If you track your estimates, you will find that the branch wiring is approximately 60% to 80% of the estimate in most commercial projects. On industrial projects, it may only be 5% – 10%.
It is a common practice among estimators to use an average foot per device. Let’s suppose you use an average of 15 feet when in reality the average was 18 feet per device. Three feet over on 15 feet is 20%….
Understanding labor is one of the most important responsibilities of the estimator. There are three major components of labor. The estimator must understand all three of these.
They are:
Factoring labor and labor factors are not the same. Factoring labor is the application of adjustments based on the difficulty or ease of installation. Labor factors are related to overtime, weather, multistory buildings, shift work, and site accessibility.
Factoring labor is an…
There are many vital components to successful estimating, but consistency is certainly one of them. Establishing an estimating process is a great way to standardize the steps required to produce quality estimates. Let’s look at what’s involved in delivering a solid estimate.
Read my full article in the February 2018 edition of Electrical Construction & Maintenance Magazine.
“How to Make a Good Estimate Look Even Better” was an article published in the August 2017 issue of EC&M magazine, that I wrote. It had such great reviews and response, I thought that I would expand on this subject.
I expanded this topic into a six-page article that is available on my website.
FREE DOWNLOAD – Increasing Labor Productivity in Electrical Construction
A brief outline of the article is as…
Many times, the estimator will need to quickly budget for equipment pads for switchboards, transformers, and generators. You will find a quick reference chart on my website.
When workers perform eight hours of work for eight hours pay, then there is no lost time. If there is an hour a day of lost time, that is 12.5 % lost time. Contractors must know the productivity of their employees. Lost productivity is real and must be accounted for in the bid summary.
Here are some project conditions that cause lost time:
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It is very important to establish a good working relationship with several electrical suppliers. Having several quotations will help you know if you are getting the right pricing levels. Manufacturer’s representatives can also provide great support to the electrical contractor during the bidding process.
What suppliers expect from contractors:
What the contractor should want from suppliers:
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Estimating mistakes are made during the takeoff process. Bidding mistakes are made in the summarization and submission of the bid. An incomplete estimate and incorrect estimate are not the same. An incomplete estimate has omissions. An incorrect estimate maybe complete, but it could be based on an incorrect labor column and incorrect labor mix.
The following are common mistakes:
Estimating demolition is relatively simple. First, identify the scope of the demolition. Check all drawings, this includes the site, civil, mechanical, and electrical. Some general contractors only want the circuits to be “made safe,” and they will have their laborers perform the removals. Or, you will perform all the removals with your labor forces.
If you are making safe the circuits, then a detailed takeoff of the demolition is not necessary. Just estimate the number…
The electrical contractor must consider some important factors before deciding which project to bid.
Read my full article in the October 2017 edition of Electrical Construction & Maintenance Magazine.