#Building Project Estimates

[asestimationsconsultants]

How a Cost Estimating Service Prevents Budget Overruns in Government Projects

Government projects, from infrastructure development to public sector building projects, are often large in scale, highly complex, and come with strict budgetary constraints. In such projects, ensuring that financial resources are properly allocated and spent is critical. One of the most effective tools in preventing budget overruns in these projects is a cost estimating service.

A cost estimating service helps government agencies and contractors accurately predict the financial needs of a project, helping to prevent overspending, misallocation of resources, and financial surprises that can derail projects. In this article, we will explore how a cost estimating service plays a crucial role in preventing budget overruns in government projects.

The Importance of Accurate Cost Estimation

In government projects, budgets are often fixed, and any deviation from the allocated funds can cause significant delays, loss of public trust, or, in some cases, legal consequences. This makes accurate cost estimation a key element in project planning and execution. Poorly estimated budgets are one of the leading causes of budget overruns. A cost estimating service provides the necessary expertise to predict costs accurately and manage risks effectively throughout the project.

How Cost Estimating Services Help Prevent Budget Overruns

Accurate Initial Cost Forecasting

One of the primary roles of a cost estimating service is to create a detailed, accurate initial cost forecast. This involves gathering data from multiple sources, including historical project costs, labor rates, material prices, and other essential elements that contribute to the total project cost. The cost estimator uses this data to generate a comprehensive budget for the project that reflects both direct and indirect costs.

By developing a clear and detailed initial cost estimate, a cost estimating service helps government agencies understand the financial scope of the project and ensures that they allocate resources appropriately. Without this accurate forecasting, the project could face unexpected financial challenges down the line, leading to costly overruns.

Identifying Potential Risks Early

A key benefit of using a cost estimating service is the ability to identify potential risks and financial challenges early in the project. Estimators are trained to consider various scenarios that may lead to budget issues, such as increases in material costs, supply chain disruptions, and delays caused by weather or regulatory issues.

By identifying these risks early, cost estimators can factor them into the project budget and propose contingency plans. For example, if the cost of a key material is projected to rise, the estimator can adjust the budget to accommodate this increase. This proactive approach helps to prevent surprises that could lead to cost overruns during the project's execution.

Real-Time Budget Monitoring and Adjustments

Once the project is underway, the cost estimating service continues to play a key role in monitoring the budget in real-time. By tracking actual expenditures and comparing them to the original estimates, cost estimators can identify discrepancies and take corrective actions quickly.

If costs are higher than anticipated, the estimator can work with the project manager to adjust the budget, reallocate resources, or find cost-saving opportunities to keep the project within financial constraints. Real-time monitoring allows for adjustments to be made in a timely manner, preventing small issues from snowballing into major budget overruns.

Detailed Breakdown of Costs

A cost estimating service provides a detailed breakdown of costs, which is especially important for government projects that require transparency. Each aspect of the project—whether it’s materials, labor, equipment, or overhead—can be tracked and monitored separately.

This level of detail allows stakeholders to see exactly where money is being spent and identify areas where costs might be higher than expected. For example, if labor costs are consistently exceeding estimates, the project manager can investigate the cause and implement measures to reduce these expenses.

By breaking down costs into clear categories, a cost estimating service helps ensure that resources are used efficiently and that there are no hidden or unnecessary expenses. This transparency helps prevent budget overruns and ensures that the project remains on track financially.

Integration with Project Management Tools

Many modern cost estimating services integrate with project management software to provide seamless tracking of both costs and progress. These tools allow real-time updates and visibility across different project phases, ensuring that all stakeholders, including government officials, contractors, and project managers, have access to the latest financial information.

This integration allows the project team to monitor expenditures against the budget as the project progresses. It also facilitates communication between different teams, which helps in addressing financial issues as soon as they arise. By using integrated tools, government projects can stay on track and within budget.

Providing Accurate Change Orders

Changes in scope are common in large government projects, whether due to regulatory adjustments, design revisions, or unforeseen issues. Each change can have a significant impact on the project budget. A cost estimating service helps manage these changes by providing accurate cost estimates for change orders.

When a change is requested, the estimating service can quickly assess how it will affect the overall project budget. This allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about whether the change is feasible within the existing budget or if adjustments need to be made. By evaluating the financial impact of changes before they are implemented, the cost estimating service helps prevent the project from exceeding its budget due to uncontrolled changes.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulations and Guidelines

Government projects often have strict regulations and guidelines regarding budget management and expenditure. A cost estimating service ensures that the project remains in compliance with these rules by adhering to established budgeting standards and reporting requirements. This is crucial for preventing budget overruns that may arise from non-compliance or mismanagement of funds.

