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26 changed files with 134 additions and 93 deletions
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@@ -50,6 +50,6 @@ I've decided I've considered learning [[shorthand]]
enough times independently
that I would likely benefit from it.
I added [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand|a book]]
I added [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand|a book]]
on [[shorthand#Gregg Notehand]]
to my calibre library.
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@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ title: 2025-11-16
#topic/hobbies/shorthand #topic/hobbies/writing
Yesterday evening,
while I was reading [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand]],
while I was reading [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand]],
for the first time practicing its lessons,
trying to [[learn-shorthand]],
I was growing frustrated with the terminology the text uses
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@@ -14,12 +14,16 @@ tags:
#occupational/takeoff #topic/ambiguity #topic/transparency
Related: [[lighting-controls-takeoff]]
### Minutes
2025-12-10 08:30--10:00
Objective: Discuss lighting control systems
***
A primary reason for the discussion was presented:
> [!example] ^ex
@@ -31,6 +35,8 @@ A primary reason for the discussion was presented:
> When the project team received a quote for a "per code" system,
> the total was ~$600,000.
***
Ultimately the responsibility is ConEst's
to resolve discrepancies between:
* applicable code
@@ -38,6 +44,8 @@ to resolve discrepancies between:
* Bid proposal intent
* PDR quote intent
***
It was erroneously suggested that lighting control conductors
may be run with their circuit conductors if both are 600V insulated.[^1]
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@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
---
id:
aliases: []
title: 2025-12-12
tags:
- authorship/original
- destiny/permanent
- status/draft
- type/daily
---
# 2025-12-12
## 2025-12-12 09:38
A humorous exchange between a peer in estimating and myself:
> **Peer:** "Your research will one day cure estimator's brain,
> a disease sweeping across \[our\] floor"
>
> **Me:** "if you ask me-I mean my friend-it's quite rare actually"
>
> **Peer:** "more data will be needed before a strong conclusion can be made"
>
> **Me:** "damn it's got you too"
My response was meant to imply that,
among those employed as estimators,
knowledge of and application of scientific methods are rare.
I wonder though if it would have been more apt
to reply "you're in the clear" or something to that effect,
implying that one with estimator brain
would make decisions based on limited data.
@@ -18,4 +18,7 @@ However, for construction projects,
**return** is known but **cost** must be estimated.
In this way, projects are better compared to _insurance accounts_.
- cost of individual service is uncertain
- cost to customer must be minimized
[[actuarial-science]]
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@@ -2,7 +2,10 @@
id:
aliases: []
title: Auction Theory
tags: []
tags:
- authorship/original
- destiny/permanent
- topic/strategy
---
# Auction Theory
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@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@ tags:
## Scope
This note is intended to describe bid process strategy
especially in terms of [[auction-theory]],
which specifically addresses the competitive bid format
typical of construction project award,
and [[actuarial-science]], ...
especially in terms of
See [[bad-bid-practice]]
* [[auction-theory]],
which specifically addresses the competitive bid format
typical of construction project award, and
* [[actuarial-science]], ...
### Outside Factors Influencing Bid Price
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@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
---
id:
aliases: []
title: Breakdown Objects
tags:
- authorship/original
- destiny/fleeting
@@ -9,7 +10,6 @@ tags:
- topic/estimating
- topic/software
- type/idea
title: Breakdown Objects
---
# Breakdown Objects
@@ -64,10 +64,13 @@ equipment of the same type is assumed to be evenly spaced.
![[location-vs-scope.excalidraw]]
MDPB is physically _located_ in "Bldg A",
but serves only loads in "Bldg B".
MDPB is physically _located_ in Building A,
but serves only loads in Building B.
```
location = "Bldg A"
scope = "Bldg B"
location = Buildings["Building A"]
scope = Buildings["Building B"]
```
Were Building B removed from the contract scope,
it can be expected that MDPB would be as well.
