Electrical estimators must have a wide range of hard and soft skills. Getting the right training is crucial for success in this industry.
This is a live, interactive online course that will teach you the basics of detailed estimating. It will also help you breakdown confidence barriers that may hinder your estimating skills.
Basics of estimating
Whether you’re a licensed electrician seeking to move up a pay grade or a small business owner who wants to improve profitability, an online electrical estimating course can be a great way to learn more about detailed estimating. These courses are generally less expensive than formal certification programs and are designed to help you break the estimating barrier and achieve success in your career.
The basics of electrical estimating include learning the techniques required for producing accurate, methodical estimates. These include taking information from blueprints and specifications, performing a takeoff, calculating material quantities, determining labour requirements, and assessing overhead expenses. These basic estimating principles are the foundation for creating a bid that is both competitive and accurate.
In addition to taking an online estimating course, you can also find free resources and supplemental materials for becoming a professional estimator. These can include books and video tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions on how to estimate electrical construction projects systematically. You can also enroll in a certificate program at a college or university to learn about estimating practices from experienced professionals.
Techniques of estimating
Accurate estimates are a critical part of the success of any construction project. They are not just a matter of fiscal prudence; they are the cornerstone of a contractor’s competitive advantage and long-term sustainability. This is why estimating training is an important aspect of any electrical contracting business. The good news is that there are many resources available to help you learn estimating basics and practices. These include online articles, Youtube videos and a number of digital courses offered by companies like PataBid.
There are also a number of apprenticeship programs that offer hands-on training for becoming an electrical estimator. These typically include an internship with a supervisor to teach you the ropes. These programs are a great way to learn the estimating process and gain valuable experience in the industry.
There are a few key skills that you need to be an effective estimator, such as mathematics and computer literacy. These are hard skills that will be learned in the trade, but they are also important to have outside of your apprenticeship or education.
Estimating labour
An electrical estimator must have a strong grounding in the trade to decipher the various drawings and specifications of a project. They also need to be able to estimate labour, equipment and specialist items. In addition, they need to have soft skills such as communication, project management, IT aptitude and personal development.
Electrical estimating is the process of converting a set of construction drawings and specifications into a dollar price for all work involved. It’s a critical skill for any contractor, as it determines the profit potential of an upcoming job. It can be done by using a range of methods, including expensive software, graph paper and spreadsheets.
There are many ways to learn the craft of estimating, and you can find a course that fits your needs. Online courses are available in a variety of formats and offer flexible scheduling options. Most of these classes are a combination of live and self-paced lessons, and include access to the course materials and OnScreen software. However, they often do not cover all aspects of estimating, such as labour and overhead.
Estimating materials
Regardless of whether you’re a professional electrician looking to advance in the industry or a business owner looking for a way to increase profit margins, electrical estimating training is essential. These courses provide a step-by-step approach to estimating projects and help you navigate inherent risk such as fluctuating material costs, labour dynamics and regulatory changes.
Estimating a project requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of all areas of the job, including labour, equipment and specialist items. It also involves working with a wide range of software and tools that deliver accurate estimates for the project. A good estimator is able to use these tools and remain focused for long periods of time.
The course is suited for beginners who want to learn the basics of estimating and for seasoned estimators who wish to sharpen their skills. The course includes lessons that cover blueprint and specification review, takeoffs of common systems and items, as well as the preparation of a complete bid. It’s designed to break down the barriers of knowledge and confidence that prevent successful detailed estimating.
Estimating overhead
During an electrical estimating course online, students learn about various cost components including materials, labor, overhead and profit. Participants also gain practical experience with estimating software, such as Trimble’s Accubid. The course includes a series of lessons, each of which builds upon the previous one. The last lesson culminates in a mock bid opening.
Besides taking a professional-development course, electrical estimators can also seek out certifications. The Association of Cost Engineers (ASPE) offers a certificate program, and the Certified Professional Estimator designation is also widely recognized by employers.
In addition, aspiring electrical estimators can join professional associations to help them develop the necessary skills and network with industry leaders. The founder of Countfire Takeoff Software, for example, started out as an electrical estimator and now leads his own company that provides estimating and graphical takeoff solutions.
To aid in their efforts to become electrical estimators, people can also join local groups or join a group on social media platforms. Many established estimators are willing to help those looking to get into the field and will offer advice, mentorship, or even work opportunities.