By ensuring that all estimates are accurate and that costs are tracked according to regulatory standards, the estimating service helps government projects avoid penalties or delays caused by budget mismanagement.

Creating Contingency Budgets

One of the most important tools in preventing budget overruns is the use of contingency budgets. A cost estimating service helps create a realistic contingency budget that accounts for unforeseen costs or changes that might arise during the project.

Contingency budgets act as a financial cushion, providing the project with the flexibility to handle unexpected costs without exceeding the overall budget. By allocating a percentage of the total budget for contingencies, a cost estimating service ensures that the project is prepared for any surprises that may occur during construction or development.

Conclusion

Budget overruns are a significant challenge in government projects, where financial resources are often limited and must be used efficiently. A cost estimating service helps prevent these overruns by providing accurate cost forecasts, identifying potential risks, and offering detailed breakdowns of expenses. With real-time monitoring, accurate change order assessments, and the creation of contingency budgets, a cost estimating service ensures that government projects remain financially on track from start to finish. By using a professional cost estimating service, government agencies can reduce the risk of budget overruns and ensure that taxpayer funds are used effectively to complete projects on time and within budget.

[pejasurveying1]

Get precise and detailed construction estimates from PEJA Surveying. Our expert online estimators provide accurate cost projections for homeowners, builders, developers, and architects in the UK. We use advanced technology and industry knowledge to ensure reliable estimates for successful project planning and budgeting.

[redshiftsinger]

"I'm here to brag about how much money I spent just to be able to run a game that wouldn't need remotely that much power if it wasn't full of useless bullshit. I'm mad at people who think bloatware is bad instead of the guys who scammed me out of several grand by deliberately making games use more power than they need to".

My solution for bloatware is this: by law you should hire in every programming team someone who is Like, A Guy who has a crappy laptop with 4GB and an integrated graphics card, no scratch that, 2 GB of RAM, and a rural internet connection. And every time someone in your team proposes to add shit like NPCs with visible pores or ray tracing or all the bloatware that Windows, Adobe, etc. are doing now, they have to come back and try your project in the Guy's laptop and answer to him. He is allowed to insult you and humilliate you if it doesn't work in his laptop, and you should by law apologize and optimize it for him. If you try to put any kind of DRM or permanent internet connection, he is legally allowed to shoot you.

With about 5 or 10 years of that, we will fix the world.

[kapilasteel]

How TMT Rod Price Affects Overall Project Budget

In construction, even the smallest cost fluctuations can snowball into major budget concerns. The TMT rod price is often one of the key variables that can significantly reshape the financial planning of a project. Along with it, components like dowel bars and the 8mm rod price per piece can play a huge role in defining where costs will either stay on track or spiral out of control.

The Foundation of Construction Costs

Every construction project begins with numbers. The budget determines everything — from timelines and material selection to labor and finishing quality. TMT rods, being a primary component in structural stability, hold a big share in this cost pie.

When planning a build, project managers usually forecast steel requirements early. That’s where understanding the volatility of TMT rod price becomes essential. It’s not just a line item — it’s the backbone of the build. Any price surge directly impacts both the micro and macro decisions in the entire workflow.

Why TMT Rod Price Deserves Attention

Fluctuations in TMT rod prices aren’t rare. These rods are tied to the market price of raw materials, energy costs, transportation, and manufacturing demands. So, when the price moves even slightly, it can cause shifts in the total material budget, requiring cuts in other areas or reworking the schedule to accommodate bulk purchases.

And it’s not just about quantity. Specific sizes — especially the widely used 8mm rod price per piece — can impact budget forecasts. Since 8mm rods are frequently used in slabs, lintels, and flooring, their unit pricing plays a recurring role in procurement decisions.

How Dowel Bars Add to the Equation

While TMT rods form the structural grid, dowel bars ensure smooth load transfer and joint stability — especially in pavements and slabs. Including them in the plan might seem like a small addition, but their cumulative cost across a large project can affect the bottom line.

What makes dowel bars tricky is that they often get accounted for late in the process. When material estimates fail to factor in their pricing early, sudden additions can disturb the carefully balanced project scope.

