One of the most overlooked tasks in electrical contracting is Job Tracking. Smaller electrical contractors, just getting their electrical shop open, are overwhelmed with all the things that they have never had experienced being an electrician in the field.
The list can be sobering, to say the least. License, insurance, Taxes, Payroll, OSHA rules, Employee rights, purchasing tools, and trucks. We could list an entire page of items and not touch the surface.
Being confident with your estimates.
Being confident inestimating electrical projects is one thing but tracking the estimate after the bid is equally important.
Furthermore, new electrical contractors, without a lot of previous office experience often fall victim to making decisions that are not knowledge-based. Bidding electrical work by the sq. ft or unit pricing will close your business fast. Not understanding how to track your electrical projects will also eat your lunch.
Starting a new electrical contracting business
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We understand what it is like to start a new electrical business from scratch. On top of learning many new tasks such as accounting software like QuickBooks can make you forget about the importance of electrical estimating and estimating software. Trying to scratch out your electrical bids in MS OFFICE will only get you so far. The issue with Excel spreadsheets is they will not provide you with accurate data to track your projects or manage your material.
Are you going to make it?
To grow your business or just to keep the doors open a lot of things must come together at once. Learning what taxes you must pay and learning how to perform your electrical estimations correctly are two that are extremely important. After you win an electrical project, you must be able to track the cost. Finding out after the project is over that you lost money is not an option.
To properly track your electrical estimates you must have the data to do so. The best and most accurate way to perform this task is with electrical estimating software. Moreover, Electrical bidding software can provide you with man-hours per task or phase of your project. Your breakout could look something like the following:
Fixture installation first floor.—240 Man- Hours.
Fixture installation second floor.—180 Man- Hours
Lighting Rough-in first floor.—580- Man- Hours.
Lighting Rough-in second floor.—470- Man- Hours.
Device installation first floor.—100- Man- Hours.
Device installation second floor.—65- Man- Hours.
Power Branch first floor.—830- Man- Hours.
Power Branch second floor.—670- Man- Hours.
Motor Feeders first floor.—350- Man- Hours.
Motor feeder second floor.—600- Man- Hours.
Panel Feeders.—160- Man- Hours.
Gear.—40- Man- Hours.
Etc
Winning at Electrical Estimating does not need to be a mystery.
Tracking your electrical estimates is not a mystery as long as you have the proper data.
Creating your electrical projects with the right electrical estimating softwaregives you all the information you need to track your jobs.
The following (3) companies are our personal choice.
When your estimates include the proper break out it becomes as simple as tracking your labor with cost codes. For example, if you have an estimated 240 Man-Hours to install all of your lights, as shown in the example above and you have 320 total fixtures, it becomes as easy as recording all of the time you spend installing fixtures to know where you stand.
If you have used 120 Man-Hours installing fixtures and you have installed more than 160 lights installed you are in good shape. If you have used 120 man-hours and you have installed less than ½ of your lights it is time to make a change. Knowing you are behind before it is too late to correct it is invaluable.
Are you and your electricians on the same team?
We speak to electrical contractors all the time and are amazed at how many of them keep job information a secret. They send their electricians to the job blind. If a professional baseball player wasn’t told that after (3) strikes and you are out he may elect to swing at every pitch. If your electricians don’t know what is expected of them they will often miss the mark. Most people don’t want to fail. They want to feel like they are doing a good job. It has been proven time and time again if your workers know what they are trying to achieve there is a better chance that they will. Sadly often the owners don’t know themselves.
One of the first tools that you need to master as a new electrical contractor is your electrical estimating software. Your estimating software is the most important tool that you own! Don’t let it set on the shelf, master it and let it provide you with more than a great estimate. Winning the job is where it starts but remember that is not where it ends. Learn to track your jobs. The Best Bid Hybrid Pro is the best-valued software on the market. Not only is it the fastest but it comes with a built-in On-Screen Takeoff and provides you all the information you need after you win the bid.
https://bestbidestimating.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-12-01_10-29-47.png410618Steve Griffinhttps://bestbidestimating.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/bestbid-logo.pngSteve Griffin2021-09-01 21:34:412022-05-26 12:53:29Job Tracking-Making Money After the Bid
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does electrical takeoff software improve project accuracy?
Electrical takeoff software improves project accuracy by automating the material and labor quantification process, minimizing human errors and ensuring consistent estimating across all projects.
How does electrical estimating software streamline workflows?
Electrical estimating software streamlines workflows by providing integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates, boosting efficiency and accuracy in the bidding process.
Can electrical takeoff software integrate with existing workflows?
Yes, Best Bid's electrical takeoff software can seamlessly integrate with existing workflows, allowing electrical contractors to streamline their estimating and bidding processes.
What is the cost of electrical takeoff software for small businesses?
The cost of electrical takeoff software for small businesses with Best Bid ranges from $995 to $2,995 per user, depending on the software package and features selected.
Is electrical takeoff software user-friendly for non-technical users?
