Concrete bidding requires precise quantity calculations, understanding of mix designs, and realistic labor estimates. This guide helps concrete contractors win profitable commercial and industrial projects.
Understanding Concrete Bid Documents
Structural Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Foundation plans
- Floor framing plans
- Structural sections
- Detail sheets
- Reinforcing schedules
Information to Extract
- Concrete quantities
- Reinforcing requirements
- Finish requirements
- Embed locations
- Joint patterns
Specifications
Division 03 Sections
- 03 10 00 - Concrete Forming
- 03 20 00 - Concrete Reinforcing
- 03 30 00 - Cast-in-Place Concrete
- 03 35 00 - Concrete Finishing
- 03 40 00 - Precast Concrete
- 03 50 00 - Cast Decks and Underlayment
Critical Details
- Mix design requirements
- Strength specifications
- Finish requirements
- Testing requirements
- Curing procedures
Quantity Takeoff
Volume Calculations
Standard Elements
- Footings
- Foundation walls
- Slabs on grade
- Elevated slabs
- Columns and beams
- Stairs
Calculation Method
- Calculate net volume
- Convert to cubic yards
- Add waste factor (5-10%)
Formwork Takeoff
Contact Areas
- Foundation forms
- Wall forms
- Column forms
- Beam forms
- Slab edges
Form Factors
- Number of uses
- Gang form potential
- Stripping access
- Tie spacing
Reinforcing Takeoff
Categories
- Rebar by size and length
- Welded wire fabric
- Fiber reinforcing
- Post-tension cables
Include
- Lap splices
- Development lengths
- Chairs and supports
- Tie wire
Pricing Components
Material Costs
Concrete
- Mix design requirements
- Strength class
- Special admixtures
- Delivery charges
- Minimum orders
Formwork
- Purchase vs. rental
- Form ties and hardware
- Release agents
- Repair and cleaning
Reinforcing
- Rebar pricing (per ton)
- WWF (per square foot)
- Placing accessories
- Epoxy coating premium
Labor Estimates
Major Activities
- Form construction
- Form setting
- Reinforcing placement
- Concrete placement
- Finishing operations
- Form stripping
- Curing
Productivity Factors
- Crew experience
- Weather conditions
- Access and staging
- Coordination requirements
- Quality expectations
Equipment
Common Equipment
- Concrete pumps
- Cranes
- Vibrators
- Power screeds
- Finishing equipment
Cost Considerations
- Rental vs. ownership
- Mobilization
- Operator costs
- Fuel and maintenance
Types of Concrete Work
Foundations
Typical Scope
- Spread footings
- Continuous footings
- Grade beams
- Foundation walls
- Pile caps
Pricing Factors
- Excavation access
- Dewatering needs
- Form complexity
- Reinforcing density
Flatwork
Applications
- Slabs on grade
- Sidewalks
- Parking lots
- Loading docks
Finish Options
- Broom finish
- Float finish
- Hard trowel
- Exposed aggregate
- Stamped/decorative
Structural Concrete
Elements
- Columns
- Beams
- Elevated slabs
- Shear walls
- Stairs
Special Requirements
- High-strength mixes
- Shoring systems
- Pour sequences
- Quality control
Specialty Concrete
Types
- Architectural concrete
- Colored concrete
- Polished concrete
- Pervious concrete
- Self-consolidating concrete
Premium Pricing
- Higher material costs
- Skilled labor requirements
- Quality control measures
- Risk factors
Common Bidding Mistakes
Quantity Errors
Watch For
- Drawing scale errors
- Revision tracking
- Scope overlaps
- Specification conflicts
Verification
- Cross-check totals
- Compare to similar projects
- Sanity check unit costs
Labor Underestimation
Frequently Missed
- Cold weather protection
- Hot weather measures
- Weekend/overtime work
- Coordination time
- Punch list work
Scope Gaps
Often Missed Items
- Concrete testing
- Curing materials
- Expansion joints
- Sealants
- Vapor barriers
- Edge forms
Mix Design Considerations
Standard Requirements
Strength Classes
- 3,000 PSI - Light duty
- 4,000 PSI - Standard commercial
- 5,000 PSI - Structural
- 6,000+ PSI - High strength
Special Admixtures
- Air entrainment
- Water reducers
- Accelerators
- Retarders
- Fiber reinforcement
Environmental Factors
Cold Weather
- Heated concrete
- Insulated forms
- Heated enclosures
- Extended curing
Hot Weather
- Ice in mix
- Night pours
- Curing compounds
- Shade structures
Pricing Strategies
Unit Price Bidding
Standard Units
- Concrete: per cubic yard
- Formwork: per square foot contact
- Reinforcing: per ton or per pound
- Finishing: per square foot
Advantages
- Clear scope definition
- Easy change order pricing
- Risk distribution
Lump Sum Bidding
Considerations
- Complete scope definition
- Risk assessment
- Contingency inclusion
- Change order approach
Quality Control
Testing Requirements
Standard Tests
- Slump tests
- Air content
- Cylinder breaks
- Temperature monitoring
Documentation
- Batch tickets
- Test reports
- Placement records
- Curing logs
Inspection Points
Critical Inspections
- Pre-pour inspection
- Reinforcing inspection
- Embed verification
- Post-pour inspection
Safety and Compliance
OSHA Requirements
Key Areas
- Fall protection
- Excavation safety
- Crane operations
- Concrete pump safety
- PPE requirements
Environmental Compliance
Considerations
- Washout procedures
- Dust control
- Noise limitations
- Material storage
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Cement masons
- Laborers
- Carpenters
- Operating engineers
Documentation
- Certified payroll
- Fringe benefits
- Apprenticeship
Bonding
Typical Requirements
- Performance bond
- Payment bond
- Bonding capacity
Technology in Concrete Estimating
Software Options
Popular Tools
- Bluebeam
- PlanSwift
- On-Screen Takeoff
- HCSS HeavyBid
Features
- Digital takeoff
- Volume calculations
- Labor databases
- Report generation
BIM Applications
Benefits
- Quantity extraction
- Coordination
- Pour sequencing
- Documentation
Conclusion
Successful concrete bidding requires accurate quantities, realistic labor estimates, and comprehensive scope understanding. Measure carefully. Price all components. Account for site conditions. Include appropriate contingencies.
The concrete contractors who win profitable work combine estimating accuracy with construction expertise and reliable execution.
ConstructionBids.ai helps concrete contractors find commercial opportunities and track bid deadlines across your market.