8mm Rod Price Per Piece — A Micro Detail That Impacts the Macro

Many project estimators initially overlook the cost impact of smaller-sized rods. But 8mm rod price per piece adds up fast. These rods, though lighter, are required in higher quantities. Over an entire build, the cost deviation from even a marginal price rise can lead to budgetary stress.

For example, if there’s a sudden increase in 8mm rod pricing by even ₹3–₹5 per piece, and a project uses thousands of them, the overall material cost could spike drastically. That’s money that could’ve gone into insulation, plumbing upgrades, or finishing touches.

The Chain Reaction of Poor Price Planning

When steel prices go unchecked, the ripple effect begins. Labor costs increase due to delays. Alternative material options may not offer the same quality, leading to structural compromises. Worst case? The project might halt altogether, waiting for a budget reapproval.

A Calculated Approach Makes the Difference

While there’s no perfect prediction model for market movements, builders can still stay prepared. Leveraging local supplier relationships, monitoring daily steel rates, and always factoring in variables like dowel bars and 8mm rod price per piece ensures a stronger hold on the budget.

Conclusion

Construction budgeting isn’t just about big numbers — it’s about controlling the details. When the TMT rod price moves, so does the entire financial plan. From dowel bars to 8mm rod price per piece, every component holds the potential to tip the balance. Keeping a tight eye on these material prices ensures better decisions, stable progress, and successful project delivery.

[cadd2]

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[reasonsforhope]

When self-described “ocean custodian” Boyan Slat took the stage at TED 2025 in Vancouver this week, he showed viewers a reality many of us are already heartbreakingly familiar with: There is a lot of trash in the ocean.

“If we allow current trends to continue, the amount of plastic that’s entering the ocean is actually set to double by 2060,” Slat said in his TED Talk, which will be published online at a later date. 

Plus, once plastic is in the ocean, it accumulates in “giant circular currents” called gyres, which Slat said operate a lot like the drain of the bathtub, meaning that plastic can enter these currents but cannot leave.

That’s how we get enormous build-ups like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a giant collection of plastic pollution in the ocean that is roughly twice the size of Texas.

As the founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, Slat’s goal is to return our oceans to their original, clean state before 2040. To accomplish this, two things must be done.

First: Stop more plastic from entering the ocean. Second: Clean up the “legacy” pollution that is already out there and doesn’t go away by itself.

And Slat is well on his way.

Pictured: Kingston Harbour in Jamaica. Photo courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup Project

When Slat’s first TEDx Talk went viral in 2012, he was able to organize research teams to create the first-ever map of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. From there, they created a technology to collect plastic from the most garbage-heavy areas in the ocean.

“We imagined a very long, u-shaped barrier … that would be pushed by wind and waves,” Slat explained in his Talk. 

This barrier would act as a funnel to collect garbage and be emptied out for recycling. 

But there was a problem.

“We took it out in the ocean, and deployed it, and it didn’t collect plastic,” Slat said, “which is a pretty important requirement for an ocean cleanup system.”

Soon after, this first system broke into two. But a few days later, his team was already back to the drawing board. 

From here, they added vessels that would tow the system forward, allowing it to sweep a larger area and move more methodically through the water. Mesh attached to the barrier would gather plastic and guide it to a retention area, where it would be extracted and loaded onto a ship for sorting, processing, and recycling. 

It worked. 

“For 60 years, humanity had been putting plastic into the ocean, but from that day onwards, we were also taking it back out again,” Slat said, with a video of the technology in action playing on screen behind him.

To applause, he said: “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, honestly.”

Over the years, Ocean Cleanup has scaled up this cleanup barrier, now measuring almost 2.5 kilometers — or about 1.5 miles — in length. And it cleans up an area of the ocean the size of a football field every five seconds.

Pictured: The Ocean Cleanup's System 002 deployed in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Photo courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup

The system is designed to be safe for marine life, and once plastic is brought to land, it is recycled into new products, like sunglasses, accessories for electric vehicles, and even Coldplay’s latest vinyl record, according to Slat. 

These products fund the continuation of the cleanup. The next step of the project is to use drones to target areas of the ocean that have the highest plastic concentration. 

In September 2024, Ocean Cleanup predicted the Patch would be cleaned up within 10 years. 

However, on April 8, Slat estimated “that this fleet of systems can clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in as little as five years’ time.”

With ongoing support from MCS, a Netherlands-based Nokia company, Ocean Cleanup can quickly scale its reliable, real-time data and video communication to best target the problem. 

It’s the largest ocean cleanup in history.

But what about the plastic pollution coming into the ocean through rivers across the world? Ocean Cleanup is working on that, too. 

To study plastic pollution in other waterways, Ocean Cleanup attached AI cameras to bridges, measuring the flow of trash in dozens of rivers around the world, creating the first global model to predict where plastic is entering oceans.

“We discovered: Just 1% of the world’s rivers are responsible for about 80% of the plastic entering our oceans,” Slat said.

His team found that coastal cities in middle-income countries were primarily responsible, as people living in these areas have enough wealth to buy things packaged in plastic, but governments can’t afford robust waste management infrastructure. 

Ocean Cleanup now tackles those 1% of rivers to capture the plastic before it reaches oceans.

Pictured: Interceptor 007 in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of The Ocean Cleanup

“It’s not a replacement for the slow but important work that’s being done to fix a broken system upstream,” Slat said. “But we believe that tackling this 1% of rivers provides us with the only way to rapidly close the gap.”

To clean up plastic waste in rivers, Ocean Cleanup has implemented technology called “interceptors,” which include solar-powered trash collectors and mobile systems in eight countries worldwide.

In Guatemala, an interceptor captured 1.4 million kilograms (or over 3 million pounds) of trash in under two hours. Now, this kind of collection happens up to three times a week.

“All of that would have ended up in the sea,” Slat said.

Now, interceptors are being brought to 30 cities around the world, targeting waterways that bring the most trash into our oceans. GPS trackers also mimic the flow of the plastic to help strategically deploy the systems for the most impact.

“We can already stop up to one-third of all the plastic entering our oceans once these are deployed,” Slat said.

And as soon as he finished his Talk on the TED stage, Slat was told that TED’s Audacious Project would be funding the deployment of Ocean Cleanup’s efforts in those 30 cities as part of the organization’s next cohort of grantees. 

While it is unclear how much support Ocean Cleanup will receive from the Audacious Project, Head of TED Chris Anderson told Slat: “We’re inspired. We’re determined in this community to raise the money you need to make that 30-city project happen.”

And Slat himself is determined to clean the oceans for good.

“For humanity to thrive, we need to be optimistic about the future,” Slat said, closing out his Talk.

“Once the oceans are clean again, it can be this example of how, through hard work and ingenuity, we can solve the big problems of our time.”

-via GoodGoodGood, April 9, 2025

[theabstruseone]

I slept in and just woke up, so here's what I've been able to figure out while sipping coffee:

Twitter has officially rebranded to X just a day or two after the move was announced.

The official branding is that a tweet is now called "an X", for which there are too many jokes to make.

The official account is still @twitter because someone else owns @X and they didn't reclaim the username first.

The logo is 𝕏 which is the Unicode character Unicode U+1D54F so the logo cannot be copyrighted and it is highly likely that it cannot be protected as a trademark.

Outside the visual logo, the trademark for the use of the name "X" in social media is held by Meta/Facebook, while the trademark for "X" in finance/commerce is owned by Microsoft.

The rebranding has been stopped in Japan as the term "X Japan" is trademarked by the band X JAPAN.

Elon had workers taking down the "Twitter" name from the side of the building. He did not have any permits to do this. The building owner called the cops who stopped the crew midway through so the sign just says "er".

He still plans to call his streaming and media hosting branch of the company as "Xvideo". Nobody tell him.

This man wants you to give him control over all of your financial information.

Edit to add further developments:

Yes, this is all real. Check the notes and people have pictures. I understand the skepticism because it feels like a joke, but to the best of my knowledge, everything in the above is accurate.

Microsoft also owns the trademark on X for chatting and gaming because, y'know, X-box.

The logo came from a random podcaster who tweeted it at Musk.

The act of sending a tweet is now known as "Xeet". They even added a guide for how to Xeet.

The branding change is inconsistent. Some icons have changed, some have not, and the words "tweet" and "Twitter" are still all over the place on the site.

TweetDeck is currently unaffected and I hope it's because they forgot that it exists again. The complete negligence toward that tool and just leaving it the hell alone is the only thing that makes the site usable (and some of us are stuck on there for work).

This is likely because Musk was forced out of PayPal due to a failed credit line project and because he wanted to rename the site to "X-Paypal" and eventually just to "X".

