Structural Steel Estimating Services

Structural steel estimating involves calculating tonnage and quantities of beams, columns, joists and connections to help price out the fabrication and estimate out the erection costs.

Our takeoffs include member type and size steel tonnage, number of connection points and specialty steel such as stairs, railings, miscellaneous metal in the structural package.

These quantities are not just important for the bid, but they also have a direct connection to the amount of material being ordered and the project’s schedule when the job is awarded, meaning that an incorrect structural steel takeoff can cause issues well after the work is won.

Each steel fabrication estimating job starts with a complete review of the drawings and specifications, which are then followed by the quantity take-off organized into each of the categories that is significant for accurate pricing.

After quantities have been measured, another estimator reviews the takeoff for accuracy, before it gets to your bid, to prevent measuring mistakes or missed scope items.

The price of steel varies according to market conditions, and we use the mill price for the current market, plus our region’s fabrication and erection labor rates. Additionally, any unusual connection configuration/non-standard member sizes that would have the potential to impact fabrication lead time and price beyond tonnage pricing are also identified as flags.

Care must be taken in concrete estimating because the strength specification and the type of admixtures vary greatly in their cost. We also consider the factors which may be related to the complexity of the pour — a simple slab pour will use much less concrete than a heavily reinforced, formed structural pour.

In residential applications, structural steel is generally used for individual beams or columns to cover long spans, whereas commercial structural steel estimating requires the complete building frames and connection design and is certainly with much higher tonnage.