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How the process works
Developing a thorough process for estimating that is tackled the same way for each project is essential for foundation contractors. After the pre-bid information has been gathered it is time to begin reviewing the plans.

To assist with this review and create an easy way to quickly review the documents, Lange developed a color-coded system that is used on every set of plans. "Eight-foot wall heights are green, nine-foot walls are orange, etc.," Lange explains. "This enables me to quickly answer questions and process the information efficiently."

Next, the estimator determines the materials, equipment and labor needed to do the job. A final price is created. To ensure there is no confusion about what the bid covers and to help owners and builders compare the estimate to other bids, include as much detail as possible in the estimate. It is important to evaluate the cost of materials, because they can change rapidly. For example, adding just one piece of rebar can change the price and affect other areas of the project. Further, the site condition greatly impacts the materials necessary for the project including gravel fill and wall heights. The cost of gravel and concrete varies greatly from town to town, so it is important to account for these items on the onset.

Award-winning basements
The estimating process becomes even more complicated as the complexity of the project increases. Therefore, it is not surprising that the winners in this year's Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) Basement of the Year competition faced many obstacles when developing estimates for these unique projects.

For example, Coello & Associates, Inc., Waukesha, Wis. - the third place finisher in the single family under 5,000 sq. ft. category for the Prescott Residence in West Bend, Wis. - understood the importance of communication in developing a thorough estimate. The foundation wall for the 16,000-sq.-ft. home was 10 ft. high and included two faces of steel rebar on the entire foundation. With more than 9,000 lineal ft. of steel rebar in the wall and multiple brick ledge heights, a great amount of time and effort was required prior to pouring the wall. One of the greatest challenges in forming the wall was a double ellipse on the rear of the house. Squaring up this portion of the foundation was extremely complex because of its odd shape, 10-ft. height, and the location of two ellipses back-to-back.