This became a big deal behind the scenes as Musk paid over $1 million for the domain X.com and wanted to rebrand the company that already had the brand awareness people were using it as a verb to "pay online" (as in "I'll paypal you the money")

X.com is not currently owned by Musk. It is held by a domain registrar (I believe GoDaddy but I'm not entirely sure). Meaning as long as he's hung onto this idea of making X Corp a thing, he couldn't be arsed to pay the $15/year domain renewal.

Bloomberg estimates the rebranding wiped between $4 to $20 billion from the valuation of Twitter due to the loss of brand awareness.

The company was already worth less than half of the $44 billion Musk paid for it in the first place, meaning this may end up a worse deal than when Yahoo bought Tumblr.

One estimation (though this is with a grain of salt) said that Twitter is three months from defaulting on its loans taken out to buy the site. Those loans were secured with Tesla stock. Meaning the bank will seize that stock and, since it won't be enough to pay the debt (since it's worth around 50-75% of what it was at the time of the loan), they can start seizing personal assets of Elon Musk including the Twitter company itself and his interest in SpaceX.

Sesame Street's official accounts mocked the rebranding.

[dearkulkarni]

Skill set needed to be an effective PMC

An effective Project Management Consultant (PMC) must possess a diverse skill set to successfully oversee and guide projects to completion. Key skills include strong project management expertise, such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management. Leadership and communication abilities are essential for managing teams and stakeholders. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability help in navigating challenges, while time management ensures deadlines are met. Technical proficiency in project management tools and industry-specific knowledge enhances efficiency. Additionally, a client-centric approach, negotiation skills, and continuous professional development are crucial for delivering successful outcomes and maintaining strong client relationships.

To be an effective and successful Project Management Consultant (PMC), there are several key skills that are essential for success. These skills help manage projects efficiently, navigate complex challenges, and deliver results on time and within budget. Here’s a breakdown of the core skill set: 1. Project Management Expertise Planning & Scheduling: Knowledge of project life cycle, ability to…

[keypostos]

caleb is 10 when he realizes that he's a physical touch fiend. the rush he gets when his hand lingers on top of your skin after playing with you is like no other. when he presses into your side while you're reading, his thoughts always circle around one topic: you, you, you. when you would run into his room after a nightmare, caleb was ready to swoop you in his arms and hold you until you fell asleep. every response towards you was involuntary.

caleb is 15 when he realizes that teasing 13-year-old you becomes irresistible. when he holds up your book, pencil, or some other item in the air, he watches as you jump up and down to try and grab it back. he's grown a lot in three years; if he had to estimate, he's a whole head taller than you now—20cm at least.

when you throw yourself onto him in an attempt to get your stuff back, he falters. you're laying against him on the couch, shuffling and moving up and down over his body, and caleb's breath hitches. you're so close and right there.

he's going insane. you can't even stand up for five seconds before caleb pulls you down against him once more, saying something about retaliation or revenge while tickling you to death.

caleb is 20 when he's about to leave for the DAA. there's an air of silence around the house. you've trapped yourself in your room more often, stressing over your senior finals. at least, that's what you've been telling him.

"i'm sorry caleb, i really need to study for this test."

"oh! i totally forgot about that project i had due tonight. shit, i'm sorry caleb. we'll have another movie night soon, okay?"

he doesn't know if you're actually this busy or if you're actually ignoring him. all he does know is that he misses you. he wonders about how he could miss someone who was in the room across from him. you were so close, but so far.

when you found out he was leaving—though you had a grin on your face while congratulating him—caleb knew you were devastated. he wondered if you were secretly mad at him for leaving.

two weeks before his departure, he practically forces you to be around him. he laid down next to you like before. he stroked your hair while you napped on the couch. he teased you and picked you up so you could hit him and grab him like you used to. he always chose to put his arm around you during a movie. he dragged you by the hand all around the neighborhood. he needed to all of that again, a thousand times more.

but at 24, it seems like there may have been a wedge between the two of you. calls are more and more infrequent.

"sorry, space signal sucks," he'd type.

