SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER

ESTIMATING
AMERICAN SOCIET Y OF PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATORS
2023

AMERICAN SOCIET Y OF PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATORS

TODAY

Importance of How to Estimate

Continuing Eduction 8 Common Construction the Cost of
for Yourself and Your Estimating Mistakes Acoustical
Employees Ceiling Clouds
 WHAT IS
ASPE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

INSIDE
M. Chris Morton, FCPE
cmortonfcpe@outlook.com

First Vice President

Mike A. Alsgaard, CPE
maalsgaard@aspenational.org

Second Vice President

03
A. Keith Parker, CPE
keithparker@circlebco.com
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Immediate Past President

04
Mel D. Cowen, LCPE
mel@cowen-est.com

Treasurer (Appointed)
NEW MEMBERS
Paul Croke

07
pcroke@hinrest.com IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING
EDUCATION FOR YOURSELF AND
Northwest Governor
Steve Watkins FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES
steve.watkins@bnbuilders.com

Southwest Governor
Larry Lucero, CPE
llucero@redlineinsulation.com
THE HIGH COST OF THE LOW BID 08
12
Central Plains Governor
Matthew Burress, CPE
HOW TO ESTIMATE THE COST OF
mburress@performanceservices.com ACOUSTICAL CEILING CLOUDS

22
Southeast Governor
Danny Chadwick, CPE LIKE SANDS THROUGH THE
estimatordan@gmail.com HOURGLASS
Northeast Governor

24
Dexter Murphy, LCPE
8 COMMON CONSTRUCTION
dextercmurphy@comcast.net
ESTIMATING MISTAKES

INDUSTRY DIRECTORS

Barbara J. Jackson, PhD, DBIA

Barbara Jackon LLC CHAPTER MEETINGS 32
Jean Arnold, Esq
Arnold & Arnold, LLP
 September/October| 3

From the
President
you know others who would benefit from one
or more of our classes. Please spread the
word. If you are new to estimating, I hope you
take the time to look at our classes and con-
sider enrolling now. More information can be
found on our website at www.aspenational.
org.

Finally, as always, please feel free to contact

me, a board member, or Joanne Warren, if
you have any questions or suggestions on
how we can improve our Society. Thank you
for your continued support of ASPE!

It is hard to believe that summer is over! I

hope that you have had a great year so far.

The Governance Committee and Executive

Director Joanne Warren continue to meet
to work on our new strategic plan. However,
there is still much work to be done before we
will be able to share the plan with all mem-
bers. Please stay tuned for details in the
coming months!

I hope that you will be attending our 2023

Summit, either in-person or virtually! If you
receive this copy of Estimating Today before
the Summit starts on September 22nd, you
still have time to register and attend virtually.

The Board of Directors election ended on July

21st, and I am excited about our new board
members that will take office on January 1,
2024. Congratulations to our new incoming
Con n ect at:
officers and new Central Plains, Northeast, CMortonfcpe@outlook.com
and Southwest Governors!
LEARN . CERTIFY. JOIN
Our next round of Estimating Academy (EA)
classes will be starting on October 9th. If you
are an experienced estimator, I am sure that
4 | Estimating Today

Welcome our June & July New Members

Member Company Chapter

Christopher Ajagu Mantis Builders Los Angeles - 1

Kenworth Budd Mopan Enterprise LLC Los Angeles - 1
Robert Peters Grady Electric Inc. Los Angeles - 1
James Escudero Incan Project Development Group Inc. Los Angeles - 1
Jorge Nieto UES Los Angeles - 1
Sandra Choi Construction Los Angeles - 1
Humberto Montiel Charter Concrete Inc. Los Angeles - 1
Sam McClintock Golden Gate - 2
Mark Ricardo Team Reliant Inc Orange County - 3
Rex Le Largo Concrete Inc. San Diego - 4
Jeff Alley Smalley and Company Denver - 5
Scott Welch Sun Construction and Facility Services Denver - 5
Erik Simms Achen-Gardner Arizona - 6
Houda Gaffka Bedrock Detroit - 17
Austin Stovall Course Construction Group Houston - 18
Rob Filho EFR Mechanical Boston - 25
Kenneth Prusik C. Raymond Davis Garden State - 26
Cody Sebastian Marsh Building Products Southwestern Ohio - 38
Josh Long MKA International Inc. Southwestern Ohio - 38
Aubrey Wade Cincinnati State Technical Southwestern Ohio - 38
Joe Estrada ML Crane Group - Crane Service Inc. Rio Grande - 40
Kirk Davis Con Tech Building Systems Inc. Empire State - 42
Ammerson Barber Navajo Engineering & Construction Authority Roadrunner - 47
Ghazanfar Barlas ACCO Engineered Systems Silicon Valley - 55
Thomas Evans Hensel Phelps Silicon Valley - 55
Steven Bueno S/L/A/M Construction Services Nutmeg - 60
Chase Hatten Henning Companies Des Moines Area - 73
William Fullard RK Kearey Construction Southeast MAL - 93
Benjamin Cargill F.W. Madigan Company Northeast MAL - 94
Matt Podojil John G. Johnson Construction Northeast MAL - 94
 September/October| 5

Congratulations to June & July New CPEs & AEPs

Preconstruction in the Cloud

Member Company Chapter
James Zack, AEP DS Constructors LLC Denver - 5
Giocondo De Filippis, AEP Greenstone Construction LLC Roadrunner - 47
Jeff Peterson, AEP nStone Corporation Roadrunner - 47
Your all-in-one solution
Nolan Johnson, CPE
for lightning-fast
A/Z Corporation Nutmeg - 60
takeoff,
Brian Logie,complete
AEP estimating &
Newfield Construction Nutmeg - 60
bid-ready
Hans Brubaker,proposals.
CPE EGStoltzfus Construction LLC Central Pennsylvania - 76
Aaron Schoenthaler, AEP Garver Southwest MAL - 91
Use STACK
Curt Winn, to
CPEpower a 10x faster and
Citymore
andprofitable
County of Denver
preconstruction process. Quickly measure digital plans,
Nathan Hunter, CPE Broadmoor LLC
collaborate with team members and finalize project
Sam Cannon, AEP Flint Builders
estimates — all from one, easy-to-use,
Dustin McMillan, AEP The Concord Group
cloud-based platform.
Jason DePalma, AEP

Plan, Spec & Document Cloud-based Quantity Detailed Cost & Estimating Real-time Collaboration
Management & Material Takeoff Proposal Generation & Connectivity
Keeping project details & Make project takeoffs Adjust costs, markup, tax, and Use robust markup, callout,
supporting documents organized 10x faster & empower your team overhead to create branded sharing & invitation features to
has never been easier. to work anytime, anywhere. proposals with ease. keep your entire team aligned.

Create your FREE account today!

GET STARTED

stackct.com | (866) 702.6078

6 | Estimating Today

Corporate Mem bers

Gold
Anser Advisory

Thank Silver
STACK Construction Technologies
you to our Bronze
Delta Innovative Services, Inc.
Corporate Basic
ML Group
Part ners! Unfied Building Group
Shaw Electric Inc.
GW Builders, LLC.
GFP Cem ent Contractors, LLC

Bluebook | ConsensusDocs | DCD

 September/October| 7

Importance of Continuing Education for Yourself

and Your Employees
By: Josh Huck | Estimatica, Inc.

