Estimators understand the importance of level setting bids for accurate project costs. But when it comes to managing steel trade bids, things get tricky—mainly because steel subcontractors rarely submit a full-scope bid. That leaves estimators piecing together multiple quotes just to get a complete picture.
Structural steel is especially tough. Every project has its own mix of beams, columns, bracing, decking, coatings, and erection details—not to mention the connections. It’s easy to miss something, especially if you don’t have deep experience in structural steel. When bids are incomplete, estimators are left filling in the blanks, which raises the chances of mistakes and missed costs.
This is where full scope bids come in.
Full scope bids are crucial for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of a steelwork project. They encompass every aspect of the project, from fabrication to erection, offering a complete picture. While full scope steel subcontractors are not common, obtaining just 1-2 full scope bids can provide the clarity needed. These bids serve as a benchmark, enabling estimators to understand the project’s full scope and identify any gaps in other bids.\
Step 1: Choose 1-2 Full Scope Subcontractors
When you make your list of subcontractors to request bids from, be sure to include at least 1-2 full scope steel subcontractors. If you’re unfamiliar with their work, take the time to check their website for examples of past projects or get recommendations from colleagues who have worked with them before. Trusted subcontractors with a proven track record of full scope bids can provide a solid foundation for comparison and help you ensure you’re getting a comprehensive estimate.
Step 2: Confirm the Bids Are Full Scope
Once you’ve received the bids, it’s essential to confirm that they are indeed full scope. Here’s what to look for when evaluating each bid to ensure it’s comprehensive:
- Structural Steel Components: Does the bid include all necessary structural steel elements like embeds, columns, beams, braces, and other critical components?
- Connections: Are all connections (welded, bolted, riveted, pinned, moment, shear, etc.) accounted for, including details for how each piece will be joined together?
- Joists and Decking: Does the bid cover all joists and decking required for the project’s structure?
- Bracing and Stability: Are all required bracing components, including lateral and vertical bracing, clearly outlined in the bid?
- Fabrication and Erection: Does the bid include both fabrication and erection of the steel, including delivery and installation?
- Other Project-Specific Details: Are there any unique project elements or additional materials (like steel coatings, fireproofing, or specialized connections) that are fully accounted for?
If the bid covers all of these elements, then you’re looking at a full scope proposal.
Step 3: Use These Full Scope Bids to Level Set
Now that you have 1-2 full scope bids in hand, use them to level set and compare with other bids you’ve received. These comprehensive bids will serve as your benchmark, helping you identify any missing components or discrepancies in the other bids. By using the full scope bids as a reference, you’ll be able to ensure that all the necessary elements are included in every bid and get a more accurate picture of the overall cost and requirements for your project.
In short–Ensure Project Success with Full Scope Bids
Full scope steel bids provide general contractors with the clarity and accuracy needed to make well-informed decisions. By requesting full scope bids from trusted subcontractors, you can eliminate the guesswork and ensure that all aspects of the project are covered, reducing the chances of errors and omissions that can lead to costly delays. While it may take extra time to secure these bids, the benefit of having a comprehensive understanding of the entire project far outweighs the risk of proceeding with incomplete or inaccurate estimates.
Want more insights from those who live and breathe steel? We offer a Lunch & Learn where we dive into topics like full scope bidding and more. We’d love to feed your team and share practical tips to help make estimating smoother and more accurate. It’s all about helping each other win—reach out to schedule your Lunch & Learn today!