"sorry, i was busy with training!" you'd reply, 2 days later.

he thinks that he would do anything to go back to before. he hasn't felt you in months. he sees you only twice a year.

it's hard. it was excruciating during the first few weeks. not only was he dealing with bootcamp, but he always found himself looking to his side, thinking you'd be there with him. at night, you were there, right next to him in bed.

he imagined that you would whisper words of reassurance in his ear. you'd hold onto him like you used to, when you had nightmares, and wrap your legs between his. there were days where we stroked his necklace, wishing that it was your hand instead. what he would give to have you next to him.

all he wants is to be able to feel you again. he chastises his 10-year-old self for taking you for granted back then. he wants to feel the apples of your cheeks when he caresses your face. once,—when he was 13 (you, 11)—he did that, and he thought you had a fever the way you warmed up. if he could, caleb would build a time machine to go back to that.

caleb is 25 when he is out of your life.

he thinks about you every day. it reminds him of when he was in bootcamp five years ago. it takes him back to when he was fifteen; you were on top of him, and his brain was fried to a crisp. caleb wonders if he's always been this way, because he can recall that at ten, you were still the only thing consuming his mind.

even during his arm repairs, you're there throughout all the pain.

when you discover his metal arm, all of caleb's instincts point to the door. he's spent so long trying to hide it from you: it's the constant long-sleeves (even though they made him incredibly uncomfortable), or making sure to only touch you with his left-hand (even though he wanted to pull you in with both hands).

but he stays. because it's you.

you freeze momentarily, listening to his writhes and moans of pain. caleb only notices you're there when he feels your hands brush his shoulder. he jolts back in surprise, and he sees you looming over him.

he stammers something, not even sure of what he said because you're here. you see him. you see it.

caleb's wanted this for so long. he wanted to see you again, in a state where you were both vulnerable, like old times. however, that moment probably wouldn't have come if he doesn't confess about this, so he relays the details.

you listen attentively, eyes wide with shock as caleb goes on. your hands wrap around his metal one, and he feels nothing. it's agonizing. he sees you examine him so gently. your fingers trace over bolts and plates of metal, lightly stroking up and down his arm. and caleb feels nothing.

how often has he dreamed of this? for you to be touching him again, so intimately and softly? he's stayed up countless nights wishing for you to be here, just so he can put his arms around you in a crushing embrace, only to be incapable of feeling you on one side of his body.

you pull away from his arm, asking if the fleet was accountable. when he doesn't say anything, he feels your weight lift off the bed and go towards the door.

whatever happens next is involuntary. he uses his flesh arm to pull you back, caging you between his forearm and his chest. there's no thought to it, no rationalization. it's just you and him. and he's been deprived of this for so long.

he breathes into the crevice of your neck, and he has half a mind to place his entire face there. he wants to breathe you in after being away from you for so long. no conversations, no contact, no touching. the last time he was this close to you was years ago. he needs this, caleb thinks.

the feel of you against his bare chest is something he cannot seem to describe. it's like he's his teenage (or even kid) self again, where he seems to short-circuit whenever he comes in contact with you. you're still small compared to him, but you fit perfectly like you did a decade ago.

he lets you go after he feels you trembling. you don't hesitate to place your hands on his waist and tackle him onto the bed. you catch him off-guard as you pin him beneath you, looking straight into his eyes.

"hold me," you plead, "with your right hand."

caleb lets out a shaky breath. there are voltages of electricity flowing through him—literally and figuratively. his skin sparks alive when he feels you. will it be the same with the metal arm?

slowly, caleb raises his mechanical arm. he wraps it around you, and feels the movement of your back shift downwards. you released a breath you didn't know you were holding. caleb held his.

you wait patiently before caleb starts running his metal hand up and down your back. you watch him exhale as he continues. you press your forehead on his, and you breathe in tandem with him.

caleb is 25 when he discovers that he loves physical touch.

wow like i didn't expect this to get so long... but like here we are???

i think we need to start embracing touch-starved caleb in all of our fics. this man hasn't seen the love of his life in YEARS (infrequently, anyway) so i think once she touches him (like INTIMATELY) for the first time in years he goes a little cray.

also sorry the ending was rushed i wanted to get this over with bc i intented this to be like 500 words but obviously it got way longer than that. what can i say... this freak has dug into my brain.

[asestimationsconsultants]

How to Choose the Best Construction Estimating Company in Australia

Choosing the right construction estimating company is one of the most important decisions a developer, builder, or property owner can make before launching a project in Australia. Whether the goal is to control costs, prepare accurate tender submissions, or gain investor confidence, the quality of your cost estimate sets the tone for everything that follows. But in a crowded market, how do you separate skilled professionals from inexperienced providers?

Start with Industry Experience

One of the first indicators of a reliable estimating company is experience. Firms with a long-standing presence in the Australian construction industry are more likely to understand local market conditions, labor trends, council regulations, and the cost implications of climate, logistics, and regional supply chains. An experienced estimator brings more than just numbers—they bring context and foresight.

