Best Electrical Estimating Guides

The new Accura Cadd now has an overlay feature/ This is really a must have software. It does so many things for your company you cant get by without it! We use it everyday.  

We will be starting a new class soon on Electrical Estimating. Let us know if interested in joining. Just a few things not to forget! Electrical Specifications: Very important. Reading the specifications will determine your scope of work and what your bid price is based upon. It is important that the General Conditions of the specifications be read thoroughly. Items of importance will include: The Bid Form This is the when , where and how, You must follow the instructions. Are there any alternates? How to fill out the bid form. Sales Tax Requirements Is this project exempt from sales tax? Allowances Should any cash allowances be included in the bid price? Utility fees? Special insurance? Limits on change orders etc. Retainage This may vary from 10% through completion, from...

Best Bid Estimating and Takeoff Solutions offers comprehensive Windows-based electrical contracting estimating software for commercial, industrial and residential contractors. Best Bid offers three levels of estimating programs – Best Bid –Best Bid Hybrid-Best Bid Hybrid Pro. Each level serves a particular set of contractors, from individual contractors and small service firms to multi-million dollars contracting firms. Best Bid  estimating software includes thousands of electrical item details and over super adaptable assemblies to help contractors build accurate estimates. Best Bid solutions are capable of importing prices of electrical equipment from major pricing services such as NetPricer and RealTime Pricing. The solution also allows contractors to build their own pricing database and charge for items at their own price. The solution also offers capabilities for On -Screen Takeoffs 800-941-7028 www.bestbidestimating.com Free Electrical Estimating...

Free Electrical Estimating Training #6 Estimating Electrical Projects does not have to be hard. Continued from lesson #5 Specifications Read the specifications carefully to determine the type of raceway and fittings you will be using. Record the required device types along with the corresponding faceplates. When applying your assembly, if you are including the complete raceway system, ensure that you include ____ couplings per ____ feet of the raceway. Additionally, adjust your straps and connectors in the same manner. In previous lessons, we counted: 9 duplex receptacles 5 GFI receptacles 1 GFI with a weatherproof cover 1 single receptacle We will input the following counts into the Electrical Solutions software. This is just a portion of the sheet we used. The same procedure can be applied to multi-story buildings with...

Free Estimating Trainning # 5 Continued from lesson # 4 Identifying Difficulty Factors to Adjust Your Man-Hours   A. N = Normal – Installation of 2 x 4 troffers in a lay-in ceiling 9 feet tall or less. B. M = Moderate – Installation of recessed lights in a lay-in ceiling 9 feet tall or less. C. D = Difficult – Installation of bay fixtures using a lift. D. E = Extreme – Installation of custom chandeliers or large architectural lighting. E. P = Pole Lights – Site lighting. Assign each fixture its own difficulty tag. This will expedite your counts and help in adjusting labor estimates. TIP: Do not assume that all 2 x 4 troffers will arrive with pigtails and bulbs or that recessed cans will include hangers....

Free Electrical Estimating Training #4   Continued from Lesson #3 **Tip** Over the years, it's important to remember that no matter how skilled the employees are, two people will not do twice the work of one person, and four people will not perform twice as much work as two people, and so on. **Sub Quotes:** Often, you will need to hire external companies to complete parts of your project. Examples of such contractors include: A. Fire Alarm Contractor B. Security Contractor C. Cable Contractor D. Fiber Contractor E. Telephone Contractor F. Data Contractor G. Excavation, Backhoe, Trenching, Tamping Contractor H. Crane and Operator I. Bucket Truck and Operator **Tip:** When a systems contractor provides you with a price, it may be either a turnkey cost or what’s referred to as...