When completing a construction specification review, an estimator should follow a systematic approach. The specifications, include information for each CSI division, however, none should be reviewed in isolation. Even though our focus is electrical, also known as CSI Division 26 (and previously Division 16), information related to the electrical specs will be shown in […]
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Project Specification Manual
The project specification manual is also known as the specifications. Always review the entire project specification manual! You’ve heard me say this many times before. “The devil is in the details.” The project specification manual, also known simply as “the specs,” contains a lot of details! You will notice as you review Division 26, or […]
Construction Addenda and Scope of Work
Candels uses the acronym “B.A.D.A.S.S” to remember the steps in construction estimating. The “A” represents addenda and the “S” represents scope of work. As you may recall from previous blog posts, we discussed B, bid forms and invitation to bid; A, alternates and allowances; and D, drawings. Having this acronym to refer to will ensure […]
Electrical Estimating Apprenticeship – B.A.D.A.S.S. (Day 3)
The electrical estimating apprenticeship Day 3 started with a review of take-off components which we call B.A.D.A.S.S. Be a B.A.D.A.S.S. Years ago, we developed this acronym for our new estimators to remember all the components of bidding documents. B – Invitation to Bid and Bid Forms A – Allowances and Alternates D – Drawings A […]
Electrical Estimating Apprenticeship – Profit is not a dirty word! (Day 2)
Day 2 of the electrical estimating apprenticeship focused on three things. First, profit is not a dirty word! Second, relationships are important, and finally always ask for a full set of drawings! Profit doesn’t happen by accident! In terms of profit, it really is the goal of any “for profit” business. Profit doesn’t happen by […]
Look for Safety Protocols in the Specs
A seasoned estimator will know to look for injury prevention and safety protocols in the bid documents. Some contractors will require that all construction site workers attend a “stretch and flex” meeting every morning. On a recent job that we bid, due to the size and duration of the project and the number of workers […]
The 2014 National Electrical Code as been Published
The NFPA has officially released the new 2014 National Electrical Code. The code is updated every 3 years, so the next one will not be published until 2017. For any states adopting the NEC on an annual basis, the new code will take effect on January 1, 2014. Please note, however, that some states do […]
Candels Boards the Train to Essex, CT
Candels is on the move! After nearly 10 years of having an office in Niantic, CT, the Candels team has officially moved to Essex, CT as of July, 2013. Our new office is located in a historic mill building that once housed the E.E. Dickinson Company, a family owned company established in the 1860’s for […]