Estimating General Conditions 1

Use the General Conditions cards to enter basic estimating and construction project expenses into the BidMagic estimating software.

Construction General Conditions

The General Conditions category is divided into two cards. When you click on its button in the Specs directory card, you'll see a pop-up menu which allows you to jump to either of them.

Project Overhead includes office and intangible costs that can be assigned specifically to the project. It differs from General Overhead, which is handled on the Overhead & Profit card (see page 149).

NOTE: One project overhead item is 'estimating allowance'. It covers the time it takes to do three estimates, so you'll be paid for making the bids you don't get, as well as the ones you do.

Permits & Fees includes building permits, demolition permits, developer fees, and any similar 'up front' costs.

NOTE: Since the cost of permits and fees vary so much in different parts of the country, you'll probably want to add line item costs for each permit or fee you must pay in your area.

Insurance & Legal covers the cost of any insurance that is paid specifically for this project.

NOTE: General business insurance costs should be figured into General Overhead instead (see page 149).

Professional Services includes the cost of architects, engineers, lawyers, or other professional services required specifically for this project.

NOTE: Professional work not used for a specific project is covered by General Overhead instead.

Temporaries includes the cost of electrical and plumbing services, fencing, and other items installed temporarily during construction, and then removed before the project is completed.

HINT: If you can't read the entire name of a line item, click on the text of the name--you'll temporarily be able to see the entire name.