If you ask my 13-year-old son, he will tell you that

he already knows everything. I've quizzed him
thoroughly on random occasions and surprise
surprise, he doesn’t. I thought I knew everything
as well. I hate to admit it but this train of thought
continued a bit too far into my twenties. While my
emotionally immature type-A man brain still trips
me up at times, I do my best to learn something
new every day. Eventually one day I had the benefit
of a company owner I worked for offering to pay
for a continuing ed course in Business Manage-
ment. My 27-year-old self thought "I'm already
further along than most in my field, what do I need
to know? In retrospect, I have wanted to smack my
younger arrogant self on the side of the head for
many reasons, but primarily for thinking this way, it is important to keep taking classes to gain the required
that I had nothing left to learn. knowledge to stay abreast of how the world is evolving. It
helps us in our jobs and I've noticed that the real ben-
So, I took the course, and it wasn’t necessarily the course efit is that it helps us grow as a human, and this comes
material that was eye-opening but rather the instruc- more from the interaction with other professionals. As an
tor's knowledge and my fellow students' knowledge. My employer of others, I was able to return the favor recent-
younger know-it-all self was learning alongside people ly and send our head of Business Development back to
two and three times my senior—CEOs, VPs of major cor- school. She is deeply invested in advanced business strat-
porations—and it was immediately humbling. I learned egy courses at the University of Virginia. The investment
more from my classmates than anything else. I learned in her financially will have a ten-fold benefit, not only to
that I don't know everything and most importantly I our company but to her personally. When you learn new
learned that I never will. I remember listening to my class- things, you gain confidence, which trickles down to all
mates, ACTUAL titans of industry, asking for help, seeking areas of your life. It's a win-win all around for a minimal
to learn. I thought to myself well hell, if they can keep an investment of time and money.
open mind to learning every day, then I should as well if I
want to be successful personally and professionally. My point of all this is that continuing education is para-
mount. As a business owner, investing in your employees
I started offering estimating training a few years back, and often leads to benefits for you but on a higher philan-
I have learned more than I have taught. It's easy to know thropic level, investing in others benefits humanity as a
about something, it can be very difficult to teach what you whole, as sappy as that may sound.
know to someone else. Since we have offered classes, we
have had the benefit of teaching nationwide to a variety If you are an industry professional, I implore you to teach.
of contractors, owners, and design professionals and We need more teachers. We need the next generation
in doing so, it made us better at our job. It has taught to learn not only professional skills but life skills from
us how others think and how that should affect how we those that have been there and done that. I learn some-
think about not only our role in the food chain but all thing new every time I teach…a new way of doing some-
roles. thing, a better way of thinking about something. I learn
something new every time I take a continuing education
The long and short of it is that learning something new course, and that is mostly from my fellow students.
every day, even a trivial fact or a seemingly menial task, is Continuing education benefits us all for many reasons
important for personal growth. For professional growth, beyond the syllabus.
8 | Estimating Today

The High Cost

of the Low Bid
Barbara Jackson, PhD, DBIA | ASPE Industry Director | Blogs

“The riskiest position that any owner the owner, not the architect, and or a concert from the cheap seats?
can find themselves in on their con- not even the contractor. It’s down- Yeah – the nosebleed section with
struction project is when working right frustrating to be constrained binoculars. Cheap begets cheap.
with a contractor who is losing mon- from offering up your expertise and Fair implies reasonable, honest, and
ey.” This is the warning that I give knowledge because of some anti- just—NOT cheap. And yet that’s
every owner or developer planning quated process that was conceived what many owners demand of
to go with the “low bid” approach some 150 years ago. This approach contractors—a cheap price, and in
on their project. Yet many owners is a lose/lose proposition but here in the same breath complain that the
still believe just the opposite—that the United States we are addicted to quality just isn’t what it used to be.
making contractors compete on this low-bid mentality. In a sen- Really?
a low bid basis is the best way to tence—we are addicted to cheap, Let’s STOP confusing low-bid for a
“protect” themselves and ensure and it is at the core of what has fair price. The reality is that Ameri-
that they get the cheapest price. held this industry back for so long. cans, including buyers of construc-
Well, they are right on that front— There’s a very high cost to the low- tion services is addicted to cheap
they’ll get the cheapest price alright, bid mentality. It has kept us from (developers, government agencies,
but they won’t necessarily get the addressing major issues in our in- private business owners). If you
right price or the project they want. dustry such as the chronic albatross want to understand just how much
At least not without a bunch of around our necks—low produc- this addition has cost us as a nation,
change orders resulting from things tivity; not to mention the absence read the book “Cheap – The High
missing in the design documents of innovation, the lack of research Cost of Discount Culture” by Ellen
that neither the owner was knowl- and development investment, and Ruppel Shell, written in 2011. As
edgeable enough to detect, or the the failure to embrace technology one reviewer shared,
architect was aware were needed at a level that would catapult the
in the first place. This is just one industry to a whole new frontier. “Americans have always loved a
of the reasons that I am such an Many owners still insist that they good deal. But that love has evolved
advocate for design-build or any must go down the low-bid track to into a destructive obsession. Our
approach that allows the designers get a fair price. I always wonder – never-ending hunt for discounts
and contractors to work directly with fair to whom? Is it fair to anyone to has fed a plethora of social ills.
the owners at the earliest stage—to price improved productivity, high- By moving our production to the
establish the “right price” for the er quality, innovation, originality, lowest-cost labor markets, we have
level of performance and value the and better performance out of the sacrificed such basic values as
owner expects. This can’t happen spaces we design and build? Spac- craftsmanship and product integrity.
in a siloed, segregated environment. es like schools, and hospitals, and As Cheap ably proves, you get what
And because contractors are often workplaces, and even our homes? you pay for.”
the last party invited to the table, What’s so fair about that? In the book the author points to
and forced to compete based upon what I think is at the core of the
Let’s get real. When folks say they
low bid, they can only price what’s in fallacy associated with the low-bid
want a fair price, they often mean
the documents and nothing more mentality in construction.
they want a cheap price. Fair is
if they expect to win the job. As a getting what you pay for. Fair and “Most of us have absolutely no
former project estimator, I know cheap are incongruent when your idea what goes into setting a price.
firsthand how the game must be expectation is something other Consumers don’t think about the
played in a low-bid competition, and than what cheap delivers. Have costs behind what they buy. They
it serves no one’s best interest—not you ever watched a baseball game link price to profit, and they grossly
 September/October| 9

overestimate profit margins.” industry and the contributions it makes asked for in the first place, to win your
This ignorance is often the basis for to society. job. Bottomline, the research shows that

