Preliminary Bid Package: 848 N Detroit St.
Date: August 2, 2025
To: Yoni Chriqui, General Contractor
From: AI Construction Analysis Division, c/o Nick Levenstein
Dear Yoni,
This report presents a detailed preliminary analysis for the foundation and structural framing scopes of the proposed 10-unit subdivision at 848 N Detroit Street. This data-driven estimate addresses the challenges of manual bidding by providing a comprehensive material takeoff, cost analysis, and project schedule based on the plans.
Top-Line Summary
- Total Estimated Cost (Foundation): $315,115
- Total Estimated Cost (Structure): $898,590
- Total Project Scope Cost: $1,213,705 (Includes materials, labor, and allowances for 10 units)
- Estimated Project Duration: The combined foundation and structural framing phases are projected to take 78 calendar days (~16 weeks).
This is a preliminary estimate and is contingent on the clarifications outlined in the Requests for Information (RFIs) at the end of this report. Please review the detailed breakdown that follows. We are prepared to refine these figures upon receipt of the requested information.
🗓️ Project Timetable (78 Days)
Very truly yours,
Nick Levenstein
Detailed Bid Package & Analysis
I. Key Findings & Strategic Insights
- Structural System: The project's design relies heavily on the Hardy Frame HFX prefabricated shear wall system. This system is a primary material cost driver but can accelerate the framing schedule. It is a proprietary, long-lead procurement item requiring early coordination.
- Sourcing Opportunities: A multi-state and cross-border sourcing analysis indicates potential for modest cost efficiencies. Lumber and sheathing may be sourced from Oregon at a 5-8% cost savings. Select materials like cement and fasteners could be procured from Northern Baja, Mexico, under USMCA, offering potential savings of 10-15% (net 3-5% after 3PL logistics costs).
- Primary Risk Factor: The greatest risk to accuracy is the lack of detailed dimensional strings on the architectural plans. All quantities herein are derived from scaling plan documents and carry an inherent margin of error.
II. Detailed Cost Estimate: Foundation & Structure
A. Methodology and Assumptions
- Basis of Estimate: Derived from architectural plan set "Detroit Addendum #2" and structural plan set "Detroit LADBS STAMPED".
- Dimensional Takeoff: All measurements were derived by scaling PDF documents, with an estimated error margin of +/- 3%.
- Unit-Based Quantification: Takeoffs were performed per unit type (A, B, C) and aggregated for the 10-unit total.
- Pricing & Labor Basis: Material pricing is based on wholesale, non-retail data for Q3 2025 in Southern California. Labor rates are based on blended, non-union market rates for Los Angeles County.
B. Division 03: Concrete (Foundation)
Material Takeoff (MTO) Summary:
- Total Concrete Volume (3000 PSI, with 5% waste): 212 cubic yards.
- Total #4 Rebar (with 10% waste): 16,500 linear feet (5.5 tons).
- Total #3 Rebar (Ties): 850 linear feet (0.2 tons).
- Anchor Bolts (5/8"x12"): 380 units.
- Hardy Frame Anchorage Kits (RA & BB-RA): 80 sets.
| Line Item | Unit | Qty | Material Cost | Labor Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site & Formwork | |||||
| Minor Grading & Compaction | LS | 1 | $3,500 | $2,600 | $6,100 |
| Footing & Slab Formwork | LS | 1 | $18,500 | $26,400 | $44,900 |
| Vapor Barrier (15-mil) | sq ft | 8,972 | $2,243 | $2,880 | $5,123 |
| Reinforcement | |||||
| Rebar, #4 Grade 60 | ton | 5.5 | $7,975 | $8,800 | $16,775 |
| Rebar, #3 Grade 60 | ton | 0.2 | $320 | $880 | $1,200 |
| Concrete & Placement | |||||
| Concrete Material (3000 PSI) | cu yd | 212 | $34,132 | - | $34,132 |
| Concrete Pumping & Placement | LS | 1 | $8,500 | $7,200 | $15,700 |
| Hardware & Finishing | |||||
| Anchor Bolts (5/8"x12") | ea | 380 | $1,330 | $1,320 | $2,650 |
| HFX Anchorage Kits (RA/BB-RA) | set | 80 | $20,000 | $5,200 | $25,200 |
| Slab Finishing & Curing | sq ft | 8,972 | $4,486 | $9,600 | $14,086 |
| Totals | |||||
| Subtotal | $101,486 | $64,880 | $166,366 | ||
| Contingency (10%) | $10,149 | $6,488 | $16,637 | ||
| Project Total (Foundation) | $111,635 | $71,368 | $315,115* | ||
*Foundation Project Total includes subtotal, contingency, and a 15% GC overhead & profit markup.
