Electical Contractor

“How many jobs are you going to win for me?” I have heard that question at every interview I ever had for an estimating position. As an independent estimator, I still hear it. The answer is none, at least not by myself. Estimators need to be enabled, as they are only one part of a group.

The electrical contractor (EC) is usually one of the first contractors to mobilize on a construction project to install temporary power and underground raceway systems.

You know that brief euphoria you get when the takeoff is complete? You sit back, take a deep breath, and then the bubble bursts.

The role of an estimator has evolved, yet it remains rooted in the principles that defined it. A 41-year estimating veteran helps illustrate the means by which estimating has shifted and how the measure of the estimator’s skills plays a key role.

For each forward-looking company that embraces building information modeling (BIM), tablets and time-capture technologies, there are two or three who still use spreadsheets to estimate and paper for daily reports and timesheets, according to a survey, “The 2012 Construction Estimating Benchmark Repo

Every contractor runs projects in a slightly different manner. The Truland Group Inc. has a high project base and large portfolio. Talking with H.

Many estimators in today’s market attempt to bid any and all projects regardless of the type of work. The company’s need to secure work can cause some estimators to lose sight of one of the primary goals of an educated bid—understanding the true cost of a project as it relates to their company.

There’s a lot to learn from stories. In our industry, there are many stories being told: crazy, scary stories about bids and deadlines, addendums and job walks. Stories like, “One time I forgot to enter the feeder conduits for the fourth-floor electrical room. We won the bid by pennies!

Six years ago, I wrote, “[estimating] software technology is not going to dramatically change” (“Smart Buys,” Electrical Contractor, September 2005). Wow, was I ever wrong about that. It has changed quite dramatically.