for preparing the bill of materials is obtained from
plans are necessary, which is frequently the case for
drawings and specifications.
facilities of the Army Facilities Components System
(AFCS), the materials estimator will have to make
(4) The fourth step is the preparation of
the required additions and deletions to the
a labor and equipment estimate. This is a listing by
accompanying bills.
type, amount of time, and number of personnel
required to complete each task of the project.
b. Omission of bill of materials. When a
bill of materials is not provided with the drawings
(5) The final step is to summarize the
and specifications for a construction project, the
amount of materials, equipment, and labor required
materials estimator must prepare one from the
for each task on the estimate or checklist. The
drawings and specifications.
estimator should insure at this point that nothing is
omitted or duplicated.
4-4.
PREPARING A BILL OF MATERIALS
c. Lesson coverage. In this lesson, we
a. Essential elements.
The methods
will concentrate on and fully discuss step three
discussed in this lesson are representative only. The
above, preparation of a bill of materials.
materials estimator has latitude in preparing his own
system. However, listed below are five essential
4-2. QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OF
elements of whatever system he uses.
A MATERIALS ESTIMATOR
(1) Take-off list.
a. Qualifications
of
a
materials
estimator.
A materials estimator is one who
(2) Consolidation.
prepares materials estimates. He should possess the
(3) Waste allowance.
following qualifications:
(4) Nail requirements.
(1) Ability to read plans accurately.
(5) Grouping and arranging.
(2) A good knowledge of arithmetic.
b. Explanation.
The
following
(3) Ability to compute accurately.
paragraphs illustrate and explain a recommended
(4) Ability to visualize both the
method of preparing a bill of materials incorporating
planning steps and the finished product of a
these five elements. The additional elements of
construction project.
thoroughness, accuracy, and neatness are stressed
here because they are vital to successful material
(5) A knowledge of materials.
estimating.
(6) Ability to use pertinent Department
4-5.
TAKE-OFF LIST
of the Army publications.
a. Definition.
A take-off list is a
b. Training in materials estimating. A
descriptive and individual listing of each part in a
man may be taught methods, calculations involved,
structure. It gives the materials estimator the
items to include, and errors to avoid in materials
opportunity to determine firsthand the kind and
estimating. However, he cannot be taught the
quantities of materials needed.
The method
indispensable factors of experience and judgment.
discussed below for preparing a materials takeoff is
These he must acquire over a period of time.
reliable and thorough. It incorporates the principle
that the materials estimator, when preparing the take-
4-3.
MATERIAL ESTIMATES
off list from a drawing, will work in a systematic
a. Sources of information. Plans and
manner.
specifications for bridges, building, and other vertical
b. Method. In preparing a takeoff list
structures normally contain bills of materials. When
follow the rule "keep it separate." Whenever a part
they do, the materials estimator should check the bill
(item) is taken off a drawing or
against the drawings and specifications for any
discrepancies. If alterations or modifications of the
4-2
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