Electrical estimators prepare cost estimates for the price of electrical construction. They also perform takeoffs from blueprints and assist with interpreting electrical drawings. They also review supplier costs and determine material needs.
Electrical estimators must have excellent math skills and be able to read blueprints. They should also have great communication and time management skills. They should also be able to use software that saves them time on creating estimates.
Experience
Electrical estimators usually work in large construction companies, and they may have a team of people working with them. Larger companies also tend to have a number of projects on the go at once, so they’ll need people with good time management skills and an ability to keep track of various deadlines.
In addition, they need to be able to communicate clearly and accurately with the project stakeholders. This includes working closely with architects, engineers, and project managers to ensure that they have all the information they need to prepare estimates. They also need to be able to decipher drawings and understand how they translate into real-world work.
It’s also important for them to be able to incorporate safety considerations into their cost estimates. This demonstrates their understanding of the potential risks associated with electrical projects and shows that they’re committed to the health and safety of everyone involved in the project.
Education
Electrical estimators use their education and experience to determine the price of electrical projects. They work with construction, electrical contracting, and project management firms to develop project bids and offer ways to boost profitability. They examine blueprints and installation plans to estimate wire lengths. They also analyze the cost of different types of equipment and materials, including labor and specialty items.
The job requires excellent math skills and attention to detail. It is also important to have good communication and time-management skills. In addition, a strong IT aptitude is often required. Many electrical estimators have a background in electricianship or have a bachelor’s degree in construction science or architecture. Some even opt to earn a professional certification in cost engineering.
To facilitate the path toward becoming an electrical estimator, individuals can start by actively building their networks and getting to know people in the industry. They can ask other estimators how they got their jobs, and let them know that they want to pursue a career in the field. They can also join local or online professional groups on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Licenses
Getting licensed as an electrician or having formal training in the field is one way to prepare for a career as an electrical estimator. However, gaining the required soft skills is equally important. These attributes include communication, focus, and IT aptitude, which are essential for preparing price estimates for projects.
A good way to gain these attributes is by joining professional organizations and local professional groups. These groups offer networking opportunities with other professionals, and can help you find a job. You can also attend short courses that teach the basics of specific technologies and software.
Another thing that is essential for an electrical estimator to have is the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time when preparing a large project estimate. This is because large projects usually require more drawings and a longer time to create an estimate. In addition, the use of estimating software like InvoiceOwl can save you a lot of time and effort. It also helps in avoiding errors.
Certifications
Electrical estimators prepare bids for the electrical component of major construction projects. They also perform other tasks such as analyzing quotes from subcontractors and suppliers. They have excellent skills in interpreting complex blueprints and can determine the necessary labor and materials costs. They are also able to pinpoint any errors with a project’s bid pricing.
They have strong communication skills in both written and spoken form. Documentation for tenders must be clear and concise, using proper grammar and spelling. They are frequently required to attend meetings about projects or tenders, so being articulate is crucial.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field is often required for this position. Some electrical estimators are also licensed electricians or have completed electrician training programs. They can also gain experience in the industry through internships. They are usually able to work on multiple projects at once and have excellent attention to detail. They also have the ability to work under pressure. They use calendars and other project management tools to manage their time. They are often tasked with reviewing and analyzing complicated blueprints, so they have to be good at math.
Skills
Electrical estimators need to be good at math and have an eye for detail. They also need to be able to read blueprints and construction specifications, and have knowledge of management and negotiating contracts. They should also have strong written and verbal communication skills because they frequently attend meetings to discuss projects or tenders.
Many people who become electrical estimators first train as electricians. This is because the basic background in the trade provides a crucial context. It makes it easier to understand drawings and decipher them, and it helps when you know how the labor in a drawing translates into actual work out in the field.
Other qualifications include a degree in a relevant field, such as electrical engineering or construction management. In addition, some people choose to become a member of professional organizations, such as the Electrical Estimators Association, to show that they have met specific standards for their career. These organizations may also offer professional development opportunities. They can help you to network with other electrical estimators and improve your job prospects.