Tom Jones, PE

Attention Construction Companies using Carlson Survey! Are you receiving CAD files from engineering firms converted from Civil3D without elevation data in the linework? I can assist you by seamlessly adding elevation data back into your linework. Simply provide me with the CAD file and engineering documents, and I'll handle the rest, saving your office personnel valuable time for other critical tasks. #Construction #CarlsonSurvey #Civil3D #CAD #EngineeringDataExchange

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It sure feels like the pre-development process working with most power companies could be made a lot easier or simpler or customer friendly. My team has spent a lot of hours leaving voicemails with a power company just trying to understand a ballpark cost and timeline on a residential subdivision over the last month. It would be so extremely helpful if you could develop a pre-development guide or tool or calculator for developers and their consultants to provide some pre-development direction as a project just gets started. I'm not asking for anybody to commit to a cost to provide service, but to know what ballpark we're playing in and a general timeline would be so helpful. Happy to collaborate with any power company in the country if they are open to it.

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7 Comments

I provided a proposal for a builder that described my original design fee and then a price for repeat plans on separate lots. While my template from a past project included a note about "identical wind speed" I noticed I was missing the part about "identical exposure category". This is another reminder how important it is to fully describe what the proposal includes, and exactly when the additional hourly rates will kick in. Just for the non-engineer readers, Exposure D (near the ocean or an airport) can create 80% higher wind speeds from Exp B to Exp D, depending on the height of the building. This is the difference between a window at 23 PSF or 42 PSF, or a roofing product not meeting code or just increasing the number of fasteners. Keep in mind the wind pressure requirement is independent of impact protection. Most of our projects need to meet both.

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1 Comment

Recently worked up an estimate for a new client on a ground-up Panda Express in Michigan. Little bit of site work, building electrical and low voltage system pathways. Drawings were not great, very cut-up, lot of references to details requiring detailed takeoff. This marks his first time bidding a larger type of commercial project. I took special care to walk him through the entire process, including the initial project review, pre-bid strategy, quotables, final bid review, proposal, and even into post-bid negotiation and sales tactics. Got some feedback today on it actually, we weren't the low number, but not out of the game. Apparently nobody caught the disclaimer note on the 1st page entirely disqualifying the use of MC. It's a good place to be because it forces the GC to ask your competition those qualifying questions. If they missed it, they either have to admit to it and raise their cost or eat it. Not a good look if they missed something and it could level the playing field for you. #electrical #estimating #strategy

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6 Comments

Concrete #Estimation→ The make or break of your construction project. 🔍🏗 Why get it right? ❌ Too low→ risks and cost overruns lurk around the corner. ❌ Too high→ your bid could fly right out the window. Here's the mix for success→ Quality concrete material cost analysis = Projects on time, within budget, and beyond expectations. ✅ Hire professional estimators→ Precision leads to performance. ✅ Follow their advice→ Trust in their expertise for a smoother build. ✅ Communication is key→ Clear estimates build bridges with clients. Optimized #Estimation = Enhanced Reputation + Trust. Follow me for more insights→ #Construction, #ConcreteConstruction, #Services. Building a better future? Comment below and share your estimation experiences with fellow #constructioncompanies. #BiddingConfidence #ConstructionEstimation #ConstructionManagement #ProjectBidding #CostManagement #ConstructionIndustry #BuildingCosts #ContractorLife #Subcontracting #ConstructionProjects #ConstructionTrends #CivilEngineering #ConstructionTechnology  #InfrastructureDevelopment #ConstructionPlanning #ProjectManagement #UrbanDevelopment #GreenBuilding #ConstructionCosts #RealEstateDevelopment #CommercialConstruction #ResidentialConstruction #ConstructionSafety #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableConstruction #ConstructionInnovation #BuildingInformationModeling #ConstructionEquipment #ConstructionJobs #ConstructionLaw #ConstructionMaterials #ConstructionEngineering #ConstructionWork #Preconstruction #ConstructionProcurement #BuildingStandards #ConstructionQuality #ConstructionIndustryUSA #AmericanContractors #USAConstruction #ConstructionInsights #BuildingProjects #ConstructionSector #InfrastructureProjects #CivilConstruction #ConstructionCostEstimating #ConstructionBid #ConstructionEstimators #ConstructionManagementSoftware #BuildingEstimation #CostEstimation

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You know who hates to owe someone? Hard work. Last time I checked, hard work paid all its debts in full. Hard work is a master that most people don't want to work for, because they tend to serve another master - laziness, fear of failure, and discouragement from others. Hard work brings out the best in you. It takes you out of your comfort zone and pushes you beyond your limits. A dream doesn't become reality by accident. Success is never a product of luck, but rather a result of hard work, determination, and persistence. As the popular saying goes, 'Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.' All the struggle and hustle will pay off. Stop doubting yourself and work hard! The only way to value hard work is to work hard. You are your only limit. You didn't come this far just to give up. Hard work pays! Goonnatty30.wordpress.com

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Is there anything asphalt CAN’T do? In addition to buildings, roadways, and infrastructure, it’s a friend to trees in need. We’re not ready to test THAT asphalt quite yet. #ChicagoTestingLab #CTL #AsphaltTesting #VersatileMaterials #RoadConstruction

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Safety is more than talking. It’s about action and commitment. CSM Group is the embodiment of a Safety First Culture

