Accurate electrical estimates are a necessity for contractors in the construction industry. Whether using pen and paper or digital estimating software, the ability to systematically produce accurate bids is crucial for securing projects, mitigating project risk and ensuring business viability.
Online estimating training provides the opportunity to learn at your own pace through pre-recorded videos. These lessons cover everything you need to perform a complete estimate from takeoff through closeout.
Basics
Whether you’re a newbie to the industry or already have years of experience under your belt, taking a course in electrical estimating will help you create accurate bids that increase your chances of winning projects. Whether you’re using pen and paper or digital estimating software, the right training will teach you how to bid all aspects of a project including blueprint and specification review, takeoffs, equipment, branch and feeder conduit and wire, systems wiring and devices.
Along with the technical skills involved in preparing accurate estimates, electrical estimators must be proficient in communication, organization and writing. In large companies, you can expect to be assigned multiple projects at a time and prepare estimates on behalf of other people in your department. It’s important to stay on top of deadlines and communicate effectively with team members to ensure that all requirements are met in a timely manner.
There are several resources available online that offer a wealth of information on estimating practices. From blog posts to YouTube videos, you can find plenty of advice on how to prepare a professional estimate. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and structured learning experience, you can also consider enrolling in a course offered by a college or university. These courses will provide a more formalized learning environment and often include group discussions, hands-on exercises and mock-up estimates.
Intermediate
If you are already a licensed electrical contractor looking to expand your career, taking an intermediate level course is a smart move. It will teach you how to use industry standard estimating software, which will help you win more jobs. You will learn the tricks of the trade and how to make your job easier through specialized short-cuts and templates. Once you’ve completed the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion.
The course will also cover advanced topics such as reading and interpreting blueprints and specifications, takeoffs for systems wiring, conduit & wire, equipment and distribution, system lighting, one-line diagrams and P&IDs. You will be exposed to real world examples through hands on estimating exercises that will prepare you to submit competitive bids on your own.
The course will discuss risk mitigation strategies such as creating an opportunity matrix before you start estimating, which will allow you to grade projects on whether they are worth bidding on. You will also learn how to use a systematic approach to estimating construction projects. There are also numerous online resources that offer a wealth of information on estimating practices. You can find articles, blogs and Youtube videos that delve into basic estimating fundamentals. Regardless of which route you choose, it’s important to focus on your estimating skills and pay attention to detail. Careless mistakes can cost your company thousands of dollars in lost opportunities.
Advanced
If you have significant construction experience and would like to learn more about electrical estimating, there are a variety of online courses available to help. These courses typically take place in a virtual classroom and are taught by a qualified instructor. The curriculum of these courses can vary, but most will cover topics such as taking off a blueprint or specification, reviewing project requirements, and preparing an estimate.
Aside from the technical aspects of preparing an estimate, it’s important to have good interpersonal communication skills. This is especially true when communicating with project stakeholders. Estimators often serve as the bridge between on-site electricians and the management team of a construction company. Therefore, it’s essential to be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with all parties involved in the estimate.
Another skill set that estimators need is the ability to use software programs that can help them calculate labor costs and material pricing more accurately. These types of software programs can also offer features such as tabs that allow users to look up items quickly and easily, as well as the ability to sort and compare prices using different criteria. This can be an invaluable tool for electrical estimators looking to improve their accuracy.
Certification
The certification process for electrical estimators is different depending on where you live. Some countries offer apprenticeships where you learn the trade and work under a senior electrical estimator while others provide formal training through construction estimating courses offered by universities and other educational institutions. You can also seek a professional membership in your local industry to demonstrate that you are qualified to perform a role as an electrical estimator.
Electrical estimating is a complex project management role that requires good planning, cost management and scheduling skills. It is essential that you can work with a team and have excellent written communication skills to prepare tender documentation for projects and respond to queries from clients.
Another important skill to develop is the ability to assess a project risk and make mitigation strategies to minimize that risk. Some of these risk-mitigating strategies include using an opportunity matrix to grade opportunities and creating a risk checklist for each job to identify and evaluate risks.
Electrical estimators must be tech-savvy and have a good understanding of the use of estimating software tools that allow them to deliver fairly accurate results for their projects. They should also be familiar with basic computer systems such as Microsoft Word and Excel to assist them in managing their workload and communicating with stakeholders on projects.