Estimating in Building Construction

Chapter 18 PLUMBING
 PLUMBING
• Plumbing, like electrical work, may be bid under either single or separate
contracts. Regardless of the type of contract, the areas of responsibility and
coordination still exist, and the general contractor should have a basic
understanding of what his responsibilities to the plumbing contractor are.
• The plumbing work must be installed in accordance with all applicable
building codes—federal, state, and local. The code most commonly used in
the United States is the International Plumbing Code.
 SINGLE CONTRACT
• Plumbing is another area of work that will be subbed out to a subcontractor.
• Even so, the estimator should have a general knowledge of plumbing so that
they can determine whether the subcontractor’s bid is reasonable.
• The takeoff for plumbing includes the costs of water pipes, gas pipes, sewer
pipes, drains, soil and vent stacks, soil, waste, vent pipes, and all rough work
required for fixtures.
• Information required includes size, length, pipe material, weight, and fittings
(unions, hangers, tees, wyes, elbows, etc.). Also included are kinds and sizes
of cleanouts, grease traps, plugs, traps, valves, and the like.
 SEPARATE CONTRACT
• The plumbing contractors do the takeoff and bidding.
• The estimator for general construction must still check to determine the areas
of mutual responsibility and coordination— they are similar to those required
for the electrical work.
• There is always considerable work done in coordination, wall chases,
anchoring supports, sleeves, and many other items.
 COORDINATION REQUIREMENT
• Once again, coordination among the HVAC and plumbing contractors is also
important in the understanding of who is responsible for what, why, when!
 CHECKLIST
• Permits
• Excavation and backfill
• Water, gas, and sewage lines
• Required pipes and fittings
• Cleanouts
• Valves
• Tanks
• Sleeves
 CHECKLIST
Finish
• Water closets
• Bath tubs
• Lavatories
• Drinking fountains
• Showers tubs
• Service sinks
• Water heater
• Urinals
• Washers and dryers
• Dishwashers
PIPING SYMBOLS
FIXTURES SYMBOLS
ABBREVIATIONS
COORDINATION ISSUES
Thank You