Dynamic Changes Taking Place in Construction Estimating Technologies

In recent years, Reno Contracting has played an active role with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) with the advancement of new construction technologies. Reno’s Estimator / IT Manager, Ed Wenz, serves as President of the San Diego ASPE Chapter 4 and Chairperson of the AGC’s Technology Trends in Construction Committee. Wenz has developed the “Future of Estimating” educational program, based on many of the dynamic changes taking place in the construction industry that effect not only how estimators are conducting business today but also in the near future. The program was featured at a local technology event this past March at the AGC training facility, where ASPE members and other industry professionals were in attendance.

During the full day program several companies provided information specific to their technological scope. Autodesk provided an overview of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and how it is widely anticipated to soon dominate the project design profession. Reed Construction Data demonstrated their libraries of information that will assist the standardization of many BIM designs. The Eos Group gave the facts and the powerful benefits of database estimating, estimate management and historic cost systems. Adobe Systems addressed many aspects of an efficient paperless environment while demonstrating 3D PDFs as an answer to viewing BIM files without additional software. CSI (Construction Specification Institute) reviewed the construction industry’s inevitable migration from MasterFormat CSI 95 to CSI 2004 construction specifications.

As far as estimating quantities are concerned, on-screen takeoffs were discussed in depth along with the ability to automatically extract quantities directly out of BIM models. In addition, “Macro BIM” was demonstrated by Beck Technologies with their D-Profiler program, while designing a conceptual building and site, a quantity take-off and estimate are generated simultaneously. Wenz noted that these technologies are quickly becoming required knowledge for estimators in many of today’s industry-leading firms.

The advancement and development of new technologies improves the way the construction industry operates and provides better and more efficient buildings, saving time and money for owners, developers and their tenants. Through conducting seminars and educational sessions for their team members to holding information-sharing forums for clients and peers, Reno Contracting will continue to stay at the forefront of the latest industry trends. To learn more or to get involved in the Future of Estimating or Technology Trends in Construction, please contact Ed Wenz.