation which includes the scope of work, deadline, penalties, and pre-qualification requirements.
- The contractors or subcontractors examine the tender document and evaluate the project based on their cost codes.
- The contractors or subcontractors submit their bids to the client or general contractor.
- The client or general contractor awards the bid to the subcontractor with the most advantageous offer, which then becomes a binding agreement.
Types of Construction Bidding Methods:
When a property owner intends to receive bids for a construction project, they can choose from four types of tendering methods, namely, open tendering, negotiated tendering, selective tendering, and serial tendering.
- Open Tendering: This method allows anyone to submit a bid on a project, and it is widely used in government projects. The open tendering process is considered to create maximum competition and lower the costs of the project.
- Negotiated Tendering: In this method, the property owner selects a single contractor to carry out the work and negotiates a contract with them. This tendering method is only applicable to highly specialized projects and might be considered anti-competitive in some cases.
- Selective Tendering: This is a balanced approach between open and negotiated tendering, where a limited number of contractors, pre-determined by the property owner, are invited to submit their bids. This method provides a balance between competition and simplicity in the bid selection process.
- Serial Tendering: This method is used for situations where the property owner is soliciting bids for a series of similar projects over a specified period. For example, a housing developer may need to construct hundreds of residential homes over three years. Serial tendering can reduce the burden of repetitively soliciting bids for similar projects, but it may also reduce competition.
Major Steps in the Construction Bidding process:
Bid Solicitation:
This is the first step in the construction bidding process where the property owner, who is looking to undertake a Construction Bidding project, issues an Invitation for Bid (IFB), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the contractors.
For public projects, the bid solicitation is usually an open invitation to all the contractors who are registered to work on government construction projects. However, for private projects, the bid solicitation may be open or sent to a select few contractors. In some cases, the bids may be solicited through bid management platforms like Procore or Plan Hub.
The bid solicitation document should include the following information for the contractors:
- Construction specifications
- Project requirements
- Contract type
- Project delivery method
In addition to these details, the bid solicitation document may also ask for additional information about the contractors, such as their qualifications and past projects, to prequalify the contractors and ensure that they are capable of delivering the job as promised.
Construction Bidding Submission:
In this phase, contractors who meet the prequalification requirements and are interested in the job, submit their bids to the property owner. The contractors will submit documentation about the project timeline and costs, as well as information about their business. General contractors will solicit bids from subcontractors to complete specific aspects of the job, and they combine all of the information into a single bid, which they then submit to the property owner.
To create an accurate bid, contractors must perform a detailed cost estimate of the project. This includes calculating costs for labor, materials, equipment, overhead, and profit margins. This can be done by reviewing the project specifications, performing material takeoffs, and calculating overhead and profit margins. The final bid should represent the best quality at the most reasonable price.
Bid Selection:
In this phase, the property owner will select the winning bid. For public projects, government rules often mandate that the lowest bid wins. However, private project owners may take into account factors beyond price, such as contractor experience, safety records, and scheduling philosophy, to determine which contractor is most suitable for the job. When property owners receive multiple bids with similar prices, they may use internal scoring systems or other prequalification measures to determine the winning bid.
Contract Formation:
Once the winning bid has been selected, the property owner and the winning contractor will enter into a contract. The contract should be a detailed agreement that outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, including the scope of work, payment terms, completion timeline, and any penalties for non-compliance.
Project Delivery:
Project delivery is an essential aspect of the construction bidding process, even though it is not considered part of the bidding itself. Before the bidding process starts, the property owner must determine the project delivery method, which will play a significant role in the way bids are solicited and submitted.
Several project delivery methods could be used for construction projects, including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and Construction Manager at Risk. These methods vary in terms of the way bids are solicited, submitted, and evaluated.
Design-Bid-Build:
is a traditional method where the property owner employs a separate design firm to create the designs for the project. The general contractors then bid on the construction of the project based on the designs. In this method, the contractor is only involved in the construction of the project and is not responsible for the design.
On the other hand, the Design-Build method is a single-source delivery system that employs a single firm to provide both the design and construction services. In this method, bids are only received from subcontractors that support the work of a single firm. In other words, the single firm acts as the general contractor and is responsible for both the design and construction of the project. Finally, the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method involves the hiring of a construction manager to provide both pre-construction and construction services. The construction manager is responsible for managing the construction process and is at risk for delivering the project within a guaranteed maximum price. In this method, the construction manager is involved in the project from the beginning, and the contracts for the construction work are negotiated and awarded to the subcontractors.
Removing the leftover wallpaper glue necessary?
Before starting to remove old wallpaper glue from your walls, it is important to learn how to remove the adhesive left behind. Failure to do so can result in spending hours scraping the paper away and still being left with a sticky residue on the walls. This can impede plans to paint the walls and make it difficult to achieve a smooth, clean surface. To effectively remove wallpaper glue, it is recommended to use a liquid stripper or water to soak the wall surface and scrape it with a putty knife.
To prepare for removing the wallpaper glue, move any furniture out of the room or to the center of the room to protect it from getting wet. Cover floors and remaining furnishings with plastic tarps and use painter’s tape to seal off electrical outlets, light switches, and vents. It is also recommended to turn off the power to the room for safety measures.
To remove the wallpaper glue and achieve a smooth, clean wall, mix hot water, liquid dish soap, and baking soda in a bucket. This solution will soften the glue and make it easy to scrape or wipe away. If the glue is not easily removed with this solution, you can add vinegar (about 1 cup per gallon of water) to the mix. Distilled white vinegar is commonly used for this purpose. For particularly stubborn glue, a commercial wallpaper stripper may be necessary.
Removing Wallpaper Glue:
Is a tedious and time-consuming process, but it is necessary to achieve a smooth and clean surface for new wallpaper or paint job. Remove the wallpaper glue residue by working in small sections, focusing on areas no larger than five feet by five feet at a time. Begin by putting on rubber gloves and using a damp sponge to apply the cleaning solution, which consists of hot water, liquid dish soap, and baking soda, to the first section of the wall.
Allow the solution to sit for a few moments before wiping off the glue residue with a rag. For stubborn pieces, use a putty knife or wallpaper scraper to gently scrape them off. Repeat the process of applying the solution and scraping off the residue, working one section at a time, across the entire room. If necessary, use a ladder to reach higher sections and be sure to check the baseboards closely. If any last bits of glue refuse to come off, try using a chemical stripper. Dispose of the residue in trash bags. Keep in mind that the process is tedious and time-consuming, but the end result will be worth it.
Once you have applied the cleaning solution to the walls and let it sit for a few moments, it is time to wipe it off. Start by putting on a pair of rubber gloves, to protect your hands from the cleaning solution. Take a clean, damp rag and use it to wipe the solution off the walls in a circular motion. Be sure to pay close attention to areas that may have been particularly difficult to remove the glue residue from.
Use a little warm water to help remove any remaining traces of the cleaning solution. Once you have wiped off the cleaning solution, take another clean rag or towel and dry the wall thoroughly. Make sure to dry the wall completely, as any remaining moisture could affect the final outcome of your wallpaper or paint job.
After removing the wallpaper glue from the walls, it is important to properly clean up the room. Begin by airing out the room and allowing the walls to dry completely. This process can take up to 24 hours, so it is important to be patient. Once the walls are dry, inspect them to ensure that all of the sticky spots have been removed. If there are any remaining areas that need further attention, repeat the process of removing the glue.
When the walls are fully clean and dry, remove any painter’s tape or tarps that were used during the process. Then, move any furniture that was removed back into the room. You can now sit back and admire your clean walls, feeling accomplished for successfully Removing Wallpaper Glue.