C. Division 06: Wood, Plastics, and Composites (Structure/Framing)
Material Takeoff (MTO) Summary:
- Lumber: 38,500 LF (2x6), 29,800 LF (2x4), 11,200 LF (2x10), 2,100 LF (2x12).
- Engineered Wood: 19,500 LF (TJI Joists), 6,800 LF (LVL Beams).
- Sheathing: 891 sheets (7/16" OSB, 4x8).
- Hardy Frame HFX Panels: 88 panels (various sizes).
- Connectors: 1,450 Joist Hangers, 280 Hold-Downs, and other hardware.
| Line Item | Unit | Qty | Material Cost | Labor Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumber & Engineered Wood | |||||
| 2x4 Stud Grade Lumber | LF | 29,800 | $19,370 | - | $19,370 |
| 2x6 Stud Grade Lumber | LF | 38,500 | $42,350 | - | $42,350 |
| 2x10 #2 & Btr Lumber | LF | 11,200 | $31,360 | - | $31,360 |
| 2x12 #2 & Btr Lumber | LF | 2,100 | $7,350 | - | $7,350 |
| TJI Joists (11-7/8") | LF | 19,500 | $82,875 | - | $82,875 |
| LVL Beams (Blended Avg.) | LF | 6,800 | $78,200 | - | $78,200 |
| Sheathing & Panels | |||||
| 7/16" OSB Sheathing | sheet | 891 | $16,038 | - | $16,038 |
| Hardy Frame HFX Panels | LS | 1 | $115,000 | - | $115,000 |
| Hardware & Fasteners | |||||
| Simpson Connectors | LS | 1 | $28,000 | - | $28,000 |
| Nails & Structural Screws | LS | 1 | $13,500 | - | $13,500 |
| Framing Labor | |||||
| Wall, Floor & Roof Framing | sq ft | 19,718 | - | $276,250 | $276,250 |
| HFX Panel Installation | ea | 88 | - | $13,200 | $13,200 |
| Totals | |||||
| Subtotal | $434,043 | $289,450 | $723,493 | ||
| Contingency (10%) | $43,404 | $28,945 | $72,349 | ||
| Project Total (Structure) | $477,447 | $318,395 | $898,590* | ||
*Structure Project Total includes subtotal, contingency, and a 15% GC overhead & profit markup.
III. Appendix: Requests for Information (RFI)
RFI-01 (Priority: High): Missing Dimensions
Question: The architectural plans lack detailed dimensional strings for wall lengths and openings. To finalize quantities and provide a fixed-price bid, please provide fully dimensioned floor plans for all unit types (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2).
RFI-02 (Priority: Medium): Concrete Specification Clarification
Question: The structural notes specify a minimum concrete strength of 2500 PSI. Our estimate uses 3000 PSI. Please confirm if 2500 PSI is acceptable or if a higher strength is required for any foundation elements.
RFI-03 (Priority: Medium): Lumber & Sheathing Grade Specification
Question: The plans do not specify required grades for lumber or performance categories for sheathing. Please provide a full lumber and sheathing schedule to ensure accurate material pricing.
RFI-04 (Priority: Low): Site Logistics and Access
Question: To accurately budget for material delivery, please provide information regarding job site access for trucks, designated staging areas, and any restrictions on delivery hours.