[EliasCanning]

Hey all,

I am an Estimator for a electrical sub-contracting company based in San Francisco, CA.

I was wondering if there were other fellow estimators that can share some knowledge on what type of databases (other than your companies own historical databases,) or just in general, how do you come up with your estimate?

Any information will help! I am trying to sharpen up my skills.

Thanks!

 

[MikeFL]

It depends on what kind of work you do.
You can search online for "electrical estimating software" and see what comes up. Just reading what each one does will be informative.
It's expected that an estimator is intimately knowledgeable about field installations. Don't think that just because two places are 10' away on the plans means you're only needing 10' of cable. You might need pipe, couplings, hangers, penetrations, sleeves, fireproofing, up and down and around,...

 

[cdslotz]

I started out estimating with a clicker and marker, takeoff sheets, manual prices sheets, had a huge Trade Service book with material pricing, labor unit books, and hours of extending on calculators....
...to using software like Conest, AccuBid, Vision, McCormick and paperless environment and on-screen takeoff

...I've done it all....lol

 

[EliasCanning]

It depends on what kind of work you do.
You can search online for "electrical estimating software" and see what comes up. Just reading what each one does will be informative.
It's expected that an estimator is intimately knowledgeable about field installations. Don't think that just because two places are 10' away on the plans means you're only needing 10' of cable. You might need pipe, couplings, hangers, penetrations, sleeves, fireproofing, up and down and around,...

Hey Mike,

I use Trimble accubid estimating software. And yea I know what your saying about all the components that are required to install a simple receptacle. I'm interested to find out how other estimators go about..well "estimating"

We mostly do commercial/ industrial work and we throw in a residential here and there. I estimate using 4 methods. It all depends on the job. #1 is the software, #2 is using plans and visually taking off labor hours, #3 point pricing (price per item), #4 is by the sq. ft.

 

[EliasCanning]

​

I started out estimating with a clicker and marker, takeoff sheets, manual prices sheets, had a huge Trade Service book with material pricing, labor unit books, and hours of extending on calculators....
...to using software like Conest, AccuBid, Vision, McCormick and paperless environment and on-screen takeoff

...I've done it all....lol

Hey Slotz,

Are you still estimating now?

 

[cdslotz]

​

Hey Slotz,

Are you still estimating now?

No....retired 5 years ago after I got laid off

I find myself counting fixtures and recepts in my sleep...lol

 

[EliasCanning]

No....retired 5 years ago after I got laid off

I find myself counting fixtures and recepts in my sleep...lol

Hahaha, tell me about it.