Ballpark numbers require some knowledge of costs and some knowledge of the requirements of the system. If you have no clue what size pump you need or the type or configuration, and no idea of tank volume, there's no way to provide a cost estimate that is of any value to anybody.
When giving a ball park number it's always best to give a range, not a specific number. If your company has an estimator, ask them. Most of the time those asking don't know what the cost is and just need some kind of idea of whether it's $10K or $900K. A ballpark number is not a firm cost. Always write down what your number includes and doesn't include. It's not atypical to have a client ask for a ballpark number before they ask for a solid cost estimate for the change. That's when you get quotes and all disciplines involved to be sure everything is covered. Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Fire Protection SME - EV, AM, DC, Special Hazards [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | www.jacobs.com<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.jacobs.com/__;!!KZTdOCjhgt4hgw!-_khxU8gU0_6jc895I7kRbnU8JghRDsWgqOblZ4jr7Qp2IVbR30VYw_hWvNFtphnl0uWpB9KIvbYi1pvZz4$> 1041 East Butler Road Greenville, South Carolina 29606 CONTACT BY: Phone 1-864-676-5252, Email or MS TEAMS From: Eric Rieve <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 4:18 PM To: Discussion list on issues relating to automatic fire sprinklers <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] [Sprinklerforum] Re: Pump/ Tank Budget Numbers This is probably a touchy subject, but the correct answer is just not to give one. There are so many variables between pump size, motor type, total water demand, tank material, etc. that any "ballpark" would be worthless without This is probably a touchy subject, but the correct answer is just not to give one. There are so many variables between pump size, motor type, total water demand, tank material, etc. that any "ballpark" would be worthless without a pile of RFIs. Ballparks are just traps so the GC can tell the owner that it's your fault when the actual price is massively higher after the full scope of trades costs are included. Just exclude fire pumps and water tanks unless specifically identified by the design documents if it is a bid project. My 2 cents at-least. Eric Rieve Rieve Fire Protection From: Brian Harris <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 3:09 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: [Sprinklerforum] Pump/ Tank Budget Numbers Curious what most people do when bidding a project that may or may not need a pump and tank and the GC just wants a "ballpark" adder. Is there a quick general rule, say dollars/per gallon for the tank, or do you get actual quotes Curious what most people do when bidding a project that may or may not need a pump and tank and the GC just wants a "ballpark" adder. Is there a quick general rule, say dollars/per gallon for the tank, or do you get actual quotes on a few different sizes? Thank you, Brian Harris, CET BVS Systems Inc. bvssystemsinc.com<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__bvssystemsinc.com_&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=fSWSNwDh5acR1mg3H_giNCyzaV-904hQIeRbFWcbpTc&m=_SsOGkCeh47KmGYsdwudg2gAitEUJGbzNuyiWzfudwIoopE0sC5zNLUmOP8dvaJl&s=CY25bjBuPGROoqsReLCg2do2Obtmgj4CBy8fi1iWLds&e=> Phone: 704.896.9989 Fax: 704.896.1935 ________________________________ NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.
_________________________________________________________ SprinklerForum mailing list: https://lists.firesprinkler.org/list/sprinklerforum.lists.firesprinkler.org To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected]