The electrical takeoff software offered by Best Bid is designed to be user-friendly for non-technical users, providing an intuitive interface and step-by-step guidance to streamline the estimating process for electrical contractors.
What kind of customer support does electrical takeoff software offer?
Electrical takeoff software from Best Bid offers comprehensive customer support, including lifetime software updates, technical assistance, and personalized training to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance for electrical contractors.
Can electrical takeoff software handle complex electrical systems?
Yes, the Best Bid electrical takeoff software can handle complex electrical systems. The software offers advanced features, including integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates, to streamline the bidding process for complex electrical projects.
What is the best electrical takeoff software for construction projects?
Best Bid delivers top-rated Electrical Estimating Software, offering affordable, accurate, and easy-to-use solutions for Electrical Contractors across the USA and Canada.
How does electrical takeoff software reduce project timelines?
Electrical takeoff software reduces project timelines by automating the quantification of materials, minimizing manual calculations, and providing real-time pricing updates, leading to faster and more accurate estimates.
What are the benefits of using electrical takeoff software?
The benefits of using electrical takeoff software include increased accuracy, efficiency, and cost savings in the estimating process for electrical contractors. The software provides integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding workflow.
Can electrical takeoff software reduce estimating errors?
Electrical takeoff software can significantly reduce estimating errors by automating material calculations, integrating real-time pricing, and providing precise man-hour estimates, streamlining the bidding process for electrical contractors.
How does electrical takeoff software improve collaboration among teams?
Electrical takeoff software improves collaboration among teams by enabling real-time data sharing, streamlining communication, and providing a centralized platform for project management, leading to increased efficiency and reduced errors in the estimating process.
What features should I look for in electrical takeoff software?
When looking for electrical takeoff software, key features to consider include integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, precise man-hour estimates, and compatibility with industry-leading platforms like NetPricer.
How does electrical takeoff software enhance accuracy?
Electrical takeoff software enhances accuracy by providing automated measurements, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates, streamlining the bidding process and reducing the risk of human errors.
What features improve project management in estimating software?
The key features that improve project management in estimating software include integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding process.
How can I choose the right estimating software?
Choosing the right estimating software involves considering features like accuracy, ease of use, cost, and integration with your existing workflow. Best Bid's Electrical Estimating Software offers affordable, user-friendly solutions with integrated takeoff, material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline your bidding process.
What integrations are available for electrical takeoff software?
The Best Bid electrical takeoff software integrates with industry-leading platforms such as NetPricer for real-time material pricing updates, enabling seamless workflow and accurate cost estimates.
How does estimating software support project budgeting?
Electrical estimating software supports project budgeting by providing accurate material pricing, detailed labor estimates, and comprehensive cost analysis, enabling electrical contractors to create precise project budgets.
What training is available for using takeoff software?
Best Bid offers comprehensive training resources for using their takeoff software, including on-demand video tutorials, live webinars, and personalized support from their experienced team to ensure seamless software implementation and usage.
How can takeoff software assist in project planning?
Takeoff software can assist in project planning by providing accurate material takeoffs, labor estimates, and cost projections, enabling more precise budgeting and scheduling for electrical projects.
What are the latest trends in electrical estimating software?
The latest trends in electrical estimating software include integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding process for electrical contractors.
How does software impact team collaboration on projects?
Software can enhance team collaboration on projects by facilitating real-time data sharing, task tracking, and communication, enabling seamless workflow and improved project management.
What are common challenges with electrical takeoff software?
Common challenges with electrical takeoff software include complexity, inaccurate material pricing, lack of integration with other systems, and difficulty in adapting to new software. The solution is to use intuitive, affordable, and well-integrated electrical estimating software.
How can I maximize efficiency with estimating software?
The benefits of using estimating software to maximize efficiency are streamlining the bidding process, improving accuracy through integrated takeoff and real-time pricing, and boosting productivity with advanced computerized estimating.
What security features should electrical software include?
Electrical estimating software should include robust security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and backup capabilities to protect sensitive project information and client data.
How does software affect project cost estimation accuracy?
The use of specialized electrical estimating software can significantly improve project cost estimation accuracy by automating calculations, integrating material pricing, and providing comprehensive historical data, leading to more reliable and precise estimates.
What are user reviews saying about this software?
User reviews praise Best Bid's Electrical Estimating Software for its affordability, accuracy, and ease of use, helping electrical contractors streamline their bidding process and boost efficiency.
How can takeoff software improve bid competitiveness?
Takeoff software can improve bid competitiveness by providing accurate and detailed cost estimates, streamlining the estimating process, and enabling contractors to submit more competitive bids.
What updates are essential for electrical estimating software?
Essential updates for electrical estimating software include new material pricing, updated labor and equipment costs, changes to building codes and regulations, and integration with the latest CAD/BIM software and databases.
How does software facilitate compliance in electrical projects?
The software facilitates compliance in electrical projects by providing integrated on-screen takeoff, real-time material pricing, and precise man-hour estimates to streamline the bidding process and ensure accurate, compliant project estimates.
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