Civil Costs 1

[WARose]

Hate to double post....but I'm not getting much feedback on the Civil board and I need it fast....

I'm a structural engineer and I've got a project where (as part of my estimate) I have been asked to take a stab at the civil engineer's costs. We don't have one on board yet. The good news is.....based on my reading of the local storm water regs (which may not be such a smart idea): we don't need a permit (as we are not disturbing enough ground nor are we increasing runoff); I don't think we need any kind of erosion & sediment control plan either. Basically the project is: we are adding a small building (50'x50' in plan view) to a site that is currently all pavement. (No we aren't in a flood plain.) I don't anticipate any new paving.

So likely we are talking water & SS will need a hookup....but I am unsure as to what kind of effort we are talking here. What kind of manhours do you think I am talking (for those who know).

 

[JedClampett]

What we (I) do is guesstimate the number of drawings and apply a manhour rate per drawing. The number of drawings seem small, so the manhour rate will probably be on the top end, say 40 hours per drawing. That breaks down to 20 engineering and 20 CAD. For whatever reason, that seems to cover any specifications required, even though they're not quantified.
So you'll probably need a notes sheet (probably obtained from the City), and two more sheets, so say 120 hours. I'm not sure if there are customary typical details for your projects, so add some drawings (at a reduced rate) for them.
DO NOT negotiate with yourself. If you have a number, don't say that the client won't go for it, so I'll lower it.

 

[WARose]

thanks jed

 

[JoelTXCive]

WARose -

To add to what Jed suggested....... I would talk a ballpark stab at what you think the overall construction cost will be. Then compare the design fee cost you have arrived at to the overall construction cost to see if it feels reasonable.