what keeps the low-bid practice in play. So, what’s the alternative? It’s called best owners typically pay less for their proj-
value and there’s a few different ways ects under a best value scenario than
This ignorance fuels our fear—the fear
to achieve this goal while still utilizing they do under a low-bid scenario. The
of paying too much. The fear of being
a competitive process among project idea that low-bids yield a lower project
ripped off. The fear of price gauging.
teams. Best value allows the owner to cost is a myth—a myth that must be put
Yet, according to Conexpo Con/Agg,
establish a reasonable budget for their to rest.
“commercial construction is a high-risk
project, hopefully in collaboration with
industry with low profit margins. They I am convinced that the low-bid men-
folks who understand cost, quality, and
state that the average profit margin tality has outlived its effectiveness in
the dynamics of the supply chain, with-
before taxes for general construction the construction business. It is keeping
out cutting corners. Then they can ask
services is just 4 percent,” and those us stuck. It is keeping us unproduc-
their design and construction teams to
margins continue to shrink. In today’s tive. It is keeping us from innovating
compete based upon the greatest value
market the profit margins are probably and advancing as an industry. We are
that they can provide for the estab-
closer to 1-2 percent given supply chain never going to be able to address the
lished budget. You’d be amazed at how
challenges, increased prices, and the la- grand challenges and complexities of
much more a team can offer an owner
bor shortage—not to mention the added the built environment such as energy
when they can leverage their knowl-
expense of COVID. In what universe is consumption, transportation, urbaniza-
edge, expertise, connections, ingenuity,
a margin before taxes of 4 percent on tion, infrastructure, housing, health care,
and buying power to compete based
projects that have exposure to multiple education, etc. unless we can break free
upon their efficiencies, originality, and
risk factors beyond a company’s control, from the archaic notice that the cheap-
resourcefulness. Instead of general con-
over months and months, or even years est price wins.
tractors beating the creativity out of their
of time, a rip-off?
sub-contractors and suppliers so they
They say ignorance is bliss but, in con- can squeeze another few pennies off
struction, the ignorance that keeps the their unit prices to win your job, they’d
low-bid mentality in play is a travesty that be working together as a team to figure
is hampering the advancement of the out how to give you more value than you
10 | Estimating Today

What is CERT?
We are an organization of cost-estimating firm owners and estimating professionals
that work for cost-estimating firms.

Why Join CERT?

Have you ever wanted to start your own estimating firm? This is the place to start. We
provide detailed guidance through quarterly best practices calls, mentorship to junior
firms, validation credentials, published Best Practices manuals, collaborative communi-
cation, yearly conferences, and a whole wealth of current knowledge on estimating and
running a business. We share estimating and business ideas, help each other with staff-
ing, and collaborate to provide estimating solutions for the clients that need them. We
are your one-stop resource if you operate or are considering operating your own firm.
For more information and to join, please visit Certusa.org.
 WE’RE BUILT A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY
AT ANSER ADVISORY. OUR SPECIALTIES
Construction Management
Program Management
We are a national capital program and project advisory firm Project Management
comprised of world-class subject matter experts who each work Quality Assurance / Quality
tirelessly to deliver mission-driven outcomes for our clients. Control
Cost Estimating
Working with us, you’ll see how we are redefining Project Controls
consulting. Utility Management
Contract Administration
Energy and Sustainability
When it comes to cost estimating for construction
projects or capital programs, we make the complex WHO WE ARE
simple.
Any project, any size, any location – we can provide the
accurate cost estimating information you need. 1,200+
National Professionals
WE’RE STRONGER THAN EVER.

200+
Local Florida Professionals

BINU MATHEW MICHAEL MARSHALL

$15B+
joins us and expands our rejoins the Anser family and
expertise and experience into strengthens our presence in
the New York / New Jersey the Florida region!
area!
Cost Estimating Program
National Portfolio

100+
Programmatic / Conceptual
Estimates Performed

PROUD TO PARTNER WITH ASPE!

All our Cost Estimating Leaders are ASPE Members.

world class people. consulting redefined.

12 | Estimating Today

How to Estimate the Cost of

Acoustical Ceiling Clouds
Introduction and absorb sound across their entire requirements. Material options are
surface for acoustical performance. also offered in different elements
This is an introduction and descrip- Ceiling clouds are an ideal solu- of metal, fabric, felt, wood, colors,
tion of how to estimate the cost of tion for your general, all-purpose shapes, and sizes depending on the
acoustical ceiling clouds within a sound absorption needs. Effective design and function desired.
commercial facility. Over the course at reducing reverberation within a
of the past decade or so, it has room, they are commonly used in
become increasingly common to open office work areas, classrooms, MasterFormat Information
incorporate acoustical ceiling clouds worship centers, restaurants, lob- Division
in a variety of shapes and forms as bies, theaters, and/or recording 09 51 00 - Acoustical Ceilings
opposed to your typical wall-to-wall studios. There are examples of
common manufacturing companies Subdivision
grid and tile systems. Ceiling clouds
09 51 13 - Acoustical Panel Ceilings
were designed to effectively reduce as indicated in references. They offer
09 53 00 - Acoustical Ceiling
reflected sound in large and open many available products that are
Suspension Assemblies
environments as well as to delineate often specified depending on sound
space. Stylish lines and shapes sus- absorption, light reflectance, humid-
pend horizontally from the ceiling ity, sag resistance, and fire rating
 September/October| 13

also important to pay attention to

the perimeter Linear Foot (LF) About the Author
quantity as there is usually some
form of edge trim, especially if this is
a floating cloud system. If the cloud
is circular or multi-curved, you have
to run an LF takeoff at the edge to
estimate the correct amount of trim
needed. Depending on what the
basis of design (BOD) and fastening
method is for the edge detail, there
are many types provided by the
manufacturer. This is a key factor
for not only material supply but
also the labor to install the product.
There are different tile types which
can also impact how tiles are cut to
give the edge of the cloud a finished
edge for each tile.

As a final note to measurements,

there are many different systems Mike Macdonald, CPE
in preparing a quantity takeoff. Garden State - 26
The most common method in the
mikemacdonald09
industry today is the use of digital
computer software, which allows @gmail.com
you to run takeoffs from a computer
screen. This is excellent in reduc-
ing errors as opposed to doing this As an experienced Pre-Construction &
with pen and paper by hand. Also,
Project Executive with a demonstrated
by having this in digital format, you
have a record for something to go history of working in the architecture
back to if the need arises whereas in and construction industry, Mike provides
a paper environment, it can get lost leadership and expertise in Project man-
and is not as easy to reference back
agement, cost estimating and consulting,
to. Another method is the use of
It is important to understand BIM technology, where the building quantity surveying, BIM & VDC man-
current trends and product knowl- is created in a 3D environment as a agement, design documentation, and
edge, as there are cost impacts model, allowing for the use of quan- construction execution and management,
as opposed to the typical systems tity takeoffs if set up correctly. This
used in basic building environ- and contract administration. Skilled
has not become mainstream yet as
ments. The purpose of this report many designers don’t always work
in managing commercial real estate
is to provide detailed instructions in this environment, especially if it’s projects, Mike acts as a liaison between
on how to review the system types, an alteration to an existing facility. design and construction teams to ensure
identify potential risks, installation Lastly, not all estimators trust this
methods, quantity surveying, and that every detail translates from strategy
method and still double-check the
cost estimating. to delivery while ensuring budget, scope,
takeoff in 2D anyway. It is always
good practice to have another per- and timeline certainty. Mike began his
Types and Methods of son check your takeoff too, especial- career as a field supervisor, working his
Measurement ly if the project is of large scale. way up to project manager, operations
When developing quantity takeoffs, manager, pre-construction manager,
this is typically quantified by the and his current role as a management
area of Square Foor (SF), but it is consultant serving global clients.
14 | Estimating Today

