With four successful electrical estimating training sessions under their belts, Linda and Marc Candels are ready to kick off 2019 with their fifth Electrical Estimating Training and Apprenticeship which starts on January 29. The Candels Electrical Training Academy teaches the art and science of electrical estimating. The four-month session covers a wide range of topics as […]
Electrical Training Academy: Classes and Resources
Electrical Training Academy is a primary educational resource offering estimating classes as well as other resources to train an estimator.
Specification Review Checklist
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 […]
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 […]
eBook: “Understanding Electrical Estimating” Released
A new electrical estimating book hits the press! Candels Estimating introduces its first e-book: Understanding Electrical Estimating Understanding Electrical Estimating is a 12-part series which serves not only as an introduction to estimating but also operates as an essential and comprehensive reference for the seasoned estimator. Linda Candels, one of the founding partners of Candels Estimating […]
Get Specific About Job Specifications
You have set the groundwork for an efficient estimating process by knowing your business, your customers, and how to select the appropriate jobs to bid. Now it’s time to focus on the nuts and bolts of the process. A thorough review of a job’s specifications provides the roadmap to get to your bid price. Front […]