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Kopf: Your point is a good one as it definitely is a team approach to put together a good estimate. Although I don’t get paid to do pricing work, I have a vested interest in putting a lot of time and effort into assembling a meaningful estimate so we all get the work from the owner. That is why one of the first phone calls I make is to the contractor so I can get the prices for the concrete and steel as all of this costing information is utilized in the analysis and worked into the estimate. It also is important to include as much detail as possible and explain how you arrived at those numbers so the contractor understands what you priced.

Smith: Our approach has three steps. First we review the take-off — all factors that we cannot control such as height of building, usage, etc. Although we have to make some guesses, they are educated as we go through every panel and review dimensions, quantities, thickness, how much rebar, rigging considerations, etc. Then we move to pricing, which is job-specific since the price of concrete and rebar differs from city to city. We also take into consideration the time of year construction will occur, whether or not bay spacing has been determined or if we can impact that decision, and more. The third thing we do after the take-off and plug in the variables based on the location is to ask if the estimate looks reasonable — why or why not? If the price is drastically different compared to other jobs that size, we make sure we know why, such as the use of casting beds. Or, if the last four jobs we did averaged $10 per square foot and this one comes out to $18 per square foot, we must be able to answer why.

Baty: How much does architectural variety and distinguished finishes, brick inserts, etc., play into the estimate?

Neyer: A lot. That is why it is key to ask questions upfront about rustication and features. But, if you don’t get the face-time with the owner, this can be a real challenge. An owner or architect new to tilt-up may not have the experience to accurately estimate architectural features, and this really hinders the budget. It also is really important to be involved in those early meetings to better understand the project goal. For example, one owner may care a lot about energy efficiency, while another may not. All of these factors impact the estimate.

Kopf: That extends to the construction approach as well. The earlier you can get a structural engineer who is qualified involved in the project, the better. For example, if you have to hold a spandrel panel in the air because the engineer detailed it that way, it will cost you more money. You’ll save money if you have an engineer that understands architecture and construction. If I am given a lot of information and the opportunity to really understand the project objectives, my estimate is drastically different and more realistic than if someone is just looking for a quick number.