Understanding Man-Hours for Effective Project Management

Man-Hours

Man-hours are a fundamental aspect of project management, but it’s essential to delve deeper into their implications for labor costs and overall project success. By comprehensively understanding labor and the factors that influence its costs, we can minimize the risks of financial losses in our projects. Here are some common factors to consider:

• Weather Conditions: Planning for potential weather impacts can help mitigate delays.
• Organization of the General Contractor: Effective organization can streamline processes and improve communication.
• Material Delays: Proactive scheduling can help anticipate and address potential material shortages.
• Subcontractor Performance: Building strong relationships with subcontractors can enhance performance and reliability.
• Material Price Fluctuations: Staying informed on market trends can help you budget effectively.
• Overtime Work: Budgeting for potential overtime can help manage labor costs.

Note: Block work, in particular, can present unique challenges, as timely completion relies heavily on the performance of that trade. It’s a well-established fact that many projects face financial challenges primarily due to labor cost overruns.

Effectively estimate labor costs

Estimators must grasp the concept of labor units, the conditions under which installations occur, and the various factors influencing installation progress to estimate labor costs effectively. Understanding the composition of standard labor units is vital in the field of electrical estimating.

Labor units are typically influenced by the following factors:

• Project Size: Larger projects may require different labor considerations.
• Height of Installation: Access and safety measures can impact labor efficiency.
• Project Duration: Longer timelines may necessitate adjustments in labor strategies.
• Location: Geographical factors can affect labor availability and productivity.

Defining Labor Units

Once labor units are defined, estimators should evaluate the specific project conditions where materials will be installed. By recognizing the numerous factors influencing labor productivity, estimators can make informed decisions. Electrical estimators should familiarize themselves with labor columns, installation labor factors, and project labor factors to enhance their accuracy and effectiveness.

About Labor Units

Labor units have been developed through extensive research and documentation of labor productivity by trade associations. The insights gained from these studies have been compiled into labor unit manuals. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) offers a comprehensive Manual of Labor Units, which serves as a valuable resource. For more details, feel free to reach out to the association:

National Electrical Contractors Association

3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100 

Bethesda, MD 20814 

Phone: (301) 657-3110

Fax: (301) 215-4500 

www.necanet.org 

Prioritizing Labor Units

 

By prioritizing a deep understanding of man-hours and labor units, we can significantly enhance project outcomes and ensure a more efficient use of resources.

In the NECA Manual of Labor Units, labor is categorized into three benchmarks:

• Normal
• Difficult
• Very Difficult

These classifications are often referred to as:

• NECA Column 1.
• NECA Column 2.
•  NECA Column 3.

Understanding the labor column uses is essential for effective project estimationNormal – Primarily Residential and Commercial projects.

• Normal – Residential, Commercial
• Difficult – Typical for Institutional projects.
• Very Difficult – Generally associated with Industrial and Water Treatment Plant projects.

A standard labor unit reflects the work performed by a skilled and qualified journeyman electrician. When the workforce may be less productive, applying a project labor factor is crucial for accurate bid summarization. In utilizing Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software, the standard labor units are streamlined to 80% of Column 2, enhancing estimation precision.

The application of the appropriate labor column hinges on project conditions, schedules, and labor factors. It’s imperative for estimators to discern the correct labor column for each project they bid. Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software provides flexibility beyond the conventional three labor categories, granting users the ability to work with percentages for a more tailored estimate.

Previously, estimators relied heavily on memory for labor units related to materials. However, with computerized estimating, a database can be employed to store not only pricing but also labor units specific to each material item.

Recognizing that no two contractors operate identically, it’s important to note that labor units effective for one contractor may not suit another. Various factors influence labor productivity, necessitating adjustments to the standard labor unit — a domain where Best Bid excels. Each estimator should be well-versed in the productivity levels of their labor force.

 Understanding the Standard Labor Unit

 

A labor unit is essentially a measure of time allocated for the installation of materials, tailored to the specific project conditions. Estimators should comprehend the breakdown of a standard labor unit:

• Installation Time: 65%
• Layout: 10%
• Material Handling: 20%
• Supervision: 5%

With 65% of the labor unit dedicated to actual installation, grasping the components allows for improved efficiency. Factors such as the quality of plans and specifications can significantly influence productivity. Organized and thorough circuiting and identification within project documents can greatly benefit contractors. Moreover, effective organization by foremen can significantly reduce non-productive time.

