vault backup: 2025-07-21 15:02:28

blog/2025-07-18_estimating-isnt-engineering.md

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+---
+id: 2025-07-18_estimating-isnt-engineering
+aliases: []
+tags: []
+---
+# Estimating Isn't Engineering
+
+A peer recently expressed frustration to me
+about the declining quality of construction drawings,
+specifically how scope is often ~~required but not detailed~~.
+
+%%
+TODO: discussion based on the difference between engineering,
+(which requires knowledge of subject matter)
+and estimation
+(which requires knowledge of ~~impact~~).
+%%
+
+It's not engineering to budget for the most likely case.
+
+Estimators need not know _why_ there tends to be ~~example~~,
+they need need only have basis for applying that generalization to another project.

new-additions/automation/project-info.md

@@ -4,7 +4,10 @@ Standardize formatting and input methods for common
 (mostly multi-family specific)
 project info, including:
 
-* level names
+* levels by elevation
+* unit types
+    * info
+    * by level
 * area types by level
 * switchgear by level
 * feeders
@@ -13,5 +16,9 @@ project info, including:
 
 To calculate regular quantities
 
-* sleeving
-* conductor support
+* by feeder routing
+  * sleeving
+  * conductor support
+* by area
+  * temp power
+

new-additions/takeoff/electrical.md

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# Final SOE
+
+## 1. Trash Chute
+
+- Check elevations for floor height
+- Uncheck Link 'Enable Livecount'
+- CA.33(Misc. Ass.). 2
+- 100' Horizontal (If not shown)
+- Vertical Put in Typical
+
+- Check Bottom of chute if taken off already in elec. THIS IS ONLY FOR THE HORIZONTAL
+
+## 2. CU/IP
+
+- Units Condensing Unit
+- Mechanical Connection
+
+## 3. Slab Deck
+
+- Create Area Typical for every Concrete slab floor
+- ID.37.16.1
+- ID. MISC PDI PRODUCT. MISC MATERIAL. SLAB/DECK
+- 2 Typicals
+
+- 'All Building'
+
+- 1 every level (Not Roof)
+
+- HD 1 Per Section
+
+- 'All Garage'
+
+- 1 every level
+
+## 4. Temporary Power & Lighting
+
+```
+Area = ""
+```
+
+- ID.27.
+  - 3/4/5 (A-bid>>)
+  - 8/9
+    - Total GSF - Garage GSF = Building Size
+    - Garage SF = Temp lighting Garage
+    - Enter in count
+
+Gardens: Take off 1 Tpole `ID.28.1` per 150' per building
+
+TEMP LIGHTING ^^^^
+
+## 5. Irrigation pumps
+
+- SYSTEM: `MISC - Site Miscellaneous`
+
+- (3) 3Phase 30A 200' Mech. Con.
+- Append to name: "Irrigation Pump - "
+
+## 6. Lightning Protection
+
+- Check line Item on Proposal
+- Go to the notes and take off

new-additions/takeoff/scratch.md

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# PDI Takeoff Scratch
+
+Notes taken in review with Joel.
+
+%% TODO: Split to more appropriate notes and delete this one. %%
+
+* Use 15ft adders for site runs
+  (primaries, secondaries, etc.),
+  as opposed to standard 10ft adder,
+  to account for variability.
+

new-additions/the-failure-of-risk-management.md

@@ -64,6 +64,15 @@ He later refers to the tendency to overvalue competence
 in the role of achieving improbable accomplishments
 as the "Red Baron effect".
 
+### There's Always Enough Data
+
+Hubbard challenges the popular rebuttal
+that X industry lacks the data to use quantitative models.
+
+> [!quote] Fallacy of Close Analogy - p.236
+> ...the belief that unless two things are identical in every way,
+> nothing learned from one can be applied to the other.
+
 ## Mentioned Topics and Abbreviations
 
 * Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)