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@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ are currently disparate, disjointed, and redundant
### Naming Conventions (Use Case vs. Description)
Related: [[realism-vs-instrumentalism]]
Naming by use case is intuitive for those without estimating or field experience,
but has the side effect that those accustomed to the names
will inevitably _treat them as descriptive_.
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@@ -47,11 +47,12 @@ that errors aren't set in stone
until a contract is signed.
Destigmatizing proposal retraction is of critical concern for subcontractors.
See [[estimating-culture]] for more on estimate error [[strategy#Game Theory]].
See [[estimating-culture]] for more on estimate error [[game-theory]].
It's important to recognize that retracting a proposal
may upset a few people employed by the GC,
but consider how little your own opinion matters to your company's strategic decisions.
but consider how little your own opinion
matters to your company's strategic decisions.
Much bigger people are involved after the proposal is accepted.
## Resources
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@@ -13,12 +13,12 @@ title: Distribution Equipment
## Pigtail Adaptors
![[burndy-AYP300_pigtail-adaptor.png|201x201]]
Pigtail adaptors are used where feeder wires exceed the range of terminal lugs.
Pigtail adaptors are used where wire size exceeds the range of terminal lugs.
They are crimped onto the stripped end of the conductor.
> [!info]
> "Pigtail adaptor" is the most common name and spelling for the device,
> "Pigtail adaptor" is (unfortunately)
> the most common name and spelling for the device,
> however it's something of a misnomer,
> having nothing to do with pigtails (a short length of wire),
> the name likely stemming from the device being used _in lieu_ of a pigtail.
@@ -29,8 +29,6 @@ Pigtail adaptors are used where feeder wires exceed the range of terminal lugs.
> * Theatrical Switchboard
> * Stage Switchboard
![[company-switch.png|500x625]]
Company switches are lighting control equipment
unique to performance venues
like those subject to [[nfpa-70_520_theaters]]
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@@ -12,8 +12,10 @@ title: Estimating Ethics
---
# Estimating Ethics
Clients engaging in unethical bidding practices can quickly gain a reputation for doing so,
leading to reduced bid response that can be impossible to fully recover from.
Contractors engaging in unethical bidding practices
can quickly gain a reputation for doing so,
leading to reduced bid response
that can be impossible to fully recover from.
To ensure a transparent bidding process, one must
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@@ -12,29 +12,11 @@ title: Fixtures Takeoff
# Fixtures Takeoff
This system is only for luminaires and their immediate branch wiring.
See also [[lighting-controls]] and [[electrical]].
## Info
See also [[lighting-controls-takeoff]] and [[electrical-takeoff]].
## Sequence
### 1. Preparation
1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
2. In drawings, locate:
* Fixture Schedule
* Reflected Ceiling Plans
### 2. Takeoff
See [[fixture-designations]].
1. Takeoff floor plans in order
2. Takeoff enlarged drawings
### 3. Review
1. Garage Homeruns
2. Luminaire in Amenity Areas
3. Ensure appropriate breakdowns
* Site lighting in System "FML - Site Fixtures Material & Labor"
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@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ tags:
- destiny/permanent
- status/incomplete
- topic/math
- topic/strategy
- type/encyclopedia
---
# Game Theory
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@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ tags:
# _Gregg Notehand_
Gregg Notehand is a simplified form of Gregg Shorthand.
It is described in the namesake [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand]]
It is described in the namesake [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand]]
This note is a description and critique
of both the book and the shorthand,
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ and generally suffer from a facile understanding of phonology.
Totally unacceptable for a proposed alternative alphabet,
but then the text does not understand that's what it's proposing.
> [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> **Silent letters omitted.**
> In the English language many words contain letters that are not pronounced.
> In Notehand these silent letters are omitted,
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ but then the text does not understand that's what it's proposing.
***
> [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> Gregg Notehand is easy to learn---easier, actually, than longhand. Why?
> In longhand, there are many different ways of writing a given letter;
> in Gregg Notehand, there is only one way.