See sample takeoff

Specific Factors

The specific factors that should be

considered when estimating acous-
tical ceiling clouds are: what is the
floor-to-ceiling height, what is the
floor-to-deck height, what location
and floor will this be installed on,
what type of labor is allowed to be
used (union, non-union, regular
hours, off-hours), are there going to
be any structural or MEPF systems
that need to be worked around or
coordinated with. Oftentimes, if there
is a custom specified ceiling panel or
curved edge trims, there is usually a
Axiom Axiom Axiom longer lead time with the manufac-
Soft Edge Ripple Soft Edge Soft Ripple Soft Edge Convex turer and additional labor to install.
Sample edge detail Make sure any custom pieces are
manufactured to be able to fit into
the facility access points (stairs, eleva-
tor, exterior window). Depending on
location, some states require certain
support systems, so it’s important
to follow the local building code (for
example NYC requires a black iron
system but in other areas, you can
just simply use 12 GA hanging wire).
Typical fastener detail
The fastener type to the deck is also
important as the material you are fas-
tening to could be a wood stud, metal
deck, concrete slab, and/or steel
joints. Lastly, as a note to the above
Soft Corner Soft Corner Ripple Profile -
Profile -Tegular Profile - Vector Tegular reference to ceiling tile type, make
sure to count enough tiles to have
a finished edge when you have tiles
with a revealed edge at the border of
the cloud system.

Overview Costs
Ripple Profile - Convex Profile - Convex Profile -
Vector Tegular Vector
The following items need to be
included with your estimate and
Sample tile edge type
breakdown using the CSI format.
For the use of this estimate, we will
use RS Means and DCD Costbook for
unit costing. It is good to use multi-
ple sources to cross-reference your
estimate as well as stay current with
the most up-to-date publications by
Tegular Panel Lay-In Panel Vector Panel those companies. Conferring with the
 September/October| 15

contractor and your own historical or crane rental depending on wheth- contractors may use margin. It is
database is also good practice with er it is a large material delivery and important to know the difference
estimating especially if there are cus- what floor level it may be on. between markup and margin (for
tom systems involved. This is a brief example using rounded figures: 20%
description of each item and what Indirect costs markup = 16.67% margin or a 20%
should be considered and/or clari- These are the contractor percentage margin = 25% markup). This can
fied in the estimate. markups of the construction hard make a big difference in a large-
costs. This should be broken out at scale project for the costs to the
Labor the end of the construction hard project owner or can have an impact
These rates are based on local avail- costs or direct costs and typically are on profit for the contractor to stay
ability and should be determined line items such as general condi- in business. Either way, it will have
whether union, non-union, prevail- tions, overhead, profit, insurance, an impact on your estimate so pay
ing wage, overtime, or regular time and contingency. attention to it.
is required specifically. Otherwise,
state clearly what is estimated. Approach to mark-ups
Sample hanging detail with 12GA wire
Typically, mark-ups are used as a
Material percentage of construction costs,
Quantity is important to review but this can depend on project
as large and small quantities can size. If it’s a small project, the
impact the cost of a product. Often- contractor may look at it from an
times you can buy better with a large estimated time to manage rath-
quantity. Also, it is good practice to er than a percentage, or it can be
consult with the actual installer to a higher percentage for a small
ensure you are allowing enough for project compared to a large project
tile cuts and material overages that (example: $100,000.00 @ 20% or
may be required for custom curves. $10,000,000.00 @ 10%). It is always
For this estimate, we will carry a 10% good to check with the contractor
material overage in quantity to cover if you can, especially as this can
this. vary by region of the country. For
the purpose of this study, we will
Equipment: use 5% for general conditions, 10%
Generally, a ceiling installation is overhead, 10% profit, 2% insurance/
used with simple hand tools and a bonds/permits, and 5% for contin-
ladder, but site conditions may be gency. An important note here, this
the deciding factor for working from report calls for markup, but some
a safe level and platform. Ensure
you have accounted for either a
ladder or scaffold depending on Sample hanging detail with
ceiling heights. Ensure all necessary black iron grid system
PPE is on-site for personnel use and
is in accordance with OSHA regula-
tions. For example, we will consider
ladders to be used with a ceiling
height of 9’ and a deck height of 12’.
If there is a stairwell or higher deck
height, you may want to consider a
scaffold system or man lift rental if
the structure supports that. Lastly,
confirm material delivery into the
space is acceptable via the freight
elevator, ground level, or staircase.
Some cases may require a boom lift
16 | Estimating Today

Risk Considerations sections. Oftentimes, ceiling clouds product source location, or warranty
overlap and are not so clearly de- type. Another item to think of is if
Due to working with specialty finish fined in a 2D RCP. this is a manufacturing facility, some
products and custom metal piec- companies may require additional
es, there are certain risk factors to Ratios and Analysis safety precautions requiring more
take into consideration. Will there labor time. (Example: safety video
be other trades working above or When it comes to ratios and analyz- and exercises before work can be-
below the product during the time ing your work, it is important to ref- gin.) These items may impact labor
of installation? Can the contractor erence multiple industry databases or material cost. Also understand
install it after the other trades have as described above (under the cost what contract type this may be be-
completed their work? (Example – section 4) but also to create your tween contractor and owner (Exam-
MEPF trades are common to work own database of past projects which ple: GMP contract, the contractor
above, and furniture/equipment becomes historical data. Another may want to add more contingency.)
being installed below). Damage to interesting thing is to create a bid Also, ensure that the contractor will
material can drive up costs, but also leveling sheet so you can compare not need to provide shop drawings
if there are large components to be the costs of multiple contractors and by a professional designer as they
worked around upon installation, it use that to develop a median and will need to add costs for prepara-
may require more time for the labor tracking trend. These methods are tion, review, and approvals. Lastly, if
to work around it. Also, the required imperative to reference as you can an acoustical engineer is required to
labor type can impact cost if this find trends in industry costs, as the review material, installation during
needs to be installed on overtime economy can go up and down and construction, final approval, and
or union labor, so your wage rate rarely remains steady for long. It is field testing, which could be a factor
should be adjusted accordingly. If also good to combine total costs and that may need to be considered if
there is a large material delivery, divide them by SF of the area that the architect has written that into
some building owners require deliv- way you can quickly reference what the specification or if the manufac-
ery during a certain time period, so it cost per SF from the last project. turer requires professional approv-
you need to understand what that Always good practice to monitor and als to guarantee product warranty.
time is, so your labor is accounted continuously update your histori-
for. Working at high ceiling heights cal data so it’s up to date. Similar Manufacture representatives are
can also be risky and necessary idea to continuing your education generally available by region and are
safety precautions should be taken as products change, contractors a good resource for product knowl-
into consideration as well as some- change, and methods change over edge as well as budget costing,
one working below there should be time. recommended installation vendors,
plenty of workspace to ensure no and product data. They are usual-
one gets injured by falling debris or Miscellaneous Pertinent ly knowledgeable about a project
tools. Lastly, make sure you have a Information prior to estimating if their product
clear understanding of the ceiling is specified on the drawings, as they
areas and review section cuts of Make sure the project does not have engage with architects early in the
ceilings to be sure that you have any specific requirements such as design process.
not missed any multi-layered ceiling LEED/Green Building requirements,
 September/October| 17

