Material Waste

[nathanslc]

On average, what percentage of material is wasted on a job? How to you estimate this waste factor when bidding a job? If you are running an estimating program like accubid does it already calculate this factor for you?.

[barbeer]

I believe most companies factor 10-20 % for waste, I do not know if there is software that does this for you.

[charlie tuna]

i would think "waste" would be factored into overhead and adjusted up or down with your past records?????????

[bikeindy]

I checked on 2 jobs that we did because I was wondering how much wire we wasted, of course there is no way not to have some waste but I think we have come pretty close. After pulling 2000' of wire we had about 50' of waste I gave this "waste" to my 3 boys and had them cut it into pigtails and toss the rest into a bucket. I was surprised how little waste we have after this. and we save all waste wire to take it to the scrap yard, in a month it pays for a BBQ for the guys. I think you end up with more waste when you pull from 250's vs 1000'ers.

[celtic]

On average, what percentage of material is wasted on a job? How to you estimate this waste factor when bidding a job? If you are running an estimating program like accubid does it already calculate this factor for you?.

Some estimating programs include the waste factor in with the numbers...some don't. You have to read the instructions (RTFM).

I normally use a 10 -15 % waste factor..but it could be as high as 25% depending on the particular job.

[active1]

I figure about 10%. Maybe it is really more.

Also in the waist I figure a few a loss in small things that get taken from the job or used by other trades like pipe to mix drywall mud or a mudring for the thrermostate. Then there is material damaged installing like a cracked trim plate or broken light bulb. Also material that sits around can be damaged by overspray, or scuff marks from riding in the truck.

[mdshunk]

I agree. Historicly, 10% is working well for me. A little more if you have new people, are training new guys, or it's an unusual type of project that you (or the guys) don't normally do. In that case, mobilization is normally more also.

[nathanslc]

Would you add the 10% to the cost of commodity materials? Or would you add 10% onto everything to include the labor? For example if I count 300 ft of mc cable would you just make it 330 so you include your labor hours or 300ft of mc cable costs 300$ ad 30$ for the 10%?

[celtic]

... you add 10% onto everything to include the labor...

The waste doesn't just go from the supply house into the dumpster ;)

[cowboyjwc]

There's also a difference between waste and lazy.

Once had a contractor comment that if it was a five dollar bill laying on the ground his guys would pick it up, but they'll step over a $10 Simpson strap all day long.

[ITO]

Waste? I laugh at your waste, we waste NOTHING. In fact I am have saved over 8,000 partial and broken spools of #12 and plan on using every last one…. Ha


(read that with French accent or dripping sarcasm which ever suits you)

[IllinoisContractor]

Would you add the 10% to the cost of commodity materials? Or would you add 10% onto everything to include the labor? For example if I count 300 ft of mc cable would you just make it 330 so you include your labor hours or 300ft of mc cable costs 300$ ad 30$ for the 10%?

This is actually a good question. Do you guys add a percentage for waste and/or theft to your total material cost or do you add a percentage to certain items?

[celtic]

This is actually a good question. Do you guys add a percentage for waste and/or theft to your total material cost or do you add a percentage to certain items?

Waste on ALL.
Theft is an insurance matter ....10% of a stolen item still leaves you 90% in the hole ;)

[IllinoisContractor]

Waste on ALL.
Theft is an insurance matter ....10% of a stolen item still leaves you 90% in the hole ;)
I need to remember that I have a residential mindset. The theft that I was thinking of would be other trades helping themselves to some of the material that is left unsecured in the house, (Boxes, fittings, etc.) or the guy down the street finishing his basement. It is rare and when it does occur it is less than my insurance deductible. A small percentage allocated per house would cover the occasional theft from a residential job.

[celtic]

I need to remember that I have a residential mindset. .... A small percentage allocated per house would cover the occasional theft from a residential job.

IMHO, that qualifies as "waste".

If that much material is left lying about and theft is a concern;production or bottom line will be severely affected...3 choices:
Take it with you
Get a job box
Work faster

:D