Masonry Magazine October 1987 Page. 18
Entering The Market
You can get into the market at any level you wish. You do not need shop drawing capabilities, telex, granite saw and other large items that very large operations use. These activities, although part of your contract can be done by others on a per job basis. However, it is essential that you secure the services of a competent structural engineer.
You can start bidding smaller jobs that have some granite flooring and elevator fronts using the thin materials. This will allow you to feel comfortable with the material and gain knowledge both of the material and labor requirements before moving on to larger projects. I would recommend that you use either domestic suppliers or an established import broker. They can take care of all the problems while you learn the market by having them quote the material F.O.B. jobsite. This makes your transition into the stone market a lot easier. Domestic suppliers on most granite projects quoted will supply as a part of their bid, all engineering, shop drawings and all required anchors. Importers will furnish shop drawings, with you buying the anchors separately. Just be sure all the ground rules are spelled out.
Estimating And Pricing
A good estimate of this material contains the following:
(1) Cost items for each activity
(2) Crew size and cost for each activity
(3) Material broken down into approximate same size or grouped by estimated production
(4) Knowledge and pricing or anchoring systems used
(5) Know exactly what you include or exclude
Your estimator should build this project in his mind before starting the actual takeoff, then keeping the five items above in mind while doing the takeoff.