How to Estimate Electrical Work?

To estimate electrical work two things are imperative i.e., accuracy and experience. When you are well aware of the electrical estimation work, you are safe between profit and loss! Moreover, it can only be achieved with proper analysis of project drawings. So, this means that you have to be very careful and precise during the electrical estimation process.

However, to enhance the overall accuracy, estimators use advanced software and technologies. If you are seeking reliable partners for the estimation of electrical materials such as wire, conduit, bulbs, advanced systems, etc. then rely on experienced electrical estimating services. SMA Estimating LLC is one of the leading estimating companies in the USA.  From reviewing the contracts to sending the proposals, they can help you. Without any further duo, let’s jump right into our topic.

Step-by-step guide to estimate electrical work

Keep one thing in mind electrical jobs can only be secured if your evaluations are accurate. precision and experience will help you earn good profits and grow your company to new heights. Not only that, you have to consider various factors such as materials, labour, overhead, inflation, fluctuations in prices, etc.

Let us show you what are the steps of evaluating electrical components for every type of developmental project:

• Always bid on the right electrical job so that you can complete it efficiently

• Carefully analyze the job's specifications

• You need to understand the project's blueprints and plans to judge the right specifications.

• Perfect material and labour quantification

• Calculating the right amount of labour requirement

• Also, factor in overhead cost

• Adequate amount of profit margin

• Understanding all complexities whether it is a residential, commercial, or industrial project

• Writing and organizing information so that the client understands it easily

• Use advanced estimating software and techniques to produce accurate electrical cost estimates

1. Bid on the right electrical Projects

The most important thing is to realise that you are working on the right electrical projects. What does that mean? This means that you bid on those projects on which you can work easily and give your best.

You must be well aware of the market conditions according to the locality. It shows how skilled your employees are. Also, it also shows what kind of jobs you have done before and which project you can tackle.

It is not only for the new electrical contractors or estimators, it is for the experienced ones too! Every electrical job is different from the other, which is why you have to check if it matches your portfolio or not. Having experience with the required job will help you perform better and complete the work successfully.

2. Carefully analyze electrical job specifications 

In the bidding process, every contractor has to go through a request for proposal RFP which shows the detailed view of the job specification. So, analyze the documents carefully so that you can perform accurately during the estimation process.

In case of any unclear information, you must contact your client as soon as possible. It will help you to get clear project information before moving on to the next step!

3. Analyze Blueprints and Plans

All the details and blueprints given by the client must be analyzed properly. The blueprints provide all the electrical information of the building whether it is residential, commercial, or industrial.

While reviewing the electrical drawings, it is your duty to look into any hurdle that may arise in the future. You will have to focus on plumbing, HVAC, elevations, etc. 

4. Perform a material takeoff

In the material takeoff process, the estimators and engineers count the electrical materials required for the job. This helps in preventing wastage of materials in the construction phase and over-budgeting. For that, you need to list down all the materials according to the blueprints and quantities.

The list can include information about the following electrical materials:

• Electrical outlets and switches

• Energy efficiency upgrade 

• light fixtures

• Conduit

• Electrical wiring

• Switches

• Switchboards

• Circuit breakers

• Electrical Safety or backup systems

5. Calculate your labor costs

After a detailed quantification of materials now you can figure out how much labour you need to do the job.

The following formula can be used to calculate labor expenses: 

Total labor cost = Hourly labor rate x number of labor hours

Commonly, the electricians are charged according to the per-hour rate. It depends on the locality and current rates. On average, the hourly rate in the USA is $23, but it depends on the type of work you need to do. You can also get help from experienced estimators of SMA Estimating LLC who provide accurate labour requirements and cost estimates.

6. Add overhead costs

Every type of construction project is associated with unique risks. If you want to run things smoothly, you have to factor in overhead costs. The following are the elements that need to be included in the electrical estimation process:

• Work vehicles, fuel, and maintenance

• Office rent

• Electrical advertising and marketing

• Electrical business management software

• Taxes and business insurance

• Voltage testers, wire cutters, and screwdrivers.

You can use the following formula to extract the Hourly overhead rate:

=Total monthly overhead costs/ Number of billable hours per month

7. Estimate every element correctly!

On the basis of an accurate takeoff process now you need to estimate all the electrical components accurately. Professional companies like SMA Estimating LLC use advanced estimating software in addition to their experience to generate precise estimates. So, write estimates in an organized way and follow standard patterns such as MasterFormat!

Final Words!

Follow our guidelines to estimate electrical work and prevent budget overruns. However, it is recommended to seek help from professional electrical estimators. They can help you achieve desired outputs within timelines.