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The competitive nature of construction bidding is not just a game; it's the reality of the industry. 🏗💼 Why does it matter? The bidding process is a high-stakes arena where precision meets strategy. ❌ Cutting corners to offer the lowest bid can backfire ❌ Overestimating costs can price you out of the competition. Here's how to stand out without cutting into your profit: Craft your bids with a blend of accuracy, value, and innovation. ✅ Embrace detailed cost estimation: The foundation of a compelling bid. ✅ Leverage quality and efficiency: Show how you deliver better value. ✅ Communicate clearly: Your proposal should highlight your unique strengths. Winning isn't just about being the cheapest; it's about being the best value Follow me for more insights: #ConstructionBidding, #ProjectManagement, #CompetitiveBidding. In the trenches of bidding wars? Comment below and share how you navigate the competitive landscape of construction bids. #BiddingConfidence #ConstructionEstimation #ConstructionManagement #ProjectBidding #CostManagement #ConstructionIndustry #BuildingCosts #ContractorLife #Subcontracting #ConstructionProjects #ConstructionTrends #CivilEngineering #ConstructionTechnology  #InfrastructureDevelopment #ConstructionPlanning #ProjectManagement #UrbanDevelopment #GreenBuilding #ConstructionCosts #RealEstateDevelopment #CommercialConstruction #ResidentialConstruction #ConstructionSafety #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableConstruction #ConstructionInnovation #BuildingInformationModeling #ConstructionEquipment #ConstructionJobs #ConstructionLaw #ConstructionMaterials #ConstructionEngineering #ConstructionWork #Preconstruction #ConstructionProcurement #BuildingStandards #ConstructionQuality #ConstructionIndustryUSA #AmericanContractors #USAConstruction #ConstructionInsights #BuildingProjects #ConstructionSector #InfrastructureProjects #CivilConstruction #ConstructionCostEstimating #ConstructionBid #ConstructionEstimators #ConstructionManagementSoftware #BuildingEstimation #CostEstimation

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Heavy civil contractors with a large equipment fleet: IVO Systems is built specifically with you in mind. We just brought on another heavy civil contractor that fits this description perfectly: A heavy civil contractor based in Wisconsin that does primarily earthwork and landfills. Lots of equipment to manage, a large team of employees, and a dire need for a solution that understands the heavy civil industry. The IVO Systems modules are designed for companies like this: when you need to manage a lot of moving parts, and things are changing every seven minutes. We're building operations software for the heavy civil industry. If you need to manage a large equipment fleet and a lot of employees, that's where IVO Systems really shines.

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DT Manager walks into a room…. Sees superintendents using the model on their own to visualize the installation of piles for the South Garage. Another reason why we VDC. Our DT team fully support interactions like these between technology and our team members. #morethanclashdetection #revizto #visualplanning #constructiontechnology #ilovebim #virtualdesignandconstruction

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2 Comments

This week is the tenth annual Construction Safety Week. In my opinion, the most important safety policy a company can adopt is Stop Work Authority. SWA gives me (and all of my coworkers) the authority to stop work when we feel that a task cannot be done safely, without any concerns for repercussions. SWA encourages a safety-focused culture. As a bonus tip - know your PPE and replace at the recommended intervals! What do you do to stay safe? #constructionsafetyweek #safetyweek #safety #bridgeconstruction #bridgeengineering #structuralengineering #civilengineering #whypennoni #pennonisafe

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I don’t typically share my reading habits (news flash: I rarely read books for pleasure unless on vacation), but I finished reading this book a few weeks ago (without leaving town), and I highly recommend it! It was eye-opening, but also reassuring that there are others in the civil engineering profession that question the foundations of why we are quick to make decisions in the name of “science” and “safety” that just don’t feel right, and it turns out are not actually based on data (speed limits 🤦🏼‍♂️) or intended to actually improve safety (traffic signals are mostly designed to allow pedestians to cross and vehicles to turn across those “protected” crosswalks at the same time 🤔). And, luckily, one of these people wrote this book! I highly recommend this for any engineer that has had that inkling of doubt over following “standards” that seem to ignore common sense. Oh…and there’s a pleasantly excessive number of references to The Simpsons and early-90’s pop culture too! Check it out at your local library (“Who’s up for a trip to the library tomorrow? Notice I no longer say ‘libary’ or ‘tomorry’”), or skip that entirely and just go straight to owning your own copy (“Marge, you don’t buy books at a car wash.”): https://lnkd.in/eZ4enfJi

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40 Comments

In my experience as a Senior Estimator, I've observed that nearly 25% of project costs can be attributed to unforeseen changes due to initial underestimations. This isn't just about numbers; it's about the credibility and viability of our projects. Our role is crucial in predicting and mitigating these issues through precise, detailed takeoffs that prevent costly oversights. Let’s elevate our industry standards by investing in thorough and accurate project estimations. #CostManagement #ConstructionEstimating #BiddingConfidence #ConstructionEstimation #ConstructionManagement #ProjectBidding #CostManagement #ConstructionIndustry #BuildingCosts #ContractorLife #Subcontracting #ConstructionProjects #ConstructionTrends #CivilEngineering #ConstructionTechnology #InfrastructureDevelopment #ConstructionPlanning #ProjectManagement #UrbanDevelopment #GreenBuilding #ConstructionCosts #RealEstateDevelopment #CommercialConstruction #ResidentialConstruction #ConstructionSafety #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableConstruction #ConstructionInnovation #BuildingInformationModeling #ConstructionEquipment #ConstructionJobs #ConstructionLaw #ConstructionMaterials #ConstructionEngineering #ConstructionWork #Preconstruction #ConstructionProcurement #BuildingStandards #ConstructionQuality #ConstructionIndustryUSA #AmericanContractors #USAConstruction #ConstructionInsights #BuildingProjects #ConstructionSector #InfrastructureProjects #CivilConstruction #ConstructionCostEstimating #ConstructionBid #ConstructionEstimators #ConstructionManagementSoftware #BuildingEstimation #CostEstimation

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