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 […]
News
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 […]
Electrical Estimating Apprenticeship – Thoughts from Day 1!
Day 1 of the Electrical Estimating Apprenticeship program was yesterday. We started with the basics. Like anything, a good foundation lays the groundwork for the future. What is the electrical estimator’s role? An estimator needs to understand their role in the estimating process. It seems intuitive, but is it? The estimator’s role is to determine […]
Time is Running Out – Electrical Estimating Apprenticeship Course
Electrical Estimating Apprenticeship! Don’t miss out!! This Course is the Place to Learn it all! This is a ONCE A YEAR opportunity–there are only a few seats left. Don’t wait to register for this essential course and hands-on training: Candels Electrical Estimating Training Academy Estimating 201 – Electrical Estimating Apprenticeship This is a comprehensive course/apprenticeship introduces […]
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 […]
Construction Labor: Unforeseen Job Factors and How They Influence Job Performance
“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” or so goes the saying engraved in the front of the US Postal Service Building in New York City. Unforeseen circumstances can affect your job labor costs! Just as snow or rain will not […]
Specifications and more!
Specifications, scope of work, the walk-through and bonding are important pieces of any project, large or small. Before you uncap a highlighter or open up your counting and take-off software, a thorough review of the specifications is critical to your estimate. Also, the scope of work, invitation to bid, and any other information provided should […]
Material Escalation: Managing Commodity Prices and Bids
Material escalation…think about it. When you hear the words “steel,” “copper,” “aluminum,” “cement,” “petroleum,” “natural gas,” “lumber,” and “gypsum,” what thoughts or words come to your head? Crazy? Volatile? Unpredictable? All of those words are pretty descriptive of the prices of these commodities. For any contractor or supplier involved in construction, many of these commodity […]