Details and Sample Plans

Sample RCP

Sample ACT 2 linear takeoff (total is 152)

Sample ACT 3 linear takeoff (total is 146)

18 | Estimating Today

Sample hanging detail

Sample edge detail 1

Sample radius detail for edge trim

 September/October| 19

Sample R11' detail

Sample R8' detail

Sample R7'-6" detail

Sample R6' detail

Sample R7' detail

Sample 3D view
20 | Estimating Today

Sample estimate:

Client Name: ASPE Date: 4/5/2019

Overall Project Area SF: 1208 Issue #: 1

*note ‐ material includes 10% add rounded up for cuts and overage
Description QTY UOM $/Unit Total Comments
Material
ACT 2 ‐ Grid (Yellow Color) 713.00 SF 1.45 $1,033.85 Open grid only (no tile)
ACT 3 ‐ Tile 615.00 SF 1.25 $768.75 2' x 2' tegular edge
ACT 3 ‐ Grid (White) 615.00 SF 1.05 $645.75 2' x 2' T‐bar grid
12 GA wire (pre‐tied on clip) 4.00 Each 75.11 $300.44 100/bundle
Powder actuated shots 4.00 Each 75.56 $302.24 pack of 100
White pop rivet 2.00 Each 9.45 $18.90 pack of 100
6" Axiom Edge Trim ‐ R11' ‐ 0" 76.00 LF 30.18 $2,293.68 Yellow trim
6" Axiom Edge Trim ‐ R8' ‐ 0" 55.00 LF 25.73 $1,415.15 White trim
6" Axiom Edge Trim ‐ R7' ‐ 6" 104.00 LF 25.73 $2,675.92 White trim
6" Axiom Edge Trim ‐ R7' ‐ 0" 49.00 LF 30.18 $1,478.82 Yellow trim
6" Axiom Edge Trim ‐ R6' ‐ 0" 42.00 LF 30.18 $1,267.56 Yellow trim
Material tax 6.625% $808.32 NJ Sales Tax
Total material cost $13,009.38
Labor (Non‐Union/Regular Time/Carpenter Rate)
Fasteners to deck 8.00 HR 75 $600.00
Grid system 12.00 HR 75 $900.00
Edge trim 10.00 HR 75 $750.00
ACT installation 17.00 HR 75 $1,275.00
Cleanup 1.50 HR 55 $82.50
Debris removal 1.00 HR 55 $55.00
Material delivery 2.00 HR 55 $110.00
Client/design review meeting 2.00 HR 75 $150.00
Total labor cost $3,922.50
Tools/Equipment/Rental
Manlift 1.00 Week 575 $575.00
Perry Scaffold 1.00 Month 92.16 $92.16
Construction signs 1.00 Each 75 $75.00
Mobilization 2.00 Each 350 $700.00 Delivery/pick‐up charge
PPE rental 51.00 HR 20 $1,020.00
Total labor cost $2,462.16
Fees and Totals
Total material, labor, equipment $19,394.04
Contingency 12.00% $2,327.28
Insurance 2.00% $387.88
General conditions 10.00% $1,939.40 Overhead/indirect costs
Fee 7.00% $1,357.58 Markup ‐ profit
Total direct and indirect cost $25,406.19

17
 September/October| 21

Glossary and Acronyms

The following are the most common manufacturing companies for product information and
installation methods. .

• ACT – acoustical ceiling tile

• BIM – building information modeling
• BOD – basis of design
• BOE – basis of estimate
• CapEx – capital expenditure
• GMP – guaranteed maximum price
• LF – linear feet
• MEPF – mechanical, electric, plumbing, fire
• OSHA – Occupation Safety and Health Administration
• PPE – personal protective equipment
• QA – quality assurance
• QC – quality control
• QTY – quantity
• RCP – reflected ceiling plan
• RFI – request for information
• RFP – request for proposal
• ST3 – sales tax form (resale certificate)
• ST8 – sales tax form (certificate of exempt capital improvement)
• SoW – scope of work
• SF – square feet
• UoM – unit of measurement

References

The following links are the most common manufacturing companies for product information
and installation methods.

The following are the most common manufacturing companies for product information and
installation methods.
Manufacture info:
https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-us/commercial-ceilings-walls/ceilings.html
https://www.usg.com/content/usgcom/en/products/ceilings.html
https://www.certainteed.com/commercial-ceilings/
https://www.hunterdouglasarchitectural.com/ceilings/index.jsp
Quantity takeoff software:
https://www.planswift.com/
https://www.bluebeam.com/
https://www.oncenter.com/
https://etakeoff.com/
https://www.isqft.com/start/
Common cost database options:
https://www.rsmeans.com/
https://www.dcd.com/
https://www.craftsman-book.com/
 22 | Estimating Today

Like Sands Through the Hourglass ...

By: Vince Bailey| Estimator/Project Manager | AWCI’s Construction Dimensions

Some years ago I was asked to conduct a seminar of sorts This epiphany regarding time-wasters
on effective time management. I was a bit taken aback reveals the power of jotting things down,
at this invitation, as I’d never been accused of being any and so we begin to convert our vaporous
kind of paragon of productivity. Don’t get me wrong—I’m thoughts into notes that keep us focused.
no slacker, either. I just never gave the subject of time We begin to make lists—daily and weekly
management much consideration before receiving that tasks. Consequently, we start to identify
dubious request. In fact, I was convinced that this assign- our listed tasks by prioritizing them with
ment was destined to be a waste of time itself—until I did different degrees of importance and
some research into the issue. Now, after reading several differing levels of urgency. I must
astute pieces on the topic, I’ve become a sadder but wiser recognize here that as estimators,
shepherd of my own hours, and now I am here to share our urgency is pretty well
what I learned with fellow bidmeister. determined externally—in the
form of assigned deadlines—
I’ll begin with an observation about how important good and most of us have already
time management applies to construction managers, and developed a sequential
specifically to estimators. I’ve penned several method for our similar
pieces here concerning the staggering amount of tasks tasks as a matter of
that befall those of us in construction management—they course. That is to say
are so numerous that just itemizing them is a chore. there is a common
Couple this with the kind of deadlines that estimators way that we
are subjected to, and combine it all with the steep rates quantifiers approach
that our employers pay for our hours spent. Now, the most estimates
relevance and the value of saving time in our occupations task-by-task that
becomes clear. we’ve previously
established through
In order to take control of spending time, one must first regular practice.
determine how one’s time is currently spent. I’ve found Even so, there are
that the most effective approach in this regard is to start tasks that befall us that fall outside the realm of construct-
a written journal identifying where, how, and how much ing an estimate: follow-up calls, upgrading databases or
I presently spend my time. I’m not trying to be glib when meeting with clients. This is not even to mention the many
I warn not to waste too much time with this. Just a few of us who double as project managers. So we can say that
jotted notes each day for a typical week will go a long way awareness of time management and making lists is sig-
toward identifying where the time flies, without intruding nificantly helpful for bidmeisters who only estimate, and
too much on an already demanding work load. Honesty critical for double-duty folks.
here is more valuable than volume, so I remind myself
that this informal audit is for my own benefit and not for Another painful truth to emerge from a casual audit
sharing. is that we tend to spend more time on a number of
tasks than seems reasonable. This is mostly due from
After a few days of keeping track, some of the most fla- the simple fact that we don’t have a clock ticking in the
grant time-wasters begin to surface. For instance, consid- background—a condition that can easily be remedied by
er how advances in communication technology have given assigning a reasonable amount of time for a task before
us modes of interaction that are invaluable in our day- hand, and sticking to the self-imposed deadline no matter
to-day dealings. Notice that they also present tentacles what. We can do this because we are, after all, estimators.
of commerce that inevitably entice us into unproductive
browsing. We all maintain essential contacts and perform Of course, there are many more strategies for saving time
vital tasks through email and text messages. But most of on the books, but I think the best ones are self-created
us refer to these avenues more often than necessary, and and self-imposed. So starting to jot down current distrac-
for some reason, they seem to become stepping stones tions and making some lists can open the door to signif-
for less productive media, like Facebook and Twitter. icant time savings that will help any bidmeister who can
Clearly, keeping time spent on social media at a minimum afford to (dare I say it?) invest a little extra time for it.
is a great starting place for most of us to reclaim signifi-
cant time for productivity. Reprinted with permission from the Association of the
Wall and Ceiling Industry and the August 2022 issue of
AWCI’s Construction Dimensions.
 September/October| 23