Evaluate Service Specialization

Construction estimating is not a one-size-fits-all service. Some companies focus on residential housing, while others specialize in commercial or industrial projects. Make sure the company you choose has direct experience in your project type. An estimator well-versed in high-rise construction, for example, may not be suited for custom homes or heritage restoration.

Check Qualifications and Credentials

Professional qualifications can reveal a lot about an estimating company’s standards. Look for estimators who are registered with relevant industry associations such as the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) or have certification in construction management, civil engineering, or quantity surveying. A qualified team offers confidence that your estimate will align with best practices and legal standards.

Request Sample Estimates or Portfolio

Reputable estimating companies will often share anonymised samples of previous work or case studies. Reviewing these can help you gauge their attention to detail, formatting, and ability to tailor outputs to specific client requirements. A clear, well-structured estimate that explains inclusions and exclusions is a positive sign of professionalism.

Understand Their Estimating Methodology

Ask potential providers how they develop estimates. Do they rely solely on historical cost data or do they combine live supplier quotes and trade feedback? Do they use current estimating software like CostX, Cubit, or PlanSwift? A solid methodology combines technology, up-to-date data, and professional judgment to deliver accurate results.

Assess Communication and Transparency

Clear communication is essential in any business relationship, but especially in cost estimating. The best companies are transparent about their pricing, process, inclusions, and limitations. They will explain how estimates are structured, what assumptions are made, and how often costs are reviewed or updated. Avoid companies that offer vague pricing or rush through your questions.

Check for Turnaround Time and Scalability

Consider how quickly the estimating company can deliver results without compromising on quality. Construction timelines are often tight, and delays in budgeting or tenders can cause significant disruptions. Ask if the company offers different service tiers based on project size or urgency, and whether they can scale with your project needs.

Read Reviews and Ask for References

Online reviews, testimonials, and referrals from past clients can provide insight into how a company operates in real project environments. Speak with other industry professionals who have worked with the firm and ask about reliability, accuracy, and post-estimate support.

Clarify What’s Included in the Estimate

Not all estimates are created equal. Some include only direct construction costs, while others account for contingencies, design allowances, escalation, and permit fees. Make sure you understand the scope of what the company includes and whether it aligns with your project’s requirements.

Match Their Style to Your Project Needs

Finally, the best estimating company for your project is one that fits your goals, timeline, and communication style. Look for a team that treats your project with the same care as their own, one that’s willing to engage collaboratively with your designer, builder, or project manager.

FAQs

What qualifications should a construction estimating company have in Australia? They should have relevant construction or quantity surveying qualifications, be registered with industry bodies like AIQS, and demonstrate strong project experience.

How do I know if an estimator understands my project type? Ask for similar project examples or portfolios. A company that regularly estimates for projects like yours will understand the specific cost drivers.

Can I trust very low-cost estimating services? Be cautious. Low-cost services may cut corners or miss important items. Always review what’s included and ensure accuracy is not sacrificed for affordability.

How important is estimating software? It’s essential for accuracy and efficiency. Software like CostX or Cubit allows professional estimators to perform precise quantity takeoffs and apply current pricing data.

What should a professional estimate include? A thorough estimate should outline quantities, unit rates, labor, materials, allowances, exclusions, and a clear explanation of assumptions.

Conclusion

Choosing the best construction estimating company in Australia involves more than comparing fees. It requires a careful review of qualifications, methodology, experience, and communication style. A dependable estimator not only delivers accurate numbers but also becomes a trusted partner in shaping the financial success of your construction project. When selected wisely, the right estimating company can protect your investment and strengthen your project's foundation from the start.

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[lightsoutandaway]

Mercedes had the nerve to keep disrespecting him like they did while Elkann was not playing around and wanted Lewis at Ferrari by whatever means possible. He basically gave him a blank check and said whatever you want Sir.

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[reasonsforhope]

"In Sacramento, California, an estimated 6,615 people are experiencing homelessness, a number that — while still heartbreakingly high — has declined 29% since 2023, according to the latest Point In Time counts. 

But a new project, which has been in the works since 2022, might bring that number down even lower.

A new 13-acre property purchased by Sacramento County will soon be home to the Watt Service Center and Safe Stay. 

The county broke ground on the mixed-use service center this week, which will provide shelter, emergency respite, safe parking, health services, and more to community members who are unsheltered — meaning they don’t have a place to safely sleep at night.

