Accura Cadd
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.
Read MoreFree Estimating Help #16
Note: Read the specifications and determine what type of raceway and fittings that you will be using. Record the type of device that is required along with the faceplate. When applying your assembly, if you are including the complete raceway system, be sure that you include ____ couplings per ____ ft of raceway. Also, adjust your straps and connectors in the same manor. In the example above, we have counted 9 duplex receptacles. 24 There are also 5 GFI receptacles. One GFI with WP cover and 1 single receptacle. 25 We will install the following counts on the Electrical Solution’s software. This is just the portion of the sheet that…
Read MoreFree Estimating Help #14
Switch Takeoff The next step in the natural progression of the estimate would be to count the devices. We start with the switches to follow the order of most plans. As with all phases of estimating, there are different thought patterns to this procedure. We have found that by performing the takeoff as the plans shows, it saves steps when we win the job. Some estimators only count the total number of switches because of the time savings, and a lot of estimating software doesn’t allow you the ability to input a 3 gang switch with 2-single pole and 1-3 way. We have found that the Best Bid Electrical Estimating…
Read MoreFree Estimating Help #13
M=Moderate---Recessed lights installed in a lay in ceiling 9’ tall or less. C. D=Difficult---Bay fixture installed off a lift. D. E=Extreme---Custom chandeliers or large architectural lighting. E. P=Pole lights-Site Lighting Identify each fixture with its own tag of difficulty. This will speedy you up when entering your counts and adjusting labor. TIP: Don’t assume that all 2 x 4 Troffers will come with pigtails and bulbs or that recessed cans will come with hangers. Ensure that shipping costs are always included in your quote. If the part number on the lighting schedule doesn’t indicate these items, it is their chance to be low “At your expense”.
Read MoreFree estimating Help #10
Lost time F. Storage and Job trailers G. Temporary Office H. Clean up I. Bonds J. Plans K. Lifts L. Scaffolding M. Tie wire to independently suspend fixtures when needed Overhead and Profit So far, we have addressed the cost raw cost of material and labor. Once you arrive at the raw cost of a project, the next step is to add OVERHEAD. Overhead is the cost of doing business. This is covered in detail in our book entitled Steps To A Successful Business “How to start or improve your business.” The final step is to add profit and submit your bid. Submit Bid Follow all instructions to bidders. I…
Read MoreFree Estimating Help #9
TIP: Over the years, no matter how good the employees are, two people will not do twice the work of one person, four people will not perform twice as much work as two people etc. Sub Quotes Often times, you will need to hire other companies to complete your scope of work. Some of examples of these times could be: 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 gives you a price, sometimes it will be turnkey and other…
Read MoreElectrical Estimating Software – Tips and Tricks
Someone once pointed out to me that I spend more time on the phone teaching estimating practices and answering questions about estimating than I do almost anything else. So, it seemed like the right thing to do was to just place all of the conversations and questions in a video, so everyone could benefit from it. We decided to create this estimating class due the vast numbers of Electrical Contractors posting for Estimators in every state. After just a little research it seemed obvious that there was just not a direct path to becoming an estimator. Most companies don’t want to spend their time and money training an estimator. So…
Read MoreAdvantages of Electrical Estimating Software
Throughout the past years, the use of electrical estimating software has become popular particularly among electrical contractors. They are used by small, medium, and large-scale electrical businesses. This software comes with features and capabilities designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the bidding, which profoundly impacts the success of a company. Importance of Electrical Estimating Software Overpriced bids aren’t considered while underpriced bids mean that the cabling contractors are losing money with each installation. The process includes estimating the labor and material costs that go into every bid. It usually involves implementing a materials take-off from CAD or computer-aided drawings. Those drawings were included in the construction documents. The…
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