The procedure of electrical estimation is a complex one and requires a high level of skill and accuracy. The estimates that are made from an electrical project will help you win clients they need to be extremely accurate.
Many factors are involved in creating an electrical estimate, and the methodology you use will play a huge role in how accurate the estimate will be.
Electrical estimating methods
We’ll talk about some of the electrical estimating methods utilized by most electrical estimators. Automated takeoff can help with any method mentioned here. This software makes the estimates quicker and more accurate.
Electrical estimating checklist include:
- Selecting the right project
- Examining the specifications
- Studying the drawings
- Finding the necessary materials
- Calculating labor costs
- Creating the estimate
- Inclusion of profit and overhead cost
- Developing a proposal
Per-point method
A power point, switch, sensor, or otherwise is counted as a point that is assigned a common money value. The benefit of this method is that estimating is quick and easy but there is a problem with this method there are possibilities for an inaccurate estimate.
Labour is the main disadvantage of the per-point method because you can go over budget with the labor costs. Electrical estimating by this method is an averaging method, which means highs and lows aren’t taken into account.
Labor unit method
The labor unit method assigns a value to the labor required for the installation of each item of hardware. A labor unit is defined as the average cost of labor per unit of output produced.
The Labor unit method can be more precise than the per-point method because the method calculates the labor conditions as well. Sometimes costs like sick leave and holiday pay aren’t included in this method. You need to be careful while utilizing the labor unit method, failure to distinguish between different working conditions can lead to an inaccurate estimate.
Pre-build
It is known as the assembly estimating method. This can be a way to count takeoffs because it packages your components by including the necessary materials and creating a unit price.
Many elements in electrical construction include several components. By quoting pre-builds, a combination of materials and labor is included.
Design and construct
In this method, the contractor carries out the design as well as the implementation of the project. Your client will give you a design brief that details their parameters for the project and you will be in charge of a more complete detailed design. It is one of the most complicated estimating methods.
You will need to provide precise forecasting from design to construction. The estimator when using this method needs extensive design methodology knowledge along with construction, labor, materials, and equipment expertise. The only disadvantage of this method is its complexity but that can be overcome if you have an experienced contractor.
Guesstimate
It is the estimating method with the most disadvantages it is highly susceptible to error. It is based on gut feelings rather than on any analysis of the project. It can lead to inaccurate estimates that fail to include the complexities of the project.
Residential electrical estimating
It is usually done by the hour which makes it easier to calculate labor costs.
All in all
It all comes down to the skill of the contractor and which method they prefer for estimating. Some considerations like speed, accuracy, and experience take a huge role in the selection of the method. Any method based on good data should be considered. Good takeoff software can help you in accurate estimating.