“We wanted to do something that is not only larger, but a large-scale campus to provide more than just the shelter,” Janna Haynes, of the county’s Department of Homeless Services and Housing, told KCRA3 News.

The Watt Service Center will have amenities to help meet the needs of anyone staying there, including bathrooms, showers, laundry, and food, as well as mental health, treatment, and employment services.

“You can also meet with your case manager, get behavior health services, look for a job, get rehousing services, a place for your dog,” Jaynes added. “It’s really everything you need, not only for your day-to-day life, but to hopefully end your homelessness.”

While the center is a costly offering, the city explained that it is ultimately less expensive than allowing the homelessness crisis to go unmitigated.

The land was purchased for $22 million and will cost an estimated $42 million to construct the center. According to ABC10 News it will be mostly funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

While the center will have the capacity to host 225 beds in Safe Stay cabins, 50-person capacity in Safe Parking, and 75-person capacity for emergency/weather respite beds, it will serve countless others outside of the 350 total people it can house at any given time.

According to a press release from the county, “conservative estimates” have found that over the course of 15 years, the center will serve 18,000 people.

In 2017, the city found that the average cost for an “unsheltered individual” was about $45,000 a year, considering public systems like county jail, shelters, behavioral health, and more.

With the projected impact of the shelter, that cost lowers to less than $3,600 per person.

“If you break down the funding, it’s actually not that expensive,” Rich Desmond, county supervisor for District 3, told ABC10.

“It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than letting someone stay out in the community, unsheltered where they are extremely expensive in terms of the emergency response from fire, our emergency rooms, our law enforcement response.”

Providing what the county calls “wraparound services” not only brings down costs but truly helps people meet their basic needs.

“The really great thing about this site in particular, that we don't have at any other shelters, is the sheer size and the ability to really wrap everything people need,” Emily Halcon, director of the Department of Homeless Services and Housing with Sacramento County, told ABC10. 

One notable feature is the center’s Safe Parking spaces, which are the first of their kind in the city. People living in their cars will now have a safe place to park, monitored by security.

“We know a lot of people who are unsheltered actually are living out of their cars,” Desmond said, “maybe a family that’s barely hanging on but they still need that vital transportation to get their kids to school or get to work.”

This support is especially helpful for those who are newly homeless, Halcon added, building on the amenities provided in the county’s two other “safe stay” facilities. 

While Sacramento County just broke ground on the Watt Service Center, officials say they hope to begin moving people into the facility in January 2026.

“Our staff is putting in extra time and attention to this campus, ensuring that it houses everything we need to end homelessness for people,” Desmond said in a statement.

Once it’s up and running, Jaynes told KCRA3, they plan to onboard formerly unhoused community members as part of the staff at the facility.

“When you have a conversation with someone who understands where you’ve been, and you see the success they’re having now,” Jaynes said, “it really does give you hope something could be different.”

-via GoodGoodGood, January 24, 2025

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau put forward a new regulation to limit bank overdraft fees. The CFPB pointed out that the average overdraft fee is $35 even though majority of overdrafts are under $26 and paid back with-in 3 days. The new regulation will push overdraft fees down to as little as $3 and not more than $14, saving the American public collectively 3.5 billion dollars a year.

The Environmental Protection Agency put forward a regulation to fine oil and gas companies for emitting methane. Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas, after CO2 and is responsible for 30% of the rise of global temperatures. This represents the first time the federal government has taxed a greenhouse gas. The EPA believes this rule will help reduce methane emissions by 80%

The Energy Department has awarded $104 million in grants to support clean energy projects at federal buildings, including solar panels at the Pentagon. The federal government is the biggest consumer of energy in the nation. The project is part Biden's goal of reducing the federal government's greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030. The Energy Department estimates it'll save taxpayers $29 million in the first year alone and will have the same impact on emissions as taking over 23,000 gas powered cars off the road.

The Education Department has cancelled 5 billion more dollars of student loan debt. This will effect 74,000 more borrowers, this brings the total number of people who've had their student loan debt forgiven under Biden through different programs to 3.7 Million

U.S. Agency for International Development has launched a program to combat lead exposure in developing countries like South Africa and India. Lead kills 1.6 million people every year, more than malaria and AIDS put together.

Congressional Democrats have reached a deal with their Republican counter parts to revive the expanded the Child Tax Credit. The bill will benefit 16 million children in its first year and is expected to lift 400,000 children out of poverty in its first year. The proposed deal also has a housing provision that could see 200,000 new affordable rental units