Electrical estimating is a time-consuming task that requires attention to detail and thorough analysis. Estimating books are a valuable resource for estimators that can help them stay current with industry standards and codes.
Commercial and residential electrical contractors can also grow their businesses with estimating software that streamlines the estimation process, automates calculations, and eliminates manual data entry.
National Electrical Estimator
This electrical estimating book covers the pricing for conduit, wire, switches, outlets and more. Includes material costs, manhours per unit, and total installed cost. Updates to this edition provide the latest prices for installation of all common electrical work, including loadcenters, panelboards, breaker boxes, raceway, duct and signal systems. This resource also provides an overview of how to read and interpret wiring diagrams, one-line diagrams, P&IDs and other technical specifications.
The main role of an electrical estimator is to provide accurate estimates for the electrical aspect of construction projects. They must be highly skilled in the use of software programs, blueprint reading and studying specifications to ensure that they are able to deliver accurate cost estimates on time. They also need to have excellent communication skills to be able to relay technical information to project managers and engineers.
Other traits that an electrical estimator must possess include attention to safety, organizational skills, analytical problem-solving capabilities, and industry knowledge. They must also have a good understanding of all the relevant codes and regulations in order to be able to make informed choices about materials, labour, equipment and other factors that affect the overall estimate.
National Electrical Estimating Methods
This book uses the most recent RSMeans electrical cost data to provide a comprehensive guide for all electrical estimating methods. It includes discussion of current equipment, materials and processes; detailed breakdowns of costs for electrical work; and case studies that illustrate best practices. This book is the perfect companion for any estimator who wants to produce accurate estimates quickly and consistently.
Estimating a construction project requires a thorough review of the plans and specifications to determine the quantity of labor, equipment, material and miscellaneous items required for the scope of work. In addition, the estimator must consider the impact of any special requirements that may be added by the project owner such as a requirement to comply with certain energy codes.
There are four basic types of estimates most estimators use: an order of magnitude estimate, square foot estimate, assemblies estimate and unit price estimate. An order of magnitude (ROM) estimate can be completed after a short analysis, relying on experience and historical data for similar projects. Square foot estimating is based on an average and can be high for some types of jobs while others are low.
The per-point method counts each fixture such as power points, switches and sensors and assigns a point value to them. This can be quick and easy, but it is also prone to error because highs and lows aren’t accounted for. Unit price estimating is the most reliable but can be time consuming to complete for complex projects. Many contractors are turning to a more efficient way to produce an estimate by using estimating software.
Commercial Electrical Estimating Methods
If you’re an electrical contractor, you need to submit competitive bids in order to win projects and stay in business. That means bidding low enough to beat out competing contractors but high enough to cover all your project costs, including labor, materials, overhead, profit margin, and markup. If you’re not using a proven estimating method, you risk making mistakes that could eat into your profits during project execution.
Fortunately, there are several estimating methods you can use to improve your accuracy and speed up your quoting process. These include the labor unit estimate method, the design and construct method, and the per-point estimation method.
The labor unit estimate method is a quick, accurate, and flexible method. It involves counting and measuring items depicted on the drawings like light fixtures, receptacles, conduit runs, panels, and gear. It’s also easy to modify labour unit rates according to the different installation conditions.
Another great option for electrical estimating is STACK, a construction industry estimating software solution with many useful features. This includes AI-powered symbol recognition and a detailed filter feature to make it easier for you to review and compare data. The software is also popular with electricians because it’s designed to meet their unique needs and streamlines the estimating process. It’s also available on a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.