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@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ abbreviated Btu<sub>IT</sub>
$$
\begin{align*}
1 \text{Btu}_\text{IT} &= \left( 4.1868 \times 453.59237 \times{\frac{5}{9}} \right) \text{J} \\
&\approx 1055.056 \text{J}
1 \text{Btu}_\text{IT} &= \left( 4.1868 \times 453.59237 \times{\frac{5}{9}} \right)~\text{J} \\
&\approx 1055.056~\text{J}
\end{align*}
$$
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@ a unit of power.
$$
\begin{align*}
1 \text{MBH} &= 1000 \text{Btu/hr} \\
&\approx 3.412 \text{W}
1 \text{MBH} &= 1000~\text{Btu/hr} \\
&\approx 3.412~\text{W}
\end{align*}
$$
@@ -49,8 +49,8 @@ Unit of power
$$
\begin{align*}
1 \text{TR} &= 12000 \text{Btu}_\text{IT}/\text{h} \\
&\approx 3516.853 \text{W}
1 \text{TR} &= 12000~\text{Btu}_\text{IT}/\text{h} \\
&\approx 3516.853~\text{W}
\end{align*}
$$
@@ -62,8 +62,6 @@ Unit of volumetric flow
### Airflow
* CFM
External static pressure (ESP)
measured in inches of water
@@ -72,23 +70,23 @@ measured in inches of water
* Tons (refrigeration)
* MBH
Entering air temperature (EAT)
Leaving air temperature (LAT)
Mixed air temperature (MAT)
* Entering air temperature (EAT)
* Leaving air temperature (LAT)
* Mixed air temperature (MAT)
Latent heat
Sensible heat
* Latent heat
* Sensible heat
Sensible -> dry bulb
Latent -> wet bulb
* Sensible -> dry bulb
* Latent -> wet bulb
#### ???
OSA EAT (F)
EXH EAT (F)
* OSA EAT (F)
* EXH EAT (F)
IN S.L.
OUT ALT.
* IN S.L.
* OUT ALT.
### Efficiency
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ year: 1968
## Gregg Notehand
Gregg Notehand is a simplified form of Gregg Shorthand.
It is described in the namesake [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand]]
It is described in the namesake [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand]]
### Critiques
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ and generally suffer from a facile understanding of phonology.
Totally unacceptable for a proposed alternative alphabet,
but then the text does not understand that's what it's proposing.
> [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> **Silent letters omitted.**
> In the English language many words contain letters that are not pronounced.
> In Notehand these silent letters are omitted,
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ but then the text does not understand that's what it's proposing.
***
> [[Leslie_1968_Gregg-Notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> [[leslie-et-al_1968_gregg-notehand#2-8. Notehand principles]]
> Gregg Notehand is easy to learn---easier, actually, than longhand. Why?
> In longhand, there are many different ways of writing a given letter;
> in Gregg Notehand, there is only one way.
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@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ title: Lighting Controls Takeoff
> [!info] "Local Control" as a PDI proposal qualification
> The term "local control only" is sometimes used to indicate
> no consideration for _any_ lighting control beyond standard devices,
> (with `$D`'s being the triac type)
> (with `$D`'s being the [[lighting-controls#Triac Dimming|triac]] type)
> however, this phrasing is ambiguous and non-universal.
> Confirm with [[pdi-estimating#Bid Estimating|bid team]] on what must be included.
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ Determine which Systems and Codes are required:
### Stand Alone
0-10V dim -- "LV cable" is 2 conductor
0-10V dim --- "LV cable" is 2 conductor
Takeoff rough-in for switches and occupancy sensors
* **Branch Length** = length of room
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@@ -100,6 +100,13 @@ Locate:
1. Locate Equipment Schedules
### Fixtures
1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
2. In drawings, locate:
* Fixture Schedule
* Reflected Ceiling Plans
### Low Voltage
1. Locate Proposal/Scope of Work. Determine ownership and takeoff responsibility:
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@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ for [[construction-estimating]] which:
* determines necessary [[estimating-detail]]
ROE leans heavily on [[uncertainty#Value of Information]],
which challenges the natural tendency to shy from uncertainty
which challenges the natural tendency to fear even the smallest risk
with the reality of the **cost of certainty**.
