Volume Summary

Volume 1 – Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating – This volume will provide the estimator with a solid foundation for producing accurate and detailed estimates. Just as no building will stand very long without a good foundation, no estimator will be successful in the profession of electrical estimating without a solid understanding of proper estimating principles.

Volume 2 – Overview, Settings, Views & Reports in Trimble® ACCUBID Software – Trimble® ACCUBID Classic software provides the contactor the ability to have an organized project schedule screen for easy sorting and filtering. The Job Schedule screen allows the contactor to track total volume of estimates as well as first, second, and third place bids. Reporting is customizable for any printouts desired. You will learn how to set up company preferences in the Default Project.

Volume 3 – Estimate Preparation – Preparation is key to perform an accurate estimate. This preparation will require a careful examination of the contract specifications and drawings. When the estimator attends the project’s pre-bid meeting, he must be prepared beforehand and know how to conduct a site examination of a project. Properly setting up an estimate before quantifying the project is vital.

Volume 4 – The Takeoff – One of the main responsibilities of the estimator is an accurate quantifying of the project. Every estimator must develop a technique that allows for an accurate, detailed, organized takeoff. The estimator must know the difference between estimating and bidding. Estimating is the quantification of the project. Bidding is the summarization of the project. The estimator must provide a complete list of all direct material and labor costs for a detailed takeoff. Having a knowledge of labor factoring is necessary to arrive at an accurate direct labor hour total.

Volume 5 – The Extension – The Extension Screen gives the estimator the power to check, analyze, and modify a consolidated takeoff. The program allows items on the Extension Screen to be filtered by material and labor options. The Grouping feature provides a quick analysis of the project by Bid Item, Area, Phase, and System. The Sort Code feature is a powerful option that allows the estimate to be closely reviewed for portions with the largest risks.

Volume 6 – Bid Summarization – The Bid Summarization, sometimes referred to as the Bid Recap, must be complete. The Bid Summary feature in Trimble® ACCUBID Classic software is outstanding and provides the contractor with great flexibility in summarizing the estimate. An accurate takeoff can be useless if the project is not properly summarized.