Best Electrical Estimating Guides

You are familiar with the pressure on tight deadlines, specifications, and tighter margins, just in case you are an electrical contractor. No one wants to spend their precious hours on stiff spreadsheets or cleaning up bid mistakes that would be preventable. Thus, there is a place where the electrical estimating software comes in, and Best Bid Next Gen is one software that is bringing actual changes to the way estimates are undertaken for commercial jobs. It is not a digital tool in the ordinary sense. It is designed to be ready to use by the actual contractors; the people on the construction site with a stack of plans who have a short amount of time to win a bid. In this article, we will dive into the way how Best...

The fact is that electrical project estimating is not only time-consuming. It is full of risk, difficult and sometimes stressful. When you do it right, it is easy to do the job. Even a failure to get it right will find you with blown budgets, missed deadlines, or worse, lost contracts. Contractors relied on spreadsheets, paper notes, and best guesses throughout many years. However, now, there is the electrical estimating software revolutionizing the game. This software is more than a crunching number. It eliminates the guess factor, maintains uniformity, and you are able to deal with the real construction. In this article, we will deconstruct the process of how this can work, what sort of features are important, as well as compare it to the other common methods. Then there...

Marketing for electrical contractors faces a critical turning point as industry data shows that 67% of contractors struggle to generate consistent leads despite increased spending. While demand for electrical services continues to rise, many businesses fail to capitalize on this growth due to outdated marketing strategies. Most electrical contractors still rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals and traditional advertising, consequently limiting their reach in an increasingly digital marketplace. In this article, we’ll cover simple, practical ways to grow your electrical contracting business using clear language and proven strategies. 6 Tips To Create A Strong Relationship In The Electrical Contracting Business 1. Create Relationships Strong relationships form the base of any thriving business. Electrical contractors need to establish trust with general contractors, suppliers, inspectors, and clients. Go to industry events, join trade...

Low-voltage electrical estimating is complex, requiring precise material cost calculation and labor anticipation, which directly impacts project success. Yet, many contractors and engineers continue to face inefficiencies due to outdated tools and limited software options. If you're still relying on Excel spreadsheets or struggling with insufficient tools, you're likely losing time, money, and bids to competitors. This blog is designed to help you master low-voltage electrical estimating by exploring its challenges, the limitations of traditional tools, and how specialized software like Best Bid Next Generation can revolutionize your approach. Please stick with us for actionable tips, expert insights, and a path to more accurate, cost-effective estimations. The Challenges of Low-Voltage Electrical Estimating Low-voltage electrical estimating, which often includes tasks like wiring for data, security systems, and communications, demands precision and...

Estimating in electrical contracting is a cornerstone of success for businesses in the field. Without accurate and efficient estimates, contractors face risks of losing profits, missing deadlines, or even being unable to stay competitive in a tough market. As the complexity and volume of projects have grown, the tools used for electrical estimating have evolved to meet new demands. Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software—developed by the visionary Steve Griffin—has become an indispensable tool for electrical contractors, transforming the way they approach estimating. The software is more than just a tool; it's a symbol of innovation and progress in the electrical estimating world. This article will explore the origins of Best Bid, its significant features, and the lasting legacy of Steve Griffin, whose contributions have helped elevate the standards of electrical...

AI might sound like a tech buzzword reserved for Silicon Valley or self-driving cars, but here’s the truth: you’re likely using it already. If you’ve ever followed a GPS to a jobsite, gotten an auto-suggestion in a spreadsheet, or used a smart assistant on your phone, that’s AI. And now, it's quietly powering something even more important for contractors: electrical estimating software. If you’re still wondering What software does electrical estimators use today, the answer is shifting. More contractors are turning to systems that include AI to help with accuracy, speed, and decision-making. In fact, a 2023 report from Dodge Construction Network revealed that over 65% of mid-size electrical companies are now using software with built-in AI features, even if they don’t label it that way. So yes, AI is...

Accurate electrical estimating is one of the most critical aspects of running a successful electrical contracting business. For independent contractors, the right estimating software can mean the difference between winning bids and losing to competitors. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which is the best fit for your business? Our team of licensed estimators tested and reviewed the top five electrical estimating software solutions based on real-world criteria. From ease of use to cost-effectiveness, we’ve left no stone unturned. Here’s how each tool stacks up and why Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software emerged as the clear winner. Do you need expert advice on choosing the best estimating tool for your business? Call 800-941-7028 to speak with a licensed estimator today! Evaluation Criteria To help...

Starting your own business as an electrician is an exciting step toward independence, profitability, and growth. Many skilled electricians wonder if they can break out of working under someone else to create something of their own. Getting your electrical license is the hardest part, but that's the beginning. This guide will walk you through the steps of launching a successful electrician business, focusing on what truly matters for growth, including mastering electrical estimating for commercial projects, a critical factor in achieving success. If you're serious about scaling your business, tools like Best Bid's electrical estimating software and learning resources from industry experts can give you a significant head start. Why More Electricians Are Starting Their Businesses? Many electricians spend years working under others, helping grow someone else's business while only...

Let’s be honest: “free help” often turns out to be a waste of time. You Google something, click around for half an hour, and still walk away more confused than when you started. But when it comes to electrical estimating software, there’s one name that actually backs up the offer—Best Bid. If you're new to estimating or just frustrated with your current setup, you might be wondering What software does electrical estimators use that comes with real support, not just a vague PDF or outdated forum post. With Best Bid, you can actually call someone. You can ask questions. And yes, they’ll walk you through it—no strings attached. And in an industry survey from 2023, over 70% of independent contractors said they’ve made major estimating errors due to lack of...

If you’ve been using electrical estimating software for a while, chances are you’ve heard of—or maybe even relied on—Best Bid Hybrid Pro. It was one of the most dependable tools available for both small contractors and large operations. So what happened to it? Let’s be clear: Hybrid Pro didn’t vanish. It’s still around, still supported, and still being purchased today. In fact, a significant number of users still run their bids through it. And why not? It handles both commercial and residential electrical projects, it's reliable, and it’s built for real-world estimating, not just textbook theory. But here’s where the shift comes in. As technology advances, so do user expectations. And that’s why Best Bid developed something better—Best Bid Next Generation—a version that keeps all the good stuff from Hybrid...