Weld Damage - Weld damage is a not included operation in all three estimating systems.
Audatex - On page 56 of the Database Reference Manual it states the following under Labor Exclusions:
"Replace labor does not include additional labor to repair the replaced panel and or adjacent panels which may become distorted, burned or damaged by welding, drilling, grinding and straightening."
CCC - Page G39 of the Guide to Estimating shows:
"SPECIAL NOTATION: Suggested refinish operation times do not include additional time for repair of damage to adjacent panels resulting from normal cutting, welding and grinding procedures. The amount of damage can vary considerably depending upon process and technique used by the servicing technician and, therefore, is impractical to anticipate in this publication. MOTOR recommends these factors be considered before finalizing any repair cost estimate. Typical areas to be considered are Illustrated below."
Mitchell - The Mitchell guide shows the following on page P16 under Not Included Operations:
"Feather, Prime & Block paint damage to adjacent panel and/or panels joined by welding due to burn damage (see Feather, Prime & Block definition under Refinish General Information)."
You can view other estimate tips along with a current copy of all three estimating systems P-Pages on the DEG website. www.degweb.org
Please remember, the estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY -the auto body professional performing the repair is the expert in the position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair.