Electrical estimating is the process of determining the amount and cost of electricity required for a specific location or process. It can be done manually or using computer software.
A typical electrical estimating job requires some level of experience in the industry. It is not generally necessary to have a formal qualifications.
Experience
Estimating is a big part of the electrical contracting industry. It requires a variety of skills and knowledge, but it can be rewarding when you get the job done right. It also requires a lot of attention to detail and a high level of accuracy, which makes it a challenging career path.
There are a number of factors that can impact your success as an electrical estimator, including your education and background. The most important thing is to make sure you are a good fit for the role. If you have a strong work ethic and are willing to learn, this may be the ideal fit for you.
Some companies will require you to have a certain set of skills in order to be considered for an estimating position, while others prefer to train people up from scratch. Regardless, it is worth exploring your options to see if there are any training programs available to you in your area.
Another way to improve your chances of landing an electrical estimating job is by joining professional organizations. These are often associated with a specific construction sector or area of study, and they can offer a variety of benefits to estimators, including networking opportunities and access to education.
The most popular associations for electrical estimators in Ireland are CIBSE, the Association of Cost Engineers and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. These organizations have a range of training and certification programs that can help you to progress in your career.
In terms of a technical skill, an electrical estimator should be able to produce accurate nett cost estimates. This requires a solid understanding of the estimating process and how to translate drawings into estimates that are cost effective for your company.
Having the ability to write professionally and clearly is a must, and it’s also good to have some spoken communication skills. This is especially important when preparing tenders and responding to questions from subcontractors and other project stakeholders.
Software
In the electrical industry, estimating software is a must-have for all electricians and contractors. It allows them to prepare accurate estimates for their clients. It also provides a number of benefits, including reducing the amount of time it takes to generate an estimate and improving the accuracy of the data.
The best electrical estimating software is easy to use and offers many features. These include the ability to manage multiple projects at once, and a bid management application that will allow the company to track and analyze their bid activity.
Some electrical estimating software includes pre-built assemblies, which will save estimators a lot of time. It should also contain a large database of items that are typically used in electrical work.
These databases can be accessed through a web interface or downloaded to a computer for reference purposes. They should be customized to match the electrical contractor’s specific needs.
Other features that electrical estimating software should have are degree of difficulty selectors, which will allow the user to set different prices for jobs based on their level of complexity. They should also be able to input price lists from suppliers into the system, which will ensure that the quotes are consistent and accurate.
Several electrical estimating software options will offer this feature, and some of them even have it built-in. The system should also be integrated with pricing services such as EPIC, NetPricer and Tra-Ser.
An electrical estimating software program should also have the ability to create and store custom items for the contractor’s own use. These can include items like conduit, cables and other equipment.
The software should also be able to import information from digital customer files, pre-build templates and supplier lists. This will help streamline the estimating process and make it easier for teams to work together on estimates.
Estimating is a core part of any construction business, and electrical companies are no exception. It involves calculating costs for materials and labor, as well as other project details. This helps companies understand what they are paying for and can improve their credibility with their customers. It can also lead to increased profitability.
Licenses
The main job of an electrical estimator is to calculate the cost and duration of a project. These estimates are used to bid on projects and provide an important budgeting guideline as the project progresses.
You will need to be able to work with spreadsheets, databases and other software programs to produce these estimates. You will also need to be able to communicate clearly with other estimators, clients and subcontractors.
In the UK, a number of professional associations offer certifications for a variety of estimating and other technical skills. You may be able to obtain one of these certificates through your employer or by self-certifying.
Although it’s not required by law, a construction skills certification is always a good idea. It can give you a foot in the door with some employers and it’s a good way to prove that you are a reputable contractor who has the credentials to get the job done right. Getting the most out of this type of certification is best accomplished by staying up to date on current laws and regulations, especially when it comes to safety in the workplace. It’s a worthwhile investment that will pay off in the long run by boosting your career prospects and ensuring your company is on the right track when it comes to hiring qualified electrical estimators.
Certifications
Depending on where you are in the world, there are several different professional organizations that electrical estimators may choose to join. These associations can help to build your network and provide resources that you may not have access to otherwise.
Obtaining certifications is a good way to show potential employers that you have the right skills for the job and can handle the work well. You can also find a range of courses that can give you the skills you need to succeed in your career as an electrical estimator.
Another important aspect of the role is written communication – you’ll often be required to prepare tender documentation, which needs to be written carefully and correctly. This is especially important when it comes to estimating, because you will need to be able to communicate with contractors and other stakeholders clearly.
It’s also important that you pay attention to detail – this can prevent costly mistakes when it comes to quoting for a project. You’ll likely need to spend a lot of time on a big project, so it’s a good idea to be as thorough as possible.
Estimators typically work with a variety of computer software packages and office equipment. It’s a good idea to be familiar with these tools early on, so you can get up to speed as quickly as possible and be ready for the next step in your career.
The electrical estimating industry is heavily reliant on relationships and networking – it’s a good idea to start building your network early. This will not only allow you to make connections with people in the industry, but it can also be a good way to stay on top of job openings and training opportunities.
You can even start to network with people in your own community if you’re looking for a career as an electrical estimator, as they’ll likely be more than happy to connect you with the companies that are hiring.
As with any career, there are a few ways that you can increase your salary as an electrical estimator. This can be done by changing jobs, gaining more experience or by increasing your level of education.