I uses Earthworks by Trackware for the cut and fill calculations.Is there any better software than this? I looked up and I found kubla cubed is that any good because the one we use is really old and takes a lot of time.
What SUV should I buy? Looking for something similar in size/space to a CR-V — CPO vs lease?
I currently have a Honda CR-V and really like how roomy and practical it is. I'm looking for another SUV that has similar interior/passenger space and practicality, but I'd like something a little more premium.
I live in Illinois, so AWD and good winter performance are important.
My first choice was an Acura RDX, and I really like the size, features, and overall package. However, I've been reading about some RDX owners having issues with the rear glass unexpectedly shattering, reportedly related to the rear defroster system. I really don't want to buy a vehicle and then have to deal with repeated glass replacements or worrying about it during Illinois winters.
I'm currently considering either:
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) — preferably something reliable that I can keep for several years
- Leasing — if it makes more financial sense for a nicer/newer SUV
I'd like to stay around the size of a CR-V. I don't want anything significantly smaller or a huge three-row SUV.
For people who have been in a similar situation:
What SUVs would you recommend I look at?
Would you still consider a CPO Acura RDX despite the rear-glass issue, or would you go with something like Lexus, BMW, Cadillac, Volvo, etc.?
Also, if you drive in Illinois/Midwest winters, I'd especially appreciate your experience with reliability, AWD/snow performance, maintenance costs, and ownership issues.
And between CPO and leasing, which route would you choose?
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Hi everyone,
I'm a new civil estimator and I'm struggling with manual grading takeoffs.
No matter what I do, I always seem to end up with grading areas and quantities that are 2–3 times higher than what my boss gets or what the final estimate should be.
I make the grids evenly, trace the perimeter carefully, and double-check my calculations, but my numbers still come out much larger than expected.
For those of you who do grading takeoffs regularly:
- What are the most common mistakes beginners make?
- How do you determine which areas should actually be included in grading?
- Are there certain areas that are commonly excluded that I might be counting by mistake?
- What usually causes someone to end up with quantities that are double or triple the correct amount?
I'm trying to understand where my thought process is going wrong and would really appreciate any advice from experienced estimators or engineers.
Thanks in advance!