Services and solutions
Electrical Estimating Services
Stop losing bids due to inaccurate estimates or spending valuable time buried in blueprints. Our expert estimating team provides fast, precise, and reliable electrical takeoff and estimating services designed to give Canadian contractors a competitive edge. By outsourcing to us, you can focus on managing your projects and growing your business while we handle the meticulous details of costing.
What is Electrical Estimating & Why Is It Crucial for Your Project?
Electrical estimating is the comprehensive process of calculating the precise costs of materials, labour, and equipment required to complete a construction project. It involves a thorough analysis of project plans, blueprints, and technical specifications to produce an accurate cost forecast.
This process is the financial foundation of any successful project. For both clients and contractors, a detailed estimate is essential for:
- Defining Project Scope: Understanding exactly what is included.
- Securing Financing: Providing a reliable budget for stakeholders.
- Creating Realistic Timelines: Aligning schedules with material and labour availability.
Ultimately, a professional estimate empowers you to create competitive bids that protect your profit margins and prevent costly budget overruns.
The Key Advantages of Outsourcing Your Electrical Estimating
For busy contractors, time is money. Outsourcing your estimating process is a strategic decision that delivers a direct return on investment.
- Unmatched Precision and Accuracy
Manual estimates using spreadsheets are prone to errors that can sink a project’s profitability. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art software and up-to-date cost databases to deliver meticulous calculations, ensuring your bid is both competitive and profitable. - Significant Cost-Effectiveness
Hiring a full-time, in-house estimator is a major expense. Outsourcing costs significantly less by eliminating overheads such as salary, benefits, software licenses, computer hardware, and office space. You pay only for the expert service you need, when you need it. - Save Time & Win More Bids
Free up your team’s valuable time to focus on core business activities like project management, client relations, and installation. By letting us handle the time-consuming takeoff process, you gain the capacity to bid on more projects and pursue larger, more complex contracts. - Reliability and Risk Reduction
Our estimates are built on reliable data and industry best practices. We use advanced tools for scenario modeling and risk assessment, providing you with a bid package you can trust and stand behind with confidence.
Our Meticulous, Step-by-Step Estimating Process:
To build trust and ensure complete transparency, we follow a rigorous and proven workflow for every project, whether it’s a small residential build or a large-scale industrial facility.
- Initial Review & Specification Analysis
We begin with a deep dive into all project documents, including Division 01 (General Specifications) and Division 26 (Electrical Specifications). We identify key requirements, contractor qualifications, material grades, and flag any discrepancies between drawings and specs to prevent future change orders.
- Digital Quantity Takeoff
Using advanced software, we perform a precise digital takeoff. Every single component is meticulously counted and measured, including light fixtures, conduits, conductors, panels, switchgear, and low-voltage devices.
- Supplier & Material Pricing
We submit a formal Request for Quotation (RFQ) to our network of suppliers to secure current, competitive pricing for all required materials. As per industry best practice, lighting fixtures and specialized equipment are often quoted separately to ensure accuracy.
- Direct Cost & Labour Unit Calculation
We calculate the unit cost for each item by combining material costs with standardized Labour Units. Our calculations are based on extensive historical data and industry guides like the NECA Manual of Labor Units, ensuring a realistic projection of installation time.
- Overhead & Profit Application
Once direct costs are finalized, we apply your company’s specific percentages for Overhead (to cover indirect business costs) and Profit (your desired margin), giving you full control over the final bid price.
- Final Proposal Delivery
We compile a comprehensive and professional proposal, typically as a lump sum bid. The package clearly outlines all inclusions and exclusions, providing you with a clear, concise, and bid-ready document.
Our Comprehensive Scope of Services
Our team has proven, first-hand experience estimating projects across all sectors:
- Commercial: Offices, Retail, Restaurants, Warehouses
- Residential: Single-Family Homes, Multi-Unit Apartments, Custom Builds
- Industrial: Manufacturing Plants, Processing Facilities, Power Systems
- Institutional: Schools, Hospitals, Government Buildings
Our detailed takeoffs cover all electrical systems, including:
- Lighting Fixtures & Control Systems
- Branch Wiring & Receptacles
- Power Distribution & Feeders
- Switchboards, Panels & Circuit Breakers
- Low Voltage Systems (Fire Alarm, Voice & Data, Security, A/V)
- Conduit Fittings (PVC, Rigid, EMT) & Supports
- Site Utilities & Grounding