Electrical Estimating Training Continued from lesson #2
Free Electrical Estimating Consoltation
**Lighting Quotes**
When requesting lighting quotes, it’s crucial to include specific documents. Always attach a copy of the lighting schedule, specifications, and your counts. Additionally, be sure to mention in your request that all necessary trims, bulbs, and hangers needed for installing the fixtures should be included in the quote. I’ve seen many cases where a low quote ended up being misleading. For example, if you forget to specify that you need hangers or bulbs, you might be surprised by additional costs later.
**Gear Quotes**
Similarly, when submitting a request for a gear quote, include a copy of the panel schedule, specifications, and your counts. It’s important to note that some supply houses will include disconnects, starters, time clocks, and contractors in the gear price, while others might list these as rough-in material. Additionally, ensure that the correct AIC ratings are quoted. Specificity and consistency in your requests are crucial. I strongly recommend that all disconnects, starters, time clocks, and other “gear” items be included in the gear quote every time. Bundling these items is typically cheaper than purchasing them individually, and don’t forget to account for fuses—they often won’t include them unless explicitly stated. If possible, ask your supply house for individual prices on your lighting fixtures and the gear package. Make it clear that you will either take all or none of the items and that you want the option to cherry-pick from the package. Establishing this upfront will help you when it comes to adding or deleting items later on.
**Labor/Man-Hours Labor**
Man-Hours refers to the time required to install materials in a specific project. Man-Hours are often one of the most misunderstood parts of estimating. When a project can be completed in a few weeks, it’s easy to imagine it will take one day for one task and two days for another. However, when a project spans several months or longer, estimating becomes much more challenging. To simplify this process, it’s effective to assign a Man-Hour value to each product that is installed. This approach reduces much of the guesswork involved. Generally, the amount of material needed for a function is fairly consistent across different projects. Once the material list is established, a Man-Hour value is assigned to each item. For example:
Material | Man-Hours | Extended Man-Hours
- 2000’ – ½” EMT | 0.032 | 64 |
- 200 – 1/2” EMT Connectors | 0.03 | 6200 – 1/2” EMT Couplings | 0.03 | 6
- 200 – 1/2” 1-Hole Straps | 0.02 | 4
- 6000’ – #12 THHN | 0.0065 | 39
- 30-Boxes | 0.1 | 3
- 30-Blank Covers | 0.02 | .06
- 90-Wing Nuts | 0.015 | 1.35
**Total Man-Hours: 123.41**
Man-Hours will be elaborated on in future chapters. The purpose of associating each item with a time value is to provide a reliable starting point. The cumulative Man-Hours are what matter for the entire project. While one specific item might seem unusually low or high, focus on the overall total of Man-Hours for the project. By using this method, you can establish a consistent bidding pattern. In this example, the total time amounts to 123.41 Man-Hours, which translates to: – 1 worker working 123.41 hours – 15.42 eight-hour days with 1 worker – 7.7 eight-hour days with 2 workers – 5.1 eight-hour days with 3 workers – 3.8 eight-hour days with 4 workers This approach helps streamline project planning and budgeting, ensuring clarity and efficiency.
**Tip:**
Over the years, it’s become clear that regardless of how skilled the employees are, two people cannot accomplish twice the work of one person, nor can four people complete double the work of two. **Sub Quotes:** Often, you will need to hire additional companies to fulfill your project scope. Some examples 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 quote, it may be in two formats: turnkey or “parts and smarts.” In most states, you should not include tax on the labor portion of the quote. It’s advisable to request a breakdown by material and labor, as taxes typically only apply to the material costs.
**Miscellaneous / Other Costs:**
These are legitimate expenses for the project that may not be explicitly shown in the drawings. Some of these costs can include:
A. Permits
B. Temporary Lighting
C. Temporary Power
D. Utility Charges
