How does Candels Estimating price projects? Why?
Candels prices each job individually after reviewing all project documentation. Candels issues an Estimating Agreement for each job so that you will know your up front your cost for doing the estimate. There are NO hidden surprises or fees. Ask us how you can save up to 20% on your next estimate. You’ll be glad you did!
How quickly will Candels deliver my electrical estimate?
Candels slots every job by bid date. As we all know, bid dates, especially on larger jobs are subject to change, so we can generally accommodate even the quickest turnaround times, sometimes even on the same day, depending on the size of the project. Candels likes to deliver your project at least a day or two before it bids, giving you plenty of time to review it and put your bid together.
It is always a good idea to call our office to ensure we can fit your project into our schedule. Please email your drawings to plans@candelsoncall.com , email us a link or FTP site information and or we can send you a link to our FTP site for easy upload and we will quickly issue you a price for your project. There is no cost or obligation for this service.
How detailed are Candels’ electrical estimates? Does Candels provide a scope of work to help facilitate my proposal?
A Candels estimate is very detailed. We want you to know as much about the job as we know, having completed the take-off for you. Our estimates are also easy to follow, system by system. For example, each run of the distribution system is labeled so you will know what was carried for each segment. You will also received a detailed scope letter that explains exactly how the job was taken off, quotes required, direct job expenses required, and if there are any issues on the job, we inform you what we did to address the issue and what you should do as a result.
How does Candels obtain material pricing?
Candels’ material pricing is updated weekly (or more often as needed) and is derived from a few sources such as NetPricer and several large chain material suppliers. You should be able to buy commodity items at or below the cost that we have covered in the estimate. We are typically within 3 to 5% of your material cost.
Where do Candels’ labor units come from?
Our labor units are based on years of industry experience and feedback from our customers. We have various labor categories that we use. If you are a merit shop or union shop contractor Candels will tailor the labor units/rates based on your economic and market situations. Candels also uses the NECA Manual of Labor Units for reference, especially for items that we seldom come across. It’s well worth the money! To order one, click here.
How does Candels handle quoted items, such as lighting or gear packages?
When the Candels team completes the counts, we will forward you everything necessary in order to solicit vendor quotes including counts, schedules, the appropriate specification sections, and any drawings that your vendor will need to price the package. You can either directly forward the email to your vendors or you can “cut and paste” the information into a new email.
How does Candels Estimating handle addenda?
Whether it be an addendum, bid clarification, an ASI or something else, Candels requests that you forward it to us as soon as possible. If we have downloaded the drawings on your behalf, we will check for addenda prior to sending you your job. It is always a good idea to list the addenda or other bid documents you have received in your proposal letter to cover yourself in the event that you have NOT received an addendum and addressed it in your proposal/price.
Does Candels bid the job for me or do I have to bid it myself? Why?
Candels provides you with all the information you will need in order to bid the job. All you will need to do is apply your quotes, direct job expenses, labor rate, markup, and overhead in order to bid the job. We never bid the job for you… you know your crew, your overhead, and comfort factor in “how low” you want to bid. If you need assistance in determining your overhead or other job expenses, please let us know and we can consult with you on those items. We are always happy to strategize with you on the bid price of a project, but ultimately you set the price.
How long has Candels been in business? What is the background of the Candels Estimating Team?
Candels has been in business since 2003, but members of our staff have decades of experience in the electrical industry. Our team is diverse but most of our staff come from the electrical industry. Click here to meet the whole Candels Estimating team!