Steel Heavy Gauge Framing Takeoff Services
As a steel framing contractor, you’re likely working on a variety of residential and commercial projects that involve heavy gauge steel framing. With advancing production technologies and decreasing costs, steel framing is becoming more prominent in construction.
The steel framing industry is currently experiencing an average growth of 5.1% this year and is expected to continue its upward trend over the next five years. With ongoing investments in transportation and institutional construction, demand for structural steel erection will only increase. Steel framing is being increasingly used for building structures, exteriors, metal storage tanks, and various infrastructure projects.
Now is the perfect time to expand your business and close deals on more projects. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can enhance your operations and secure more opportunities in the growing steel framing industry.
Heavy Gauge Steel Framing Industry Overview
Steel framing has become a staple in both residential and commercial construction. While cost previously hindered its widespread use, advancements in production have made steel framing more affordable and accessible.
Strict building codes, driven by catastrophic events, have led to a shift from wood framing to steel framing. Additionally, architects’ desire for taller buildings, combined with the limitations of masonry’s weight, has made heavy gauge steel framing a popular choice. One of its greatest advantages is its flexibility and strength—steel can bend under pressure without cracking, unlike concrete. This ductility gives steel-framed buildings added durability, and in the event of extreme stress, they can show warning signs before failure, giving occupants time to evacuate.
Steel structures are also quick to build since much of the work is done in factories. A wide variety of pre-made steel sections are available for use in any design, allowing flexibility in shaping and cladding buildings with various materials. Steel structures also benefit from multiple joining methods, including bolting, welding, and riveting.
Steel Framing Estimating Process
Accurate estimating is key to winning competitive bids on heavy gauge steel framing projects. With prices fluctuating frequently, missing out on proper pricing could have serious consequences for your business.
Given the considerable transportation costs, steel prices are often determined by delivery time, and an escalation clause in contracts can help address potential cost increases due to unforeseen circumstances.
Structural steel is usually priced by weight, so it’s essential to know the dimensions and weights of each steel section used in a project. For example, an American wide flange beam labeled W18 x 84 indicates a beam 18 inches deep that weighs 84 pounds per foot.
To ensure accuracy in your estimate, take it step by step, detailing every column, beam, and connection per floor. Group your steel by grade, section, or member type, and organize it by method of connection or location within the project. Don’t forget to account for bracing, flooring, plates, connectors, and accessories separately.
By the end of the takeoff, you’ll have a table listing all the materials, their types, quantities, and lengths. Once you’ve calculated the linear feet of steel, you can easily determine the total weight required for the project, helping you create an accurate estimate for your next job.
Using Planswift Software for Digital Takeoffs
Accurate estimates are crucial for the success of your steel framing business, and relying on manual takeoffs can leave room for error. That’s where industry-leading software like Planswift comes in. With built-in assemblies for steel framing, this software makes it easy to generate fast, accurate estimates for your steel structures.
Why Hire Us?
With so many technical details to manage, purchasing and learning new software might not be the best use of your time and resources. Instead, you can outsource your estimating work to a company with years of experience in the field. At Rocket Takeoffs, we’ve got all your steel framing estimating needs covered.
Let us help you streamline your estimating process so you can focus on growing your business. Call us today to discuss how we can help your business succeed in the competitive world of steel framing.