Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
(OP)
Hello forum,
I have been doing small residential excavating/site work for the past 5 years. I am looking to expand my business into small commercial and more 'complex' projects. Most of our work is site work for new homes, additions, septic systems, grading, ponds, topsoil, hydro seed/sod, etc. I have had several opportunities to bid site work for small stores, a large church, and a few similar projects. However, the blueprints look very complicated (compared to a 5000 sq/ft house) and I do not have any experience with commercial work. Aside from doing the actual work, I also have no idea how to price commercial projects, so I would need help in this area as well.
I am sure it looks more intimidating than it really is but I still would like some input from you guys regarding where I could start. I am looking for recommendations for some books, online classes, etc. I have a bachelors in computer science & in business administration so I am not scared of reading and cramming information. I also looked into the option of a training school in Florida but aside from taking a month off to go there for school and $10k cost, I am afraid that it may just teach me beginner stuff I already know.
ANY information/input would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Yuri Y.
I have been doing small residential excavating/site work for the past 5 years. I am looking to expand my business into small commercial and more 'complex' projects. Most of our work is site work for new homes, additions, septic systems, grading, ponds, topsoil, hydro seed/sod, etc. I have had several opportunities to bid site work for small stores, a large church, and a few similar projects. However, the blueprints look very complicated (compared to a 5000 sq/ft house) and I do not have any experience with commercial work. Aside from doing the actual work, I also have no idea how to price commercial projects, so I would need help in this area as well.
I am sure it looks more intimidating than it really is but I still would like some input from you guys regarding where I could start. I am looking for recommendations for some books, online classes, etc. I have a bachelors in computer science & in business administration so I am not scared of reading and cramming information. I also looked into the option of a training school in Florida but aside from taking a month off to go there for school and $10k cost, I am afraid that it may just teach me beginner stuff I already know.
ANY information/input would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Yuri Y.





RE: Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
RE: Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
Moving the Earth, the workbook of excavation, 4th edition
Nichols, Day
Mc Graw Hill
RE: Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
My recommendation would be to do some background research and then begin pulling contract documents for publicly tendered projects. Perform a take-off, an estimate with applicable markup and see how your number ranks to those tenders submitted and opened.
Books will give you a general estimate but, in my experience, are not entirely accurate. Although the company I work for is in a specialized field, our unit rates for equipment and production are primarily based on past performance with a bi-annual review to ensure we are within the market range.
RE: Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com
RE: Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
ishvaaag, I just ordered the book this morning from Barnes & Noble; I have come across it before but was reluctant to pay $150+ without doing some research on it. Glad you recommended it.
dicksewerrat, I have very much so considered taking a survey class at a local 2 yr college, which is not very expensive at all.
Have any of you guys heard good/bad about these 'vocational' heavy equipment schools? The one I found to be of most interest is http://earthmoverschool.com/. The course outline suggests that students will learn advanced techniques such as surveying, GPS/laser control, estimating, sewer, water, etc. I understand there will probably be a week or two of basic 'how to properly start a bulldozer' but at this point I do not have much of a choice in regards to actual live help/support.
RE: Books/lessons for excavating/sitework
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924004135061
http://
RE: Books/lessons for excavating/sitework