Bud Jones’s Unique Estimating System.
Preserved in Code Forever!
The Estimator’s Buddy software system offers Construction Cost Estimate data to Insulation Contractors. We accommodate any takeoff method to provide streamlined data input, saving hours of mundane keyboard entry. Linux Platform assures data security. A member-driven, online database assures privacy, and 24/7 availability. Our comprehensive Labor tables reflect over 50 years of collection and refinement by Sherman C. “Bud” Jones.
Insulation and Jacket, Materials and Labor, Application and Support – everything is included. While our roots lie in Industrial and Mechanical Insulation, we are also applicable to Commercial applications. No more accurate or comprehensive system exists, at any price.
NOTHING BEATS EXPERIENCE
The Estimator’s Buddy has been winning contracts for over 50 years. Originating in the Midwest, we have built ground-up Projects worldwide. A partial list of our victories includes:
- Alaska Pipeline, Prudhoe Bay – Valdez AK
- Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Facility, Tonapah AZ
- Four Corners Power Plant, Fruitland NM
- Cholla Power Plant, Joseph City AZ
- Hayden Station, Hayden CO
- Craig Station, Craig CO
- Trojan Nuclear Power Plant, Rainier OR
- Argus Cogeneration Plant, Trona CA
- Coal Creek Station, Bismarck ND
- Pine Bend Refinery, Rosemount MN
- Safeguard Anti-Ballistic Missile Complex, Langdon ND
Some of these facilities have since been retired, while most continue to produce.
LABOR and SUPPORT
Application Labor is the cornerstone of the Buddy System. Our tables of Production Rates date back generations, yet remain accurate and productive. We cover all sizes of Piping, as well as all Equipment (Boilers, Hoppers, Ducts, Vessels, eg). Our Production Rates include both Insulation and Jacket, and are specific to the element (Piping Component and Equipment Type).
In addition we provide Support Labor and Jobsite Costs projections, to budget for necessary non-application-related expenses, both Labor and Materials, which can equal or exceed Application costs. Transport vehicles, office trailers, specialty tools, scaffold erection, and jobsite cleanup, represent just a few examples.
Jobsite Weather Factors will affect Application rates, and subsequent Support rates. The available Labor pool, as well as Supervision, will also influence Production rates. We provide the facility to rate all of these factors.
MATERIALS
Our standard Table Prices cover all Pipe sizes up to 50″OD, 7-1/2″ Double Layer, in three basic types: Calcium Silicate, Mineral Wool, and Fiberglass.
More precision is available in our Custom Price tables, displayed in the Dropdown Menu image shown here. Our stock Insulation and Jacket Tables offer several current and popular Materials for your use. These rates are adjusted by the Discount Percentage provided by the vendor to volume customers. Comparing your actual rate to these will arrive at that rate. This specification is maintained in the Update Project/Piping Costs menu selection.
We can convert your actual vendor Material Prices into Estimator’s Buddy data tables, similar to many of the Materials in the dropdown menu. Typically these are distributed in Excel format, and we convert them on a case-by-case basis, for a one-time fee, as agreed with the user. Please contact us for details.
SCREENSHOTS
TAKEOFF ENTRY
Our streamlined Takeoff Input screens simplify Component Entry, greatly reducing the time required for that task, versus a simple spreadsheet. ‘Help’ is provided at all key points, error-checking is thorough, and key specifications are retained from one addition to the next, eliminating needless repetition.
For users equipped with CAD Systems or Digitizers, we offer Quick Buddy. Virtually any digitizer will work; first we set up a template on your device to record these Piping elements:
- Straight Pipe LF
- Sweeps/Bends LF
- 90-Degree Elbows
- 45-Degree Elbows
- Flanges
- Flanged Valves
- Tee’s
- Caps
- P-Traps
- Fittings
- Pipeline LF
We create an Estimator’s Buddy program to add to your menu, which converts the Excel output from your digitizer, into MySQL format used by Buddy, and your entire Piping input is accomplished in a couple of clicks! Contact us for details.
Our Flagship: Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Facility
