Per Plan?

[Pokey]

Many times when i'm bidding a residential foundation i come across items that are not able to be formed as shown on plans. For example if a house has poured porch walls and they are to be 36" tall, but the walls are only 3'6" away from the house, i know that they will have to be poured the same height as the full height basement walls. this is due to space due to the overdig of the excavation cutting into the area where the porch footings will need to be poured. Should include the 36" tall walls as per plan or should i bid full height porch walls. Its a double edged sword, i know in most cases my competition bids it as per plan and will charge the customer an extra in the field if full height walls are poured. With that, i would bid it per plan. However, i do not like the idea of a price being increased with extra items that are forseen ahead of time. Any suggestions as to a good approach?

[giddonah]

Is a discussion with the owner out of the question? That seemed logical enough for me, what about them?

[Rich]

giddonah - typically when bidding a project there isn't a chance to talk with the owner.
Pokey - my suggestion is to bid per plan and then put an add alternate in the bid to do it the right way. Add comments to that add alternate so they know what the additional amount is for.
For instance:
Base Bid: $xxx,xxx
Add #1: $xx,xxx for additional depth of porch stemwalls - for proximity to main foundation walls.

Poor wording example - but you get the idea.

[Pokey]

I agree with you Rich. The reason i made this post is because we sometimes have problems, even if the owner/builder knows we priced full height porch walls with the same owner/builder not comparing our bid to others apples to apples. I usually do include an option price and was just looking for some feedback.

[Rich]

That's why I say put the base bid equal to "per plans and specifications". Then put additional pricing - then put total bid. At least you're being up front with them on total cost and attempting to bring attention to the fact that there is additional work than what is on the plans and specifications.
Now - if they aren't going to look at the estimate/bid as a whole then you're probably better off not getting the job. If they choose someone else that didn't include the additional work you're only out the time it took to do the estimate. And they have a change order coming that should've been accounted for.
This is an additional comment to giddonah's post - sometimes you can submit a list of questions to the GC/owner in order to clarify items on the documents. If there is that time period take full advantage of it and submit your questions. The possible downside is they will submit an addendum to the drawings and everyone will get it - essentially losing your bid advantage. If they don't submit an addendum though you are giving a true price instead of a change order down the road.