ROE does not endorse common shortcuts that round up to "cover" uncertainty,
@@ -32,19 +32,8 @@ increasing the probability of loss to a competitor.
## TALK
Despite how alien my approach may seem to most estimators,
I believe its all merely extrapolation on the conventional practice.
ROE includes fields far more disparate
than my peers would traditionally consider relevant.
Bid risk may fit a [Taleb distribution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taleb_distribution).
[Actuarial Science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actuarial_science)
strongly parallels construction estimation:
- cost of individual service is uncertain
- cost to customer must be minimized
This note currently gets too far into the weeds
of critiquing common practice.
%%
@@ -83,9 +72,7 @@ See [[optimal-estimating-patterns]] for more.
Objections to the use of historical data in new estimates are not unfounded.
A framework to do so competently and consistently
does not currently exist.
> [!info]
> Nor does the software necessary to utilize such a framework efficiently.
Nor does the software necessary to utilize such a framework efficiently.
The goal in and of itself ought not be controversial, however.
Businesses regularly make far riskier decisions based on projections
@@ -117,7 +104,8 @@ Estimators know what the most likely and most expensive options are for a given
and can fill in the detail required for item-oriented takeoff.
This is called an **assumption** and is the basis of cost estimation.
Assumptions are fundamentally incompatible with item-oriented estimating as it is commonly implemented.
Assumptions are fundamentally incompatible with item-oriented estimating
as it is commonly implemented.
It is not possible to compare price possibilities
except by creating separate takeoffs and breakdowns for each one.
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@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
---
id:
aliases: []
title: Takeoff Review
tags:
- authorship/original
- destiny/permanent
- occupational/takeoff
- status/incomplete
- type/encyclopedia
title: Takeoff Review
---
# Takeoff Review
@@ -22,3 +22,10 @@ Count Car chargers and location
Ensure takeoff is in the generator `Area` and `System` breakdowns
Put location, quantity, and type on OneNote
## Fixtures
1. Garage Homeruns
2. Luminaire in Amenity Areas
3. Ensure appropriate breakdowns
* Site lighting in System "FML - Site Fixtures Material & Labor"
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@@ -92,6 +92,9 @@ Use standard MC assemblies for remaining devices.
### "High-Lows"
Empty in-wall pass through
from credenza location to behind television location.
`COMMON ASSEMBLIES`/`TELECOM SYSTEMS`/`UNIT DATA - TELECOM`/`HIGH-LOW - TV SCOOP 1 1/2" ENT - NO CABLE`
Eaton 35M2W
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@@ -43,12 +43,12 @@ when i die
### Commentary
I wrote this at about 4:00 this morning (2025-10-21)
I wrote this at about 2025-10-21 04:00
when I couldn't sleep.
#### Theme
At the time I thought the poem was very funny,
At the time I thought the poem was very funny:
it starts out morbid and death-negative,
then becomes touching,
then a sharp pivot to grotesque and absurd.
@@ -74,7 +74,8 @@ they're letting the reader off easy:
"don't bother with burial or cremation,
just toss me in the woods",
but the convenience is negated by their second request,
a task that would be so ethically and technically difficult
a task that would be so ethically difficult
(not to mention technically difficult)
as to be impossible for almost all people.
To make the speaker's request
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@@ -144,8 +144,8 @@ may only be used where they will be concealed from view.
### EMT Overhead
Set-screw fittings are [[best-practice]]
Set-screw fittings may not be acceptable.
Set-screw fittings are cheaper than compression,
but may not be acceptable.
> [!info]
> EMT has a third coupling type "indenter",
@@ -210,6 +210,8 @@ flowchart LR
#### Fire Rated Feeders
[[fire-resistive-wiring-methods-takeoff]]
PDI estimating practice is to run all "emergency" feeds
(life-safety or just standby)
in a 2-hour rated assembly.