Efficient Material and Tool Management

 

For optimal installation, materials and tools must be readily available on-site. The most effective foremen strategically plan material deliveries in advance, thus maximizing labor production efficiency.

 Receiving and Storing Materials

 

Proper storage access on-site is crucial. Inefficient storage can lead to wasted labor, so it’s vital to balance the amount of material available—having too much can be as problematic as having too little. Minimizing downtime due to material shortages is essential to controlling labor costs.

 Material Handling at Work Locations

To streamline the installation process, materials should be stored as close as possible to their respective installation areas. Reducing the need to move materials multiple times can save significant costs. Strategies to enhance efficiency in this regard include:

• Utilizing job boxes for materials and tools
• Employing four-wheelers for transport
• Maintaining a proper site layout
• Ensuring adequate supervision
• Providing clear instructions to workers

 Tooling Up

By adopting thoughtful planning and efficient practices for material handling and labor management, contractors can not only enhance productivity but also achieve successful project outcomes.

Tools and Preparation

Effective tools are essential for successful project execution. The time required to set up varies by the complexity of the task—more intensive tasks like a large wire pull will naturally require a greater setup time compared to simpler tasks, such as threading conduit.

Temporary power plays a crucial role in the preparation process. For various projects, a temporary generator might be necessary to ensure smooth operations.

Laying Out the Work

Electricians must thoroughly examine installation drawings to execute their work efficiently. The investment of time in this step translates directly into increased productivity. Inadequate drawing quality can hinder productivity, making it imperative to obtain any missing information before the drawings reach the project site. This proactive approach saves contractors significant labor costs and enhances overall efficiency.

• Prepared layout drawings are invaluable for most projects and should encompass:
• Branch circuits and combined home runs
• Feeder layouts and conduit racks
• A schedule detailing device and plate colors and finishes
• Key architectural information, including ceiling heights and wall types
• Locations of mechanical equipment

Installation Time

Installation time refers to the actual hours required to install each piece of material alongside all its components. Variability will exist between individual workers and project sites, but understanding that time frames can change is crucial for effective planning.

Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating

Several factors play a pivotal role in determining the value of a labor unit, including:

 Efficiency rates of installing workers

 Focus and concentration on the work

Building height and size

 Crew size

 Mounting height

 Weight of items

 Amount of assembly required

Cleanliness of the job site

 Product packaging and boxing

Non-Productive Tasks

It’s important to acknowledge that cleanup is part of the labor unit. Non-productive tasks can include:

Restroom breaks

Water breaks

Personal phone calls

 Conversations with co-workers and other tradesmen

Trips to electrical supply for materials

 Climbing scaffolding

Cleaning work areas

 Safety meetings, toolbox talks, and project meetings

 Waiting for instructions, tools, or materials

Standard labor units do not account for non-productive supervision time. Any additional non-working supervisory labor hours should be incorporated during the bid summarization process.

Description of a Typical Project – NECA 1 Labor Column

Labor units apply based on key aspects such as:

•  Project size
•  Number of floors
• Square footage
• Specific conditions

A typical project description for estimation includes:

• Up to three floors above street level
• 20,000 to 100,000 square feet per floor
• A rectangular or square floor plan
• Location in or near metropolitan areas
•  Unrestricted access
• A single building or facility

Construction & Work Schedule

Work conditions are as follows:

• 8 hours per workday
• 40-hour work week
• All work conducted on one daytime shift
• Sufficient time to eliminate scheduled overtime           

Electrical & Communications Systems

All systems are installed within 16 feet of a solid floor.

Typical Site Conditions

An ideal project will feature:

• Strong engineering and design
•  Complete and accurate drawings and specifications
• A realistic schedule
• Electrical materials supplied by the electrical contractor
•  An adequate number of qualified journeyman electricians
• All new materials
• No interruptions, delays, or jurisdictional disputes
• Favorable weather conditions—temperatures between 40 F and 85 F degrees with 50% humidity or lower.

In cases where the project deviates from these standards, estimators must carefully select an appropriate labor unit by considering the relevant labor factors.