How to Use RSMeans for Electrical Estimating

RSMeans (now part of Gordian) is the industry-standard cost data resource used by estimators across the United States. Understanding how to use RSMeans effectively can improve your estimate accuracy significantly.

What RSMeans Provides

• Material costs with national average pricing
• Labor hours based on trade productivity standards
• Equipment costs for installation
• Location adjustment factors for every US city
• Crew compositions and daily output rates

Using Location Factors

RSMeans uses City Cost Indexes (CCI) to adjust national average costs to your specific location. A CCI of 1.15 means costs in that city are 15% above the national average. Always apply the appropriate location factor.

Limitations

RSMeans provides good baseline data, but should be supplemented with actual supplier quotes for major materials. Labor rates should be verified against local union or prevailing wage rates.

Our estimators use RSMeans alongside live supplier pricing. Get a quote.