Unified Building Group (UBG) is a nationally licensed construction company with

offices located in Broomfield, CO, West Palm and Pompano Beach, FL. UBG
specializes in the telecommunications, corporate real estate, educational, power,
energy, health care, restaurants, residential and commercial industries. UBG’s
core capabilities range from real estate, site acquisition, investment,
pre-construction, construction management, design build, to complete building
lifecycle facilities management and maintenance. Our team has a combination of
over 300 years of construction industry experience. UBG was formed to change
the way the industry builds, collaborates and executes on projects. With
branches in Arizona, California, Colorado and Florida, we are here to serve you!

The 2023 ASPE Membership Directory is now

available in the Members Only section of
ASPEnational.org. Please note that the informa-
2023 Scholarship Program
tion contained in the directory was generated
on March 13, 2023, and does not reflect additions
or revisions made after this date.
Multiple Scholarships Available
Up to $25,000 to be Awarded
You may view current member data anytime
using the searchable
Application Dueonline
Datemember database
- April 28, 2023
– learn how! -

https://scribehow.com/shared/How_to_Search_
the_ASPE_Member_Database__oUkVfEKzSCm-
vhe4hl231-Q
24 | Estimating Today

8 Common
Construction
Estimating
Mistakes
By: Kendall Jones| ConstructionConnect |Blogs

Estimating is one of the most difficult jobs in construction. It

is also one of the most important. Profits are typically won
or lost based on how accurate your estimates are and how
closely they match up to your final project costs.
So, how accurate are your estimates? A survey from Quick-
Books and TSheets shows that nearly a third of construction
companies make less profit than expected based on their
estimates. That’s not too surprising given that 40% of re-
spondents aren’t that confident in their estimates.
Chances are that one bad estimate on a project that loses
money won’t put you out of business. String together a couple of unprofitable projects and you might find yourself
closing the doors for good. A quarter of all respondents indicated that it would only take two or three bad estimates
to ruin their business.
Getting accurate estimates is no easy task and a good estimator is worth their weight in gold. There are a lot of
variables that must be accounted for to deliver accurate estimates on every project. Everything from nailing down
accurate labor and material costs and understanding workers’ productivity, to getting precise takeoff measurements
and factoring in items like risk contingencies and overhead must be nearly perfect.
One or two mistakes could throw your estimates completely off and will result in a bad bid, one that you will either
lose because it’s too high or win because it’s so low that you won’t make a profit. Here’s a look at some of the most
common construction estimating mistakes and how to prevent them.

01. Not Conducting a Site Visit

Most bidding opportunities provide prospective bidders with a chance to attend a pre-bid meeting
and visit the jobsite. Often, these are mandatory in order to submit a bid and with good reason. No
two jobsite are identical and unknown site conditions can cause unexpected, and costly, issues when
construction gets underway.
When conducting a site visit you’ll want to take measurements, inspect the topography, and take some
soil bore samples if that hasn’t already been done. You also want to look at road access and traffic to
the site, determine how much space there is for staging, equipment and materials delivery and stor-
age, and what environmental protections will be needed during construction.
Be sure to have any subcontractors whose work may be impacted by the site condition make a visit as
well. This allows them to assess the site for themselves and factor in any additional costs that existing
site conditions might present into their estimates and bids.
 September/October| 25

02. Inaccurate Takeoffs

Your takeoffs lay the groundwork for your estimates. If they’re incomplete or incorrect it can really
screw up your estimates. Accurate takeoffs help you determine the exact quantities needed for all your
materials and supplies. They are also required to determine your labor and equipment needs. If you
miss items during takeoff or don’t get accurate measurements, you’ll either overestimate the project
and not win the bid or you’ll underestimate and risk winning a project that won’t be profitable.
Takeoff software is a great option to ensure that you get accurate measurements for your estimates.
It’s also a huge time saver over doing takeoffs manually. These tools are only as good as the user, so it’s
important that estimators get the proper training and are comfortable using the software.

03. Making Uneducated Guesses

Don’t gamble on your bids by making uninformed or uneducated guesses in your estimating. Tracking
job costs on every project is a great way to ensure your estimates, and ultimately your bids, are as
accurate as possible.
Job costs for labor, materials, and equipment should be based on the most current data available.
Make sure to factor in overhead costs and soft costs such as those for permitting and inspections
that can often be forgotten or neglected. You also want to make sure that you have the workforce and
equipment available for the project. Having to unexpectedly subcontract additional work or rent extra
equipment can quickly eat up your profits or wipe them out completely.
26 | Estimating Today

04. Labor Costs

Labor costs are probably the hardest item to nail down accurately when it comes to your estimate.
In that survey from QuickBooks and TSheets, construction business owners say “labor costs are the
hardest to estimate and are ranked as the most expensive project cost.” There are several variables in
play when it comes to estimating labor costs including the number of available workers for the project,
their experience level, rate of pay, and productivity.
A good, experienced worker may make a higher salary but are more productive and can get more done
in less time than a worker with less experience who makes a lower salary. Focus on determining how
many man-hours it takes to perform a task to use as a guide when estimating labor costs.
Don’t forget to determine whether prevailing wages are required on the project, which may or may not
be different from what you typically pay each worker. Always keep records of job costs, especially labor
costs, as you can use this historical data for more accurate estimates on future projects.

05. Material and Supplies Costs

Building materials and supplies are another big cost for construction projects and rank high in being
hard to accurately estimate. Prices for materials can fluctuate dramatically from the time you start an
estimate to the time that construction commences. Demand for materials is high and uncertainty over
tariffs and their impact on prices are making it even harder to get estimates right.
Establishing relationships with your building product manufacturers and suppliers has its advantages.
Not only can they help you lock in accurate prices while you put together your estimates, but they can
also steer you to alternative materials that might be a better fit for your project.
Locking in prices for your materials is crucial but don’t forget to make sure that you provide quantities
to your suppliers. This allows them to ensure they can fulfill your order and deliver on time. Costly de-
lays caused by workers not having the materials they need is embarrassing and will hurt your bottom
line.

06. Failing to Assess Risks and Creating Contingencies

Every construction project comes with risks. Completing a risk assessment should be part of your es-
timating process. For one, it helps in your bid/no-bid decision-making. A good estimator can identify a
project that is too risky and pass on submitting a bid. It also helps to determine how much to estimate
for contingencies.
Failing to assess risks and build in contingencies to your estimate will be detrimental when things go
wrong. The bigger the risk, the more time you should spend on determining ways to mitigate them and
how that could impact your costs. You likely won’t be able to recoup the losses that occur should an
unforeseen issue crop up once construction is underway.
 September/October| 27

07. Not Reviewing Your Work

Everyone makes mistakes. Estimators are no exception. Small estimating errors or omissions might not
make much of an impact but big ones like omitting scope items, inaccurate measurement, or using the
wrong units of measure can spell trouble. Take the time to carefully review your work or have another
person on your estimating team review your estimates. Double-check your measurements are accu-
rate, and your math is correct for all your costs.
Give yourself adequate time to put your estimates and bid together. Rushing through your work just
to meet a bid deadline will only result in mistakes that will cost you in the end, so take the time to get
it right the first time. Profitability on a project is almost always determined by your estimates. If you
underestimate your bid, there’s usually no amount of cost-cutting measures that will be able to make
up for the shortfall.

08. Not Reviewing Subcontractor Estimates

If you’re a general contractor, chances are you are going to have to subcontract out some of the work
to trade contractors. Be sure to review their bid estimates and proposals thoroughly. Make sure they
understand exactly what aspects of the projects you are wanting them to bid on and complete. This will
avoid duplication of work in their estimates that are being covered by you or another subcontractor.

ASPE COnsultants Listing

For ASPE member Estimating Consultants only! Advertise your services locally,
regionally, or nationally on the ASPE website. Choose the package that’s right for you.

Nationwide Page Enhanced Standard

Enhanced listing on national Listing on one state page Listing on one state page
page
Company logo (PNG format) 25 - word narrative
Enhanced listing on one state
page Additional state(s) - $25 ea.
50 - word narrative
Company logo (PNG format)
Additional state(s) - $25 ea.
75 - word narrative

Additional state(s) - $25 ea.

$400 $150 $50

Looking to hire an Estimating Consultant? Browse our listings: https://bit.ly/46Mmawl

28 | Estimating Today

THE BENEFITS OF
GETTING YOUR CiCE

How Getting Your CiCE

Can Benefit Your
Career:
• Excel in the workplace

• Gain new opportunities

• Propel your career

CERTIFICATE IN
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING
ASPE’s very own Certificate in Construction
Estimating is comprised of six required courses
focused on the core competencies and
fundamentals necessary for a beginning estimator
to master. This program is a comprehensive
introduction to the foundational principles in plan
reading, estimating math, bidding practices,
materials and processes, preparing an estimate,
and more. Whether you’re new to estimating, need
a refresh, or are looking for a training program for
your staff, ASPE’s Certificate in Construction
Estimating is the up-to-date solution to accessible
online estimating education.
 September/October| 29

COURSES ARE:
Basic Estimating Math

Plan Reading for Estimating

Introduction to Construction Estimating I

Introduction to Construction Estimating II

Construction Materials and Processes I

Estimating and Bidding

WHO SHOULD EARN THIS CERTIFICATE:

Brand New Field Workers Looking Seasoned

Estimators For An Office Job Estimators
While there is no college If you’ve been working in Has it been a while since you
degree in estimating, this the field for any amount of refreshed your basic skillset
certificate will educate you time, you know how hard in estimating? Or are you
on all the ins-and-outs of the day-to-day demands can looking to train your new
the estimating profession be on your body. With this estimators? This certificate
so that you can jump into certificate, you can learn a will help remind you of the
an exciting new career. new skill and enjoy a career foundational elements of
indoors, behind a desk. estimating and bring your
team up to speed.

WE CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED

SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER | 615.316.9200 | www.aspenational.org |

30 | Estimating Today

2023

October
Critical 2
2
2024 Membership Renewals Begin
2024 Certification Renewals Begin

Calendar (CPE and AEP)

November

23-24 SBO Closed for Thanksgiving

December
25 - 26 SBO Closed for the Holidays
31 2024 Membership Renewals Due
31 2024 Certification Renewals Due
(CPE and AEP)

2024
Critical
Calendar
1 New Fiscal Year Begins
22 Estimating Academy Classes Begin
January

ASPE Membership: Membership

31 suspended for non‐renewal
(Renewal due 12/31/2023)
AEP/CPE Status: Expiring /AEP's/CPE's
31 revoked for non‐renewal
(Renewal due 12/31/2023)
Deadline: Member Profile Updates
31
for inclusion in 2024 Directory
BENEFITS OF
BECOMING
CERTIFIED
VALIDATE YOUR EXPERTISE
2015

EARN A DISTINGUISHED
CERTIFICATION
ASPE CPE Certification is accredited by
the Council of Engineering and Scientific
Specialty Boards (CESB), and
successfully credentialed candidates PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
of the program earn recognition for CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
their skills. ESTIMATOR (CPE)
• For estimators with more than 5
GAIN A COMPETITIVE years professional experience
• 3 – 6 month timeline to complete
ADVANTAGE
• Required to complete the General
More projects across the country are
Estimating Knowledge (GEK) exam,
seeking credentialed estimators as an
Technical Paper submission, and Part I and
extra assurance of the quality of work.
Part II of the Discipline Specific Test (DST)
Increasingly, local, state, and
government agencies are moving ASSOCIATE ESTIMATING
towards requiring CPE certification. PROFESSIONAL (AEP)
• For estimators with less than 5
years professional experience
BOOST CAREER OPPORTUNITIES • 3 month timeline to complete
Enhance your career by opening doors • Required to pass the General
to the diverse projects and career Estimating Knowledge (GEK) exam
growth opportunities that the CPE
credential confers.

| 615.316.9200 | www.aspenational.org | SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE

32 | Estimating Today

A SPE CH AP TER MEETING S

ARIZONA CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED) DELAWARE

Arizona #6 San Diego #4 Delware #75
Where: Aunt Chilada's Where: Virtual Where: Virtual
Website: n/a Website: aspesd4.org Website: n/a
Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact:
Madison Williams Paul Chang, CPE Brett Mucklow
MaWilliams@climatec.com pchang@balfourbeattyus.com bmucklow@bpgsconstruction.com

ARKANSAS Sacramento #11 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Arkansas #33 Where: Varies Greater D.C. #23
Where: Varies Website: n/a Where: Varies
Website: n/a Meeting Contact: Website: n/a
Meeting Contact: Bryan Hall Meeting Contact:
Jack Guess, CPE bryan_hall@surewest.net Carlos Rosales
jguess@baldwinshell.com aspe23president@gmail.com
Silicon Valley #55
NW Arkansas #79 Where: Virtual FLORIDA
Where: Varies Website: aspe55.org Tampa Bay #48
Website: n/a Meeting Contact: Where: The Pub Resturant
Meeting Contact: Shawna Alvarado Website: aspetampabay.com
Danny Chadwick, CPE shawna@odonnellplastering.com Meeting Contact:
estimatordan@gmail.com Ray Velez
reymvelez@gmail.com
CALIFORNIA COLORADO
Los Angeles #1 Denver #5 Gold Coast #49
Where: Virtual Where: Virtual Where: Varies
Website: ASPE-LA1.org Website: aspedenver.org Website: n/a
Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact:
Bruce Danielson Jennifer Farmer, AEP Danny Chadwick, CPE
la1ofaspe@outlook.com jennifer@livingdesignstudios.com estimatordan@gmail.com

Golden Gate #2 CONNECTICUT Orlando #50

Where: Virtual Nutmeg #60 Where: Anser Advisory
Website: aspe2.org Where: Back Nine Tavern Website: https://aspeorlando50.com
Meeting Contact: Website: n/a Meeting Contact:
Robert Muir, CPE Meeting Contact: Andrew Kleimola
robmuir72@hotmail.com Lee Sullivan akleimola@anseradvisory.com
lee@lionsheadcc.com

Orange County #3 Yankee #15 GEORGIA

Where: Virtual Where: n/a Atlanta #14
Website: aspe-oc3.org Website: n/a Where: Virtual
Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact: Website: n/a
Troy Thomas Bill Jacabacci Meeting Contact:
constructionpro1984@yahoo.com jacabacci@gmail.com Danny Chadwick, CPE
estimatordan@gmail.com
 September/October| 33

A SPE CH AP TER MEETING S (CONTINUED)

ILLINOIS MAINE NEW JERSEY

Chicago #7 Maine #37 Garden State #26
Where: Virtual Where: Varies Where: Virtual
Website: n/a Website: aspemaine.com Website: n/a
Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact:
Matt Burress, CPE John Brockington, CPE Robert Sibilia, CPE
mburress@performanceservices.com jbrockington@woodwardcurran.com sibiliaconstructionservicesllc
@gmail.com
INDIANA MARYLAND
Central Indiana #59 Baltimore #21 NEW MEXICO
Where: Varies Where: Varies Roadrunner #47
Website: n/a Website: n/a Where: Fiestas Restaurant
Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact: Website: n/a
Jeremy Adkins, CPE Steve Dooley, CPE Meeting Contact:
jadkins@wccci.com sdooley@phoenix-eng.com Joshuah Crooker-Flint, CPE
joshc@auiinc.net
Old Fort #65 MASSACHUSETTS
Where: Virtual Boston #25 NEW YORK
Website: aspechapter65.org Where: Virtual New York #10
Meeting Contact: Website: n/a Where: Virtual
Thad Berkes Meeting Contact: Website: n/a
tberkes@designcollaborative.com Eric Rennell Meeting Contact:
eric@rennellcapitalgroup.com Rose Jesse, CPE
IOWA rosejesse.aspe@gmail.com
Quad Cities #71 MICHIGAN
Where: Varies Detroit #17 Empire State #42
Website: aspequadcities.org Where: Virtual Where: Athos Resturant
Meeting Contact: Website: aspe17.org Website: n/a
Scott Robinson, LCPE Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact:
scottr@jlbradyco.com Glenn Frank, CPE Alvaro Garza, CPE
glenn.frank@ymail.com Alvaro.garza@nationalgrid.com
Greater Des Moines #73
Where: Varies MISSOURI
Website: iowaaspe73.org St. Louis Metro #19 OHIO
Meeting Contact: Where: AGC Training School Southwestern Ohio #38
Hui (Huey) Su Website: aspe19stlouis.org Where: Varies
huey@concordconst.com Meeting Contact: Website: aspe-cincinnati.org
John Smith, CPE Meeting Contact:
LOUISIANA jpsmith@tarltoncorp.com Dan Frondorf, CPE
New Orleans #9 dan@dgfrondorf.com
Where: Varies Heartland #32
Website: n/a Where: Varies
Meeting Contact: Website:aspe32.org
Danny Chadwick, CPE Meeting Contact:
estimatordan@gmail.com Eric Soriano
esoriano
@hermeslandscaping.com
 34 | Estimating Today

ASPE C H APTER M EETINGS (CONTINUED)

OKLAHOMA TEXAS WASHINGTON

Landrun-OK City #80 Houston #18 Puget Sound #45
Where: Varies Where: Varies Where: Virtual
Website: aspeok.org Website: n/a Website: na
Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact:
Mike Phillips, CPE Larry Lucero, CPE Steve Watkins
michaelp@miller-tippens.com llucero@redlineinsulation.com steve.watkins@bnbuilders.com

OREGON Rio Grande #40 WISCONSIN

Columbia-Pacific #54 Where: Varies Brew City #78
Where: Varies Website: n/a Where: Varies
Website: n/a Meeting Contact: Website: na
Meeting Contact: Rodolfo Barba, CPE Meeting Contact:
Steve Watkins rodolfobarba1@gmail.com Matt Washkoviak, CPE
steve.watkins@bnbuilders.com mattwashkoviak@camosy.com
Dallas/ Ft.Worth #43
Where: Virtual
PENNSYLVANIA Website:
Three Rivers #44
sites/google.com/view/aspe-dfw Membership
Where: Varies Classification
Meeting Contact:
Website: n/a
Meeting Contact:
Steve Patmon Count (as of 6/6/2023)
ASPE.dfw@gmail.com
Dexter Murphy, LCPE Affiliate 52
dextercmurphy@comcast.net UTAH AEP 62
Great Salt Lake #51
Philadelphia #61 Where: Virtual Corporate 8
Where: Varies Website: na CPE 376
Website: n/a Meeting Contact:
Meeting Contact: Estimator 657
M. John Shampton, CPE
Stephen Biddle mjohnshampton@gmail.com Fellow 23
SBiddle@oliverfps.com
Honorary Member 5
VIRGINIA LCPE 100
Central Pennsylvania #76 Richmond #82
Where: Loxley's Resturant Where: Varies Member Emeritus 11
Website: n/a Website: aspe-richmond.org ME (CPE or LCPE) 30
Meeting Contact: Meeting Contact:
Shawn Buckwalter, CPE Student 30
Sid Bass, CPE
sbuckwalter@egsconstruction.com sbass@reynolds.edu Total 1,354

TENNESSEE
Middle Tennessee #34
Where: Varies
Website: n/a Please Note: Information is subject
to change. Report changes in your
Meeting Contact:
Chapter’s information with an email to
Ricky Sanford
Tina@ASPEnational.org
Rsanford7159@gmail.com
 September/October| 35

The industry standard

for search!

Exclusively for commercial

construction professionals, like you!
• Quick & easy access to the nation’s largest database
of qualified commercial construction professionals
• Find exactly who you need, where and when you need them
• Always available, always up-to-date

TheBlueBook.com/ASPE
(844) 617-2478
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS SINCE 1913

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS SINCE 1913

ASPE CORE VALUES
EDUCATION: PROFESSIONALISM: FELLOWSHIP:
ASPE educates and mentors ASPE promotes the lifelong ASPE develops a fellowship of
professional estimators for the pursuit of excellence and professional estimators that
sustainability of the construction industry. credibility in professional connects and leads the construction
estimating. industry.

ASPE CORE PURPOSE

ASPE is the construction industry’s leader
and recognized authority in professional
estimating through excellence in education,
certification and standardization.

215 Donelson Pike, #140710 • Nashville, Tennessee 37214 • 615.316.9200 • ASPEnational.org