The Ultimate Guide to Electrical Estimating

Electrical estimating is a skilled practice that combines computer technology with years of field experience. There’s no substitute for the knowledge gained from performing a task repeatedly. From past experiences, you develop a mental record of how long a task should take to complete.

Whether it is a standard installation or one needing modifications—like working 30 feet in the air rather an 8-foot ladder—successful estimators rely on historical data and knowledge to produce accurate results.

Estimators that want to succeed in this field have to combine technical knowledge, real-world expertise, and mastery of specific tools. The key skills and tools required to succeed in electrical estimation are described in this book.

Essential Traits of a Successful Electrical Estimator

To excel as an electrical estimator, having historical data is helpful, along with the following 12 essential traits:

• Proficient in computer technology, with the ability to adapt to new innovations and processes.
• Experience in the electrical construction industry.
• Understanding of construction documents, including drawings, standards, and specifications.
• Strong written communication and problem-solving skills.
• Solid math and accounting skills.
• Potential management and leadership skills.
• Ability to function effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• A positive attitude.
• Professional communication skills for client interactions and within the preconstruction team.
• Ability to read plans and specifications for selected disciplines.

Mastering Electrical Estimating Software

In addition to these traits, mastering electrical estimating software is essential. You may understand electrical installation estimation and costing, but producing results that meet the standards of most electrical estimating companies today requires applying that knowledge through top-quality estimating software, such as BestBid Estimating. They offer two notable products: 

• Best Bid Next Generation
• Best Bid Hybrid Pro

Estimating software enables you to complete tasks as quickly as you can input the data. It produces results rapidly, minimizing errors and providing more detailed information than you could achieve with pen and paper.

How to Become an Electrical Estimator?

While we’ve highlighted key traits for successful estimators, one crucial element remains: desire. With the desire to learn, you can acquire the necessary skills. Best Bid offers a training program that teaches electrical estimating and how to master estimating software.

Electrical Estimating Breakdown

Electrical estimating is divided into two main parts:

• The Takeoff
• The Estimate

1. The Takeoff

The Takeoff involves counting and measuring. Start by counting the lights, including lighting controls. Then, move on to:

• Switches
• Receptacles
• Data devices
• Fire alarm devices
• Security devices
• Gear, including disconnects, time clocks, contactors, etc.

Counting Electrical Components

Continue counting until everything is accounted for. The more detailed your counts, the more accurate your final results will be. For example:

• Lighting 1st Floor
• Lighting 2nd Floor

Addressing an electrical plan should be done one room at a time. Larger projects will simply have more rooms. Counting is often the easiest part for most electrical estimators and can be performed by individuals with minimal electrical knowledge.

On-Screen Takeoff

Many estimators now perform their takeoffs on computers. There are numerous advantages to using an On-Screen Takeoff solution; Best Bid excels in this area by incorporating their On-Screen Takeoff directly into their software, eliminating the need for a third-party tool.

Measuring

You can measure directly on your computer screen, saving time and money while avoiding the need to print paper plans. During this stage, you will need to make a few choices regarding the branch circuits:

• Will I scale the entire drawing?
• Will I use the averaging technique?
• Or will I employ a hybrid method, averaging the branches while scaling the home runs?
• With quality electrical estimating software, you should easily have the option to perform all three techniques. Each feeder will be measured separately and recorded.
• Your Takeoff will conclude with all the collected and organized data, including:
• Every count
• Every measurement
• Detailed documentation

2. The Estimate

The estimate incorporates all the data collected during the Takeoff and can be further broken down into smaller components, such as lights and receptacles.

The estimate involves entering your counts and measurements into your software. Ideally, your software should have predetermined groups of materials that respond to your data entries. For instance, when you input one receptacle, your software will generate a list of necessary materials, often referred to as an assembly.

By mastering electrical estimating and software, you can produce accurate and efficient estimates, crucial for thriving in the electrical industry.

Cost Estimation

Once you have entered your counts and measurements, quality software will generate a price and Man-Hour estimation for each piece of material needed. This will help you understand both your material costs and the time required for installation.

Next, you need to determine your charges for man-hours. For guidance, consider reading Know your Labor Burden.

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are often overlooked but are essential to include in your estimates. You should account for unforeseen expenses, and some items may shift from indirect to direct costs. Regardless of the classification, make sure to include them. Common indirect costs include:

• Permits
• Plans
• Fuel
• Lifts
• Excavation equipment
• Travel expenses
• Hotel accommodations
• Per diem
• Temporary power supply

These costs can accumulate quickly. After entering these expenses, you will also need to factor in your profit and overhead. Understanding your true overhead and labor costs is crucial for staying competitive.

Summary

The information above outlines how to assemble an electrical estimate. For a comprehensive understanding of electrical estimating, consider contacting Best Bid, and you will consult a professional estimator.

Best Bid can tell you what specific features to look for in electrical estimating software and give you best practices for performing takeoffs, which will lead to more accurate estimates.