5 RED FLAGS WHEN DECIDING TO USE AN OUTSOURCED ESTIMATORI’m sure that if you’re anything like us, you get several emails every day from outsourced estimators. Having been in the estimating business for over 20 years, we have found that mass email marketing campaigns are not a great way to gain new customers, especially now when many of these dubious companies are allegedly offering services similar to ours for just pennies on the dollar.

In this current economic state, cost-saving measures should certainly be considered, but watch for these signs before you trust your dollars and your estimate to one of the companies.

An Email Signature with No Information

Often solicitations will come from a gmail address, with no actual physical address or phone number. If you had a legitimate company, why would you hide that information, and why wouldn’t you have a website? If you can’t contact them now, what makes you think you can call them later with questions on your estimate?

Location/Offshore Estimators

You must also consider where the company is located. Are they in your time zone so that you can easily reach them during your normal business hours? If the company is offshore, there could be a significant time difference which means that your emails or phone calls will be answered with delay. As a result, you might not ever be able to speak with the estimator that is working on your project. What we always say is that the estimating process is collaborative, so our estimators like to discuss project issues with the customer to determine the most appropriate course of action. Also, once the estimate is delivered and the customer is ready to bid the job, what happens if there are last minute questions, or an addendum? If you work with a U.S. based company, you have a much better chance at getting answers and having the addendum checked for possible cost impacts to your bid.

Prepayment

Do you think it’s a good idea to pay for the entire estimate up front? Personally, I think it’s risky. It is a more common practice to pay a project deposit, with the balance being due once the project is completed. It does give you a bit more leverage than paying for the entire project up front.

Software

When I receive calls for outsourced estimating, I always ask what software they use, and it seems like this new breed of estimators state that they use RS Means, BlueBeam and Planswift. The sample estimates are in Excel format with a cost per item, not broken down by material and labor, and certainly there is no bill of material for all the items that will be required for the project. Would you be comfortable using a take-off based on a price book? You have to consider that material prices based on commodities like steel or oil fluctuate and you always want your estimate to reflect the ”true cost” of your particular project. I’ve actually had arguments with an estimating firm about the software they use. Most of them have never heard of Accubid, ConEst Intellibid, McCormick

Systems, or Vision, nor do they understand the importance of using software specifically geared to the electrical trade.

References

If you actually want to roll the dice and try one of these companies, I say “buyer beware!.” Ask for references! If they produce them, call a few and see if their customers are satisfied. All I can say is that we have never turned down a request for references, and we have plenty of them that are willing to share their experience.

In conclusion, you should consider the importance of your take-off. The rule is that the estimator’s role is to determine the “true cost” of the project. If your estimator is not using electrical estimating software and it completing a take-off using a cost book, chances are that your estimate will either be over inflated or under inflated. In the case of the latter, if you happened to be awarded the project, you’ll be at an immediate disadvantage. Additionally, not having a complete bill of material and appropriate labor hours will make it nearly impossible to plan and manage the job.

An Introduction to the Electrical Estimator Trade

Candels Trade imgElectrical estimating is a critical role in the construction industry. Electrical estimators are responsible for creating accurate and timely estimates for electrical projects. They need to have a deep understanding of electrical systems, construction costs, and the latest industry trends.

If you’re interested in a career in electrical estimating, there are a few things you need to do to get started. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you need to take to become an electrical estimator, including:

Education and Training

Field experience is usually a requirement for electrical estimators. However, some employers may also accept electrical office experience, or related experience as a start in electrical estimating.

Electrical estimators should also have some formal training in electrical estimating, however many times training is “on the job.” There are a number of online and in-person electrical estimating courses available. These courses can teach you the skills and knowledge you need to become an electrical estimator.

What Experience Do Electrical Estimators Need?

While a electrical experience and training are important, the best way to gain experience is to work as an electrician’s apprentice or project assistant. This will give you the opportunity to learn about electrical systems and the construction process.

You can also gain experience by volunteering with a local electrical contractor or by working on your own electrical projects.

Electrical Estimator Certifications

There are a number of certifications available for electrical estimators. The American Society of Professional Estimators offers a course. Some courses are available from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) as well. However, our CandelsPRO Electrical Estimating Certification is a comprehensive online program that can help you become a top-tier electrical estimator.

Getting certified can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. It can also help you advance your career in electrical estimating.

Networking – An Important Aspect to Finding an Electrical Estimating Job

Networking is an important part of any career, but it is especially important for electrical estimators. Attend industry events and meetups, and connect with other electrical estimators on LinkedIn. This will help you learn more about the industry and meet potential employers.

You can also network with electrical estimators by joining a professional association, such as the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE).

Job Searches for Electrical Estimators

Once you have the necessary education, experience, and certifications, you can start your job search. Electrical estimating jobs are typically advertised online, in trade publications, and at industry events.

When you are applying for electrical estimating jobs, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job you apply for. You should also highlight your education, experience, and certifications.

The Future of Electrical Estimating

The demand for electrical estimators is expected to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing complexity of electrical systems and the need for accurate and timely estimates, not to mention that the electrical industry as a whole is aging.

Electrical estimators will play a critical role in ensuring that electrical projects are completed on time and within budget. They will also need to be able to adapt to new technologies and trends in the electrical industry.

If you’re interested in a career in electrical estimating, now is a great time to get started. The field is growing and there is a lot of opportunity for growth.

Additional Electrical Estimating Job Resources

How CandelsPRO Electrical Estimating Certification Can Help You Become an Electrical Estimator

The CandelsPRO Electrical Estimating Certification is a comprehensive online program that can help you become an electrical estimator. The program covers all of the essential topics you need to know, including:

If you’re serious about becoming an electrical estimator, the CandelsPRO Electrical Estimating Certification is the perfect program for you. It will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this exciting field.

Conclusion

Becoming an electrical estimator is a great career choice. It’s a challenging and rewarding field, and there is a lot of opportunity for growth. If you’re interested in a career in electrical estimating, I encourage you to follow the steps above.

With the right education, experience, and certifications, you can be well on your way to a successful career in electrical estimating.