From Drawings to Dollars: How Top Estimators Prep

— POST 11 —

The Information Great Electrical Estimators Use Before Bid Day

One of the biggest differences between an average electrical estimator and a great electrical estimator is not how fast they can put numbers on a page. It is the information they gather before they ever start building the estimate.

I have seen many contractors make the same mistake. They receive a set of plans, open their estimating software, and immediately begin counting and pricing.

The problem is that drawings only tell part of the story.

A successful estimate requires understanding the project behind the drawings. The best estimators know that information is one of the most valuable tools they have before bid day.

Reading the specifications and finding out the key information can not be skipped.

Reviewing ceiling heights and wall types, raceway and fitting types is equally as important.

The Drawings Are Important, But They Are Not Everything

Plans show what the engineer wants installed. They do not always explain how difficult the installation will be.

An experienced estimator looks beyond symbols and asks questions. Is this a difficult project? Are there unusual specifications?

Will access be a problem? Is the schedule aggressive?

Those questions can have a major impact on labor, material decisions, and ultimately profitability.

Know the Type of Project You Are Bidding

Every contractor has projects they perform better than others. Some companies excel in hospitals. Others are stronger in industrial work, schools, retail, or service projects.

Great estimators understand their company’s strengths and weaknesses.

Historical information from previous projects helps answer important questions before the bid is submitted.

What type of work do we install most profitably?
Which projects have created problems in the past?
Where did actual labor hours differ from the estimate?
What lessons should be applied to the next bid?

Know the Engineer and the Specifications

I have always believed that understanding the engineer is a major advantage in estimating.

Different engineers have different expectations. Some drawings are extremely detailed. Others leave more interpretation to the contractor.

The specifications can contain requirements that are not obvious from looking at the floor plans alone.

Use History to Improve Future Estimates

One of the most valuable tools an estimating department can have is accurate historical information.

Your past estimates tell a story. They show where you were accurate, where you missed, and where improvements can be made.

The goal is not simply keeping old numbers. The goal is learning from them.

The Best Estimators Prepare Before Bid Day

Bid day should not be the first time you think about the project.

The best estimators have already considered the risks, reviewed the drawings, studied the customer, and understood what it will take to build the job.

That preparation creates confidence when it is time to submit the final number.

Watch this video from Best Bid performing an estimate from start to finish after reading the specifications.

Pre-bid information matters more than speed: Great electrical estimators gather crucial project details before starting the estimate, since drawings alone don’t reveal the full scope.
Drawings aren’t everything: Plans show what’s required, but they often don’t explain installation difficulty, access, or schedule impacts, which can affect labor and material decisions.
Know your project type and strengths: Understand which project types your company excels at, use historical data from similar jobs, and learn from past issues to guide bids.
Understand the engineer and the specifications: Different engineers and detailed specs can change requirements; knowing their expectations helps you estimate more accurately.
Prepare before bid day using history and risk review: The best estimators review risks and drawings ahead of time, using past estimates to improve accuracy and confidence when submitting the final number.