How to Train Junior Estimators to Ensure They Develop the Instinct Earned with Experience & Don t Overly Rely on Imperfect Technology

Transcription

1 How to Train Junior Estimators to Ensure They Develop the Instinct Earned with Experience & Don t Overly Rely on Imperfect Technology Robert A. Nidzgorski, CPE, VMA, CCHM Preconstruction Director Skanska USA Building Inc. Jeff Courtney, LEED AP, VMA Preconstruction Manager Skanska USA Building Inc.

2 Robert A. Nidzgorski, CPE, VMA, CCHA Master of Science in Civil Engineering, The University of Michigan Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, The University of Michigan State of Florida Certified General Contractor Certified Professional Estimator American Society of Professional Estimators Value Methodology Associate SAVE International Certified Healthcare Manager Estimator of the Year 2013 American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) President ASPE Chapter No. 50 Tampa Bay Past Chairman Standards Committee American Society of Professional Estimators Preconstruction Director Skanska USA Building Tampa, Florida Diversity Champion 2014 and 2015 Skanska USA Building Experience in operations, estimating, preconstruction services for retail, commercial, office buildings, prisons, healthcare, theme parks, Disney, Universal Studios, Corp of Engineers, Veterans Administration the Big Three, NASA, museums, GC and CM work 2 - B

3 Jeff Courtney, LEED AP, VMA Bachelor of Science in Building Construction, The University of Florida Value Methodology Associate SAVE International Preconstruction Manager Skanska USA Building Experience in operations, estimating, preconstruction services for retail, commercial, office buildings, healthcare, museums, GC, CM and Design/Build work 3 - J

4 The Problem or Solution The construction industry is one of the largest industries in dollar volume consisting of many smaller sized companies. There are no industry standards for estimating. Each company uses a different system. Different systems used within the same company. 4 - B

5 You are an Estimator if you can 1. What do you think? 2. Count: One, two, three 3. Calculate area: L x W = Area 4. Calculate volume: L x W x D = Volume 4. We can go home now that is estimating 5. But this does not answer why you are here today 5 - B

6 Understand the basics before you move on Understand how to estimate with a No. 2 pencil and a yellow pad of paper. If you understand the principles, when you go to technology, you ll be able to recognize if the computer is or is not giving a reasonable answer. Too many people believe that if the computer provides the answer then it has to be right, but if the information is entered incorrectly, you will get the wrong answer. This could happen with your bid You got low for all the WRONG reasons. My Bid 6 - B

7 Understand the basics before you move on Too often we don t think about if the work hours being considered are practical for the task at hand If one person can change a race car tire in 60 seconds, if 60 workers are assigned to the pit area, could they change the tire in one second? Not likely. We must not overlook common sense if it doesn t feel right, it s probably not right. 7 - B

8 How to make it happen How do you establish standards How do you shown do not accept the computer answer unless you get the same answer with paper and pencil How do you teach to think on your feet How do you teach look for the answer before you ask the question Goggle can also answer construction questions How do you get someone excited about preconstruction I love Preconstruction it is a profession not a job!!!!! 8 - J

9 New Hire Training Agenda/Program Detail 10 week training, 5 days per week. No part timers! All Interns and new hires to the Preconstruction Department must complete this course. Assume each intern or new hires has the same knowledge; NONE. This allows each of the students to cover all of the material. 85 classes, 4 site visits, and a presentation given to peers and senior level managers. 9 - J

10 Main topics of the training program Take-off boot camp. Different levels of estimates and where to use each of them. Delivery methods, GC, CM, design build, self perform, the hat we wear defines the type of estimate. Double checking through Rules of Thumb. Understand CSI and Uniformat. Price labor. Estimating overhead and profit markups. 10 J/B

11 Main topics of the training program Estimating errors Understand square foot, unit cost, production cost, Receive subcontractor bids Understand and use a scope sheet Participate in Prepare bid forms and bid packages Review bids Precon kick off meeting Project safety meeting Take off techniques, concrete, masonry, site, drywall, etc. 11 J/B

12 Main topics of the training program During this period the students are required to keep a experience log. Presentation on knowledge and experience achieved, along with a farewell lunch. Lastly, a debrief on how we can make the program better J

13 New Hire Training Agenda/Program Summary New Hire Training Agenda/Program Summary Week 1 Introduction and Orientation Primary Contact Completed Day 1 (Monday) Introduction and orientation Human resources orientation Who is Skanska What is pre-construction How to read drawings Jeff Pascal/Bryan/Jeff Jeff Jeff Cyndi/Ash/Bob/Yevgen Introduce estimating tools including software; On-Screen Take-off (OST), Timberline, Bluebeam, guide books, references (Walkers, Means, Construction Dictionary, Google and Outlook. Use of Scales (L X W X D, old school method) Introduce BIM/VDC, Revit, Navisworks Introduce ASPE (including Learning Modules) Introduce SAVE Introduce LEED Introduce experience log Jeff/Teresa/Ash/Bob Kelsey/Michael/Jeff Bob/Ash Bob/Jeff Kelsey/Joe Jeff 13 J/B

14 New Hire Training Agenda/Program Summary Week 2 CSI Division 3, 4, 5 (concrete, masonry and steel) Uniformat Substructure/Structure Week 3 CSI Division 7, 8 (exterior wall construction, roofing) Uniformat Shell Week 4 CSI Division 6, 9, 10 (carpentry, finishes, specialties) Uniformat Interiors Week 5 CSI Division 2, 11,12, 13,14 (demolition, equipment, furnishings, special construction, conveying systems) Uniformat Equipment & Furnishings and Special Construction & Demolition Week 6 CSI Division 31, 32, 33 (earthwork, exterior improvements, utilities) Uniformat Building Sitework Week 7 CSI Division 15, 16 plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, electrical) Uniformat Services Week 8 CSI Division 13, 2 (special construction, existing conditions) Uniformat Special Construction & Demolition Week 9 Putting It All Together Week 10 Prep and Presentation 14 J/B

15 Rules of Thumb J Roof area not larger that the floor below. The total of the building not larger than the total building area. Area to paint same as the interior finish area. Area of slab-of-grade the same as the areas of: Fine grade; Wire mesh; Vapor barrier. Area of finish floor material should be the same as the floor area. Area of ceilings should be the same as the floor area. 15 J/B

16 Conclusion Goal of the Training Program Understand the principles, then go to technology. Confirm the model is not complete. Do not overlook common sense if it doesn t feel right, it s probably not right. Google can be used as an estimating tool in addition to asking what was the half time score at the super bowl. Understand how to estimate with a No. 2 pencil and a yellow pad of paper. Master technology, then use it B

17 17 THANK YOU!