Those of us who estimate “hard bid” projects based on engineered electrical drawings have watched the quality of those drawings decline for many years. I first noticed this in the early 1990s. In the last few months, what I feared has come to pass. I am being asked to prepare electrical estimates with no electrical drawings. As I write this column, I am working on my third project with no electrical drawings. It is a remodel of a bank, and I am having to refer to all the available drawings to prepare the estimate.

The first time I prepared an estimate without electrical drawings, I needed to come up with a concept that would protect the electrical contractor from scope arguments with the project’s owner. I ended up taking a lesson from residential electricians, who show the scope as a list in their proposals. I call this a limited scope proposal. While you are studying the drawings and performing the takeoff, make a list of the items you are including in the scope. I always start this list with the statement, “The scope of work included in this proposal is limited to the following.”

This type of estimating will require some engineering knowledge. If you are not confident regarding your engineering skills, you will need to take some classes or create a relationship with an electrical engineer who can help. You may also be required to carry the cost of furnishing engineered electrical and fire alarm drawings. Make sure your proposal specifies if engineering costs are to be included. I am also starting to see requirements for short circuit, coordination and arc flash studies on smaller projects that include modifications to the switchgear.

Review all the plan sheets

When it comes to doing the takeoff, as Elmer Fudd would say, “Be vewy, vewy careful.” Consider this type of work as a  “Wascally Wabbit” who is always trying to outsmart you. Review all plan sheets included in the plan set. There can be indications of electrical work on all of them. 

I usually start with the architectural reflected ceiling plan so I can get the fixture counts sent out for quotes. Sometimes there is a fixture schedule, and other times only notes. Read the notes carefully, as they can be vague or may require scope not shown anywhere else. For instance, a note can require the replacement of emergency fixtures, even though they are not shown on the plans.

Most commercial remodels I estimate require bringing lighting controls up to current requirements. This is also scope not shown on the architectural drawings. There is usually a note requiring the EC to comply with local lighting control codes and requirements. Make sure you know the requirements in your area, as many places are adopting California-style lighting controls, including controlling a portion of the convenience receptacles with motion sensors.

Look for demolition notes

Next, I look for demolition plans and notes. I often see notes making the electrical contractor responsible for removing all electrical and data/comm devices from walls, ceilings and floors to be demolished. Most often, the number of devices is not shown, so the best you can do is make an allowance for the labor and materials required. It is also important to determine who is responsible for removing demolished materials from the project. Removing and disposing of a large number of 2 x 4 fixtures can become expensive, and may even require the disposal of hazardous materials, including fluorescent lamps and ballasts.

Carefully study the scope

HVAC work is another area that requires careful study of the scope. Relocation of mechanical components may require moving electrical work, which is often not shown on the plans. On larger projects, you may also see revisions to the HVAC equipment. Most often I see upsizing of the equipment, which includes the feeders, disconnects and circuit breakers feeding them. Also, look out for changes to the HVAC controls, as this scope is rarely shown.

Read every note, everywhere, in the bid documents. I usually find electrical scope in the form of notes on almost every plan sheet. The scope in these notes is often very expensive, such as, “All existing light fixtures will be cleaned, repaired and re-lamped.”
If you are considering bidding on a nonengineered project, make sure you are familiar with the specific type of work you are bidding. If you are not, you will not know the “hidden” requirements of that type of work. 

For now, I have only seen this practice on small commercial and tenant improvement projects. However, I expect the practice of bidding without engineered electrical plans to spread to larger and more complex types of work.

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