Our Electrical Estimating Methodology

Plan Receipt & Scope Review

We begin by reviewing the complete plan set: architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings along with the project manual, specifications, and all issued addenda. Our lead estimator identifies the scope of work, checks for drawing-specification conflicts, and notes any ambiguous or missing details that could affect pricing. A preliminary scope letter is drafted listing inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions.

During this phase we also determine the applicable code cycle (NEC 2023, 2026, or state-specific amendments), prevailing wage requirements, and whether the project falls under union or open-shop labor conditions. This upfront analysis prevents costly mid-estimate revisions.

Digital Quantity Takeoff

Our takeoff specialists perform a complete digital quantity survey using PlanSwift or Bluebeam Revu. Every device, fixture, cable tray, conduit run, and termination point is counted and measured directly from the electronic drawings. We use PlanSwift's auto-count tools for repetitive devices and manual measurement for conduit, cable tray, and wire lengths.

All quantities are recorded by CSI MasterFormat division: Division 26 (Electrical), Division 27 (Communications), and Division 28 (Electronic Safety and Security). We maintain a marked-up PDF set showing every counted item so the contractor can verify quantities in the field. Discrepancies between drawings and specifications are documented and raised as formal RFIs before pricing begins.

Material Pricing

Material costs are applied using a combination of current supplier pricing, RSMeans data, and direct manufacturer quotations for major equipment. We track copper, aluminum, and steel pricing trends and adjust material costs to reflect current market conditions. For switchgear, panelboards, transformers, and other long-lead equipment, we verify current pricing with suppliers rather than relying on published list prices.

Regional price adjustments are applied automatically through our cost database. An estimate for a Houston retail build-out uses different material multipliers than a similar project in Manhattan or San Francisco. We also factor in sales tax, delivery charges, and prevailing wage surcharges where applicable.

Labor Calculation

Labor hours are calculated using NECA Manual of Labor Units (MOLU) adjusted for project-specific conditions: building height, construction type, site congestion, and working conditions. We apply productivity factors for complex installations such as cable tray in existing buildings, conduit in exposed locations, and device termination in tight spaces.

Labor rates are pulled from current prevailing wage databases and adjusted for union vs. open-shop conditions. We separate labor into straight-time and overtime categories where the project schedule requires accelerated installation. Each labor hour is traceable back to the NECA line item and the specific quantity it applies to.

Bid Assembly & Quality Review

The lead estimator assembles the complete bid package: quantities, material pricing, labor hours, equipment costs, overhead, and profit. A detailed bid summary is prepared showing direct costs by CSI division, general conditions, and the total bid price. The scope letter is finalized with clear inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions.

Before delivery, a second senior estimator performs a complete quality review. Every quantity is spot-checked against the plan set, addenda incorporation is verified, pricing is cross-referenced against current data, and labor units are reviewed for appropriate productivity factors. The estimate is not released until the QA reviewer signs off.

Delivery & Post-Bid Support

The final estimate is delivered as an editable Excel file with CSI-formatted cost summary, itemized material quantities, labor hour breakdown, and marked-up plan set in PDF format. We also provide a scope letter and any RFIs generated during the estimating process.

If the contractor wins the bid, we offer post-award support to clarify any estimate details during procurement and construction. If the project is value-engineered or rebid, we adjust the estimate at no additional charge within 30 days of the original delivery.

PlanSwift

Digital quantity takeoff and measurement. Used for counting devices, measuring conduit and cable tray lengths, and extracting quantities from electronic drawings.

Bluebeam Revu

PDF markup, quantity extraction, and team collaboration. Used for plan review, markup, and creating the marked-up plan set delivered with every estimate.

Trimble Accubid

Cost database and bid assembly. Used for applying material pricing, labor units, and assembling the complete bid package.

RSMeans Data

Current market pricing and labor productivity data. Cross-referenced against direct supplier quotes for accuracy.