Omega Door and Hardware knows the importance of NFPA 80. What is NFPA 80? This standard regulates the installation and maintenance of assemblies and devices used to protect openings in walls, floors, and ceilings against the spread of fire and smoke within, into, or out of buildings.

What does NFPA 80 address? NFPA 80 addresses general requirements and provisions for care and maintenance of fire doors and other opening protectives., Opening protectives that are addressed include swinging doors, horizontally sliding doors, vertically sliding fire doors, rolling steel doors, fire shutters, service counter fire doors, doors for elevators and chute doors, access doors, fire windows, glass block assemblies, fire dampers, and fabric fire safety curtains.

A documented record must be maintained and made available to the authority having jurisdiction. NFPA-80 also requires that when damage impairs a door’s proper emergency exit functionality, it must be repaired with parts obtained from the original door’s manufacturer. Upon completion of repairs, the door must be tested to ensure emergency operation and complete functionality.

Technician expertise is an essential element of a safely and properly functioning fire door. The Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation* has established a program to validate the credentials of individuals who have experience and skills in the installation and service of Rolling Steel Fire Doors. Soon our qualified Technicians at Omega Door and Hardware will be Certified as Rolling Steel Fire Door Technicians to perform these tests for you facility. Stay tuned!

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards

Here are some helpful reminders when estimating jobs from a recent article from Canvas. Canvas is a cloud-based software service that enables businesses to replace expensive and inefficient paper forms with powerful apps on their smartphones and tablets. It enables users to collect information using mobile devices, share that information and easily integrate with existing backend systems.

Estimating the cost of a construction project is one of the most important, and challenging, parts of a job.  Estimates involve a number of variables and aren’t easy to calculate. The process can be complicated and time-consuming.

However, taking the time to prepare a thorough and accurate estimate is critical. An estimate that is too high will make your bid less competitive, while estimating too low can take a toll on your profits and the growth of your business.

What are some of the most common mistakes in estimating, and how you can prevent them?

1. Failure to visit the project site. This may seem obvious, but this step is often overlooked by contractors who are either inexperienced or overly confident and assume that a particular job is cut-and-dried. However, visiting the proposed job site is crucial because it lets you check things that might not be obvious on paper, such as:
   • Topography, and whether grading or drainage is an issue
   • Whether existing structures have to be demolished or removed from the premises
   • Proximity to supply centers and sources of labor
   • Access to the site, and whether the roads/access routes can handle heavy vehicle traffic

   These are just some of the issues that may not come to light unless you visit the project site before preparing your estimate.

2. Overlooking less-obvious costs. “Soft costs” like permits and inspection fees are frequently left out of estimates, and these can add up to thousands of dollars. There are also less-obvious costs like temporary power, dumpsters, and site prep. Even forgetting to add tax to your materials estimate can cost you plenty.
   Your best bet to avoid commonly overlooked costs is a good checklist and detailed plans and specifications. These are available as paper forms, but mobile apps make estimating more accurate and efficient. Some mobile job estimators, for instance, will do the math for you, so you don’t have to tally countless rows of services and materials — and risk leaving off something important. And unlike complicated software packages that you have to purchase and install on your computer, apps are much less expensive and easier to get up and running, and ideal for reluctant and savvy technology users alike.
3. Job site surprises. Even if you visit the project site beforehand, some surprises are bound to crop up. Sometimes water or insect damage or structural issues aren’t apparent until you’ve started the job.
   While there’s no way to totally avoid these unwelcome surprises, your estimate should include both the probable scope of work as well as a reasonable pricing structure for the unknown portions — for example: X dollars for each linear foot of floor joist that needs replacement, or X dollars to install a sump pump if conditions require one. The idea is to list specific prices for specific conditions rather than having an open-ended time-and-materials contract.
4. Underestimating labor costs. Labor is one of the most difficult costs to estimate. For one thing, you need to consider not only how many hours and workers the job requires, but also the workers’ experience and whether subcontractors will be needed. And, since hourly rates for construction workers vary throughout the country, you’ll need to verify current wage rates and fringe benefits for the building trades involved through local union offices, other contractors, supply yards, and other reliable sources. Don’t forget to include possible overtime rates.
5. Not checking your numbers. Even if you’re sure you’ve got the right rates, measurements, taxes, etc., you should check and double-check your numbers before submitting your estimate. Common mistakes in this area include:
   • Math errors. Again, mobile apps can lower your risk of making a mistake. At the very least, use a calculator or have the calculations checked by another person.
   • Measurement errors. Taking the wrong measurements and dimensions from plans, drawings, and specs results in corresponding mistakes in the cost of materials. Consider using an app to calculate measurements, and have another person check your work.
   • Using incorrect units of measure (for example, square feet instead of square yards) can result in substantial cost increases or decreases.

For more info that can help you save time and improve safety on your next construction job, check out Canvas.

Article source: gocanvas.com Jason Good