A Midwest steel erector bid on an addition to an existing manufacturing plant. The scope included a new column row with moment frames, a 40-foot roof extension, and a 10-ton crane rail support system — all tying into the existing structure. Total steel was approximately 75 tons. The complexity here was the tie-in detail: new steel connecting to a 1980s-era building with field-measured conditions. IronKit generated the base bid and the shop owner added a 15% contingency line for field-fit adjustments. The GC appreciated seeing the contingency called out explicitly rather than hidden in the unit prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an industrial addition quote different from new construction?
Tie-in connections to existing structure add complexity. Field-fit brackets, crane rail alignment, and as-built verification are priced separately because they depend on actual site conditions rather than drawings.
Does IronKit handle crane rail pricing?
Yes. You enter the rail section (ASCE 40# etc.), span, and support spacing. IronKit prices the rail, support beams, and mounting hardware as separate line items.
Why is this bid $78K for 75 tons?
At ~$1,040/ton installed, the addition premium comes from moment connections, crane rail precision, and tie-in labor. New construction without these details typically runs $800–1,000/ton in the Midwest.