4.8 KiB
id, aliases, tags, title
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2025-11-10 |
2025-11-10
2025-11-10 06:53 --- Monday Morning Before Work
I've been trying to be alone with my thoughts more recently. It's almost bizarre how working in silence for an hour makes the thought of music or an audiobook seem overstimulating, It feels right, though.
To want to converse with myself rather than let my superego be drowned out by appealing sounds or a fantasy story I've already heard, or obscure facts about a game I've never played and never will.
I still relapse, of course, a lifetime (albeit a short one) of unhealthy interaction with computers will do that, but I'm making quick progress.
I watched a video yesterday that suggested that it might be my growing understanding of computers rather than my self discipline that's lead to this change in the dynamic between me and them. That, in understanding how they function, I've turned them from devices into things, which lack the mystical allure of the former. Whatever the reason, it's good progress as far as I'm concerned. It feels good to be introspective and to have time to build skills people care about, like music and style and... birdwatching...
2025-11-10 10:40
#topic/estimating
A significant change from Ace to PDI in my mentality during takeoff is that I now tend to expect that (within reason) "holes" in takeoff scripts are intentional omissions, not holes in cost coverage.
2025-11-10 11:14
#occupational/takeoff
I was updating my notes, filling in gaps in scripts based on Joel's, when I noticed a strange paragraph:
[!quote]
OneNote/Joel Take-off/Misc. NotesDrop Down Ceilings vs. GWB (Gypsum Wall Boards)Drop down ceiling is technically "Exposed" (the real term should be accessable), so Romex and SER is not permited. Will need to use MC.
[!image]
334.12 Uses Not Permitted.
334.12(A) Types NM and NMC.
Types NM and NMC cables shall not be permitted as follows:
In any dwelling or structure not specifically permitted in 334.10(1), (2), (3)
==Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings== in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings
This analysis of 334.12(A)(2) is flawed.
Based on the nfpa-70_100_definitions definitions of nfpa-70_100_definitions#Exposed (as applied to wiring methods). and nfpa-70_100_definitions#Dwelling, Multifamily., nfpa-70_334_nm-cable#334.12(A) Types NM and NMC. can be paraphrased as follows:
[!cite] NEC 334.12(A)(2), pp. Types NM and NMC cable are not permitted to be installed in accessible spaces above suspended ceilings, except in buildings containing one or more dwelling units.
The prohibition of 334.12(A)(2) never applies to apartments or condos, And only applies to hotels and dormitories on a basis of AHJ interpretation (See multi-family-dwellings#Are Hotels Multifamily Dwellings?).
It's unclear to me if this a genuine misunderstanding or just a heuristics to cover the case that guestrooms are not interpreted to be dwelling units. If it's the latter, I believe it's far too conservative to be used whole-cloth on all estimates.
2025-11-10 15:15
"Feeder"
#topic/construction/electrical
The NEC definition of feeder is quite strict. I'm certain I misuse it frequently.
!nfpa-70_100_definitions#Feeder.
It does not include power conductors to nfpa-70_100_definitions#Utilization Equipment., those are nfpa-70_100_definitions#Branch Circuit. conductors.
2025-11-10 20:00 --- Monday Evening, Before Bed
Today while (a peer) and I were walking, he asked me what I thought of his qualities as an estimator. I told him I think he has the right of it, that having beliefs about what's correct that don't change just because a senior says they should, is a good sign.
I can't remember now if I knew it before today, but my relationship with Dale, my former manager, while never "good", was much improved when I started pushing back on his direction and feedback. I became an estimator, where before I was just someone who could estimate for him. He hated it, and let me know, but I never felt more sure of my position.
Estimating is not a field where you get ahead by being more technically skilled or efficient.
You distinguish yourself by convincing your superiors that you understand the objective and how to achieve it. The best estimators---as measured by compensation package---are not doing takeoff, they're telling other estimators what to take off and how.
Conquer your self-doubt. Tell your boss they're wrong and stupid and they should feel bad. Profit.