Preparing for Success
Steward Steel believes that the best estimating and pre-construction planning are thorough and limit the possibility that unanticipated issues and scope gaps will arise. This requires a comprehensive system and a closely honed eye for details. At Steward Steel, we have the systems, knowledge, and people to fully account for even the smallest element of a project. We view estimating not as a detached process, but as a conversation between the Steward team members and you, our customer, focused on the requirements of the project.
When Steward Steel provides estimating and pre-construction services for a project, whether it be a hard bid project, design-build, design assist or a just budget, you can be assured that we will have accounted for everything shown and sized within the contract documents. We can accurately estimate labor costs to a superior level of fidelity and project the costs of changes -- even on the most complex projects. Our estimators start with a set of design documents, at Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), or Construction Documents (CD) levels. We account for the cost of every single bolt, capture all of the main material at the correct lengths and weights, include all detail material, account for all associated labor, every cut, every hole, every cope, every weld, consumable costs, coatings, transportation, etc.
Steward Steel also investigates all material supplier options, and through open dialogue with our customers, we determine the best value for the project. Sometimes mill orders are the most economical option if the schedule and size of the project are a fit. Other times ordering materials from one or several of the large, specialized steel warehouses can be a better option.
Changes to specifications and contract documents often happen. Steward’s estimating team leverages the latest tools in engineering and estimating via Fabsuite Steel Fabrication Management Software, Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam. If change orders do occur, we incorporate all the added scope into our 3D model, which keeps the model up to date and Steward’s change management process accurate, open and honest.
Investing time and skill in estimating and pre-construction yields strong dividends throughout the project. Our team has 85+ years of combined pre-construction, estimating and sales experience. There is very little in our industry that the Steward Team has not experienced and dealt with successfully. Coupled with the latest in software tools and modeling technology, our veteran estimators can closely diagnose and alert you to any discrepancies that will impact your budget or delay your schedule. This level of skill, attention to detail, and insightful communication provides our customers greater efficiency and field modifications due to Steward Steel’s work are at ab absolute, near-zero occurrence rate.
As you begin planning for your next project, contact Steward Steel for your steel needs first. Our estimators can advise you on what costs and intricacies to expect throughout the course of your project.