Estimating Electrical Construction

Chapter One

Electrical Contracting

Electrical contracting is a relatively new trade. But it has become a very detailed and exacting discipline where most contractors specialize in certain types of projects or services. Few firms handle all types of electrical work, though many can perform more than one specialty. But most concentrate on developing their skills and building their reputation in one area.

In the early days of electrical contracting, installation practices were poor. Still, the demand for electricity increased rapidly. The young trade associations joined with other industry groups to develop product and installation standards. In the early 1900's their efforts produced positive results when the National Fire Protection Association developed the National Electrical Code.

The National Electrical Code aims to protect the public. It is revised about every three years. The revisions are the result of code committee studies, better products, advanced designs, and improved installation procedures. Keeping up with all the latest developments makes the role of the electrical estimator much more difficult. But it also makes his work better, safer, and more enjoyable.

The Electrical Estimator

Many people in the electrical construction industry quote prices. These include company owners, managers, engineers, supervisors, electricians and salespeople. Some quote vague "ball park" figures. But most use charts, tables, measurements and calculations to arrive at an accurate estimate. They've found that accuracy is the key to success, even for the simplest job.

The following were among the first to estimate electrical jobs:

• Electricians who had field experience, were very good with details and were experts at interpreting the newly developed National Electrical Code.
• Electrical engineers who were needed to design the systems.
• Salesmen who had the product knowledge and some idea of installation techniques.
• Specialists from government electrical jobs. Their experience came from procurement, quality control, and on-site inspection.
• Technicians from the telephone companies, alarm system manufacturers, and electrical equipment manufacturers.

As the industry grew more complex, the need for specialists increased. Estimators were needed who could accurately determine job costs for various types of projects. The first electrical estimators were the master electricians with many years of field experience. They could read drawings and understand contract specifications. These abilities are still essential in preparing an accurate electrical estimate.

The master electricians knew how to design electrical layouts. They would draw the electrical systems on the floor plans, showing the locations of outlets, switches and lighting fixtures. These drawings were then used as installation guides-nothing more. The price of the job was an educated guess by either the electrical contractor or the layout man.

Eventually the estimators learned to do material take-offs from their electrical drawings. These drawings then became a companion to the architectural drawings.

Today, electrical estimators use intricate estimating procedures. But most of these practices can be easily taught. Contractors no longer depend on the master electrician for predicting costs. The trend now is to train new estimators. These include junior electrical engineers specializing in construction estimating, and high school and college graduates with a background in mathematics and mechanics. With a few years of on-the-job training, they can become competent and successful electrical construction estimators.

Rewards

Electrical estimating offers many rewards. One is good pay. Most companies offer a fair beginning salary with periodic increases. Some base the salary on a percentage of the rate paid to the craftsmen who do the actual field installations. The percentage is low in the beginning, but increases with experience and competence. The estimator works on a salary, either weekly or bimonthly, including fringe benefits.

Advancement opportunities are excellent for the progressive estimator. As the planner of new work, the estimator makes important contributions to the success of the company. Many estimators eventually become contractors and owners of their own companies.

Working conditions are good. But time is a big problem. The estimator is always battling the clock. All bid dates are set by the owner.

Some can be changed to fit the customer's schedule or to allow for design changes. This can be frustrating, but with good planning and hard work these problems can be overcome. The take-off must be finished on time. That might mean spending a few additional hours at the office. But it will be worth it when you see the completed project.

The Design Team

Generally the design team consists of an architect, a structural engineer, a mechanical engineer and an electrical engineer. At times, other specialists are needed. The leader of the design team is the architect.

The architect: The architect designs and supervises the project. He develops the design according to the owner's requirements. In most cases the owner selects the architect and places him in full charge of the job. The architect then enlists the aid of consulting engineers for advice on specific technical phases of the design. Schematics are prepared for the project, and from these the consulting engineers can start their work.

The architect prepares the construction documents. These include the advertisement for bids, the instructions to the bidders, the contract, the general and special conditions to the contract, the project specifications, the project drawings and the guidelines for administration of the contract.

The mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers (M.E.) design systems to generate, transport, and convey heat and power. The M.E. coordinates his designs with the structural and architectural designs. In buildings, the M.E. designs the heating, plumbing, drainage, ventilation, exhaust and air conditioning systems.

The electrical engineer. Electrical engineers (E.E.) design systems to convey and generate electricity and artificial lighting and provide communications networks. The E.E. must work closely with the architect, the structural engineer and the mechanical engineer.

Additional engineering duties: The design team may be responsible for on-site inspections as the project progresses. Many contracts between the architect and the consulting engineers require inspections to ensure that installation is made in accordance with specifications and drawings.

The consultants check the shop drawings prepared by the manufacturer or by the subcontractors. They must also check material lists and certain catalog data submitted for approval by the contractor. The consultant will check these against the design criteria to be sure the specifications are met.

Builder-Designer

Often the builder is also the designer. Most states permit a builder to do the design work for a project that he will construct, though restrictions may prohibit him from designing work for others.

Frequently the builder is part of the design team. He can contribute valuable information about materials and installation methods and may suggest alternatives.

The builder may be the developer and will organize the design team. He will usually take an active part in the overall design, but will still put the architect in charge. In some cases the builder may administer the contract and set the construction schedule.

Sometimes the owner might contract with the builder to take full charge of the project. Most owners don't have the time or the background to deal with construction problems. It's usually easier, faster, and cheaper to assign the project to a dependable, well-known builder.

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