Estimating a commercial electrical job

[katwalatapan]

Hello,

I would like ask for recommendations on books or online material to understand calculations required to estimate a commercial electrical job at a pre-tender stage.

I would like to conduct an engineer's estimate calculation before the tender stage. I'd appreciate any direction on the above issue.

Thank you.

 

[dpc]

You don't tell us where you are located, but if in North America, I'd start with a copy of Means Estimating Guide. There is a separate book just for electrical. This isn't something you can calculate. You must do a take-off of the materials and equipment, then get costing for that. Experienced estimators can get pretty close on a square footage basis for projects that they have some experience with.

If you have someone more experienced to consult with, they may be able to give you an idea of the what the electrical cost should be as percentage of the total building cost. Keep in mind that people do estimating full-time as a living. Also, generally an engineer's estimate should be very conservative. It's always embarrassing for the engineer to be the "low bidder".

 

[katwalatapan]

Thank you for your input on the topic.

I'm located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

 

[DRWeig]

Estimating software from

http://www.mccormicksys.com/

is really good in my opinion for commercial construction. Be conservative, as dpc said.

Best to you,

Goober Dave

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