Electrical Estimating Methods

Wayne J. Del Pico

• Publisher: RSMeans
• Year: 2014
• ISBN:
  9781118766842
• Edition: 4
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Construction & Architectural Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Simplify the estimating process with the latest data, materials, and practices

Electrical Estimating Methods, Fourth Edition is a comprehensive guide to estimating electrical costs, with data provided by leading construction database RS Means. The book covers the materials and processes encountered by the modern contractor, and provides all the information professionals need to make the most precise estimate. The fourth edition has been updated to reflect the changing materials, techniques, and practices in the field, and provides the most recent Means cost data available. The complexity of electrical systems can make accurate estimation difficult, but this guide contains all the necessary information in one place.

An electrical estimate represents the total cost for materials, labor, overhead and profit, but accuracy is virtually impossible without a basic knowledge of the field, and real-world experience in the type of work required. Inaccurate estimates lead to problems with customer satisfaction, which often create payment issues. A thorough, complete, and accurate estimate is in the best interest of all parties involved in the work. Electrical Estimating Methods provides more than just data. Detailed discussions about the work itself help highlight factors that may escape notice, and access to the latest cost data helps tie everything together. Features include:

• Discussion of current equipment, materials, and processes
• Means data for both residential and commercial projects
• Case studies that illustrate best practices
• Online access to the latest Means data for fast access on the job

The book discusses specific situations as well as general practices, and provides comprehensive guidance to the creation of a true, current, estimation of costs. For electrical contractors and estimators, Electrical Estimating Methods contains must-have content that simplifies the estimating process.

1
THE ESTIMATING PROCESS

CHAPTER 1
Components of an Estimate

One of the most difficult tasks in estimating any project is to capture all of the costs involved in the project. Construction has many variables, and it is these variables that can have an impact of the way the estimator “sees” the work and ultimately its costs. The means and methods selected, or the plan to execute the work, will impact price significantly. Another important variable is the bid documents; comprehensive, fully developed designs offer a better chance for the estimator to reach an accurate price. It is the goal of the estimator to arrive at the most accurate price for the cost of the work under a specific set of circumstances and conditions.

While different estimators may see a project differently and thereby arrive at a different price for the work, all estimates share some basic components. Every cost estimate requires three basic components. The first is the establishment of standard units of measure. The second component of an estimate is the determination of the quantity of units for each component, which is an actual measurement process: how many linear feet of wire, how many device boxes, and so on. The third component, and perhaps the most difficult to obtain, is the determination of a reasonable cost for each unit.

The first element, the designation of measurement units, is the step that determines and defines the level of detail, and thus the degree of accuracy, of a cost estimate. In electrical construction, such units could be as all-encompassing as the number of watts per square foot of floor area or as detailed as a linear foot of wire. Depending on the estimator's intended use, the designation of the unit of measure may describe a complete system, or it may be a single task within the entire scope of the project. The selection of the unit of measure also determines the time required to do the estimate.

The second component of every estimate, the determination of quantity, is more than simply counting units. In construction, this process is called the quantity takeoff or quantity survey. It is an integral part of the estimating process that requires an intimate understanding of the work being estimated and a commitment to accuracy. To perform this function successfully, the estimator should have a working knowledge of the materials, methods, and codes used in electrical construction. An understanding of the technical specifications that were the basis of the design is also particularly important. This knowledge helps to ensure that each quantity is correctly tabulated and that essential items are not forgotten or omitted. The estimator with a thorough knowledge of construction is also more likely to account for all requirements in the estimate.

A clear understanding of the scope, or limits of the work, what is included and what is not, is also critical for a defining the estimate.

Not all of the tasks in an estimate involve materials; some are labor-only tasks. Testing is an example of a labor-only item. Some can be just material items, for example, a work box and conduit that is set in a masonry wall by the bricklayer. Experience is, therefore, invaluable to ensure a complete estimate.

The third component is the determination of a reasonable cost for each unit referred to as pricing. This aspect of the estimate is significantly responsible for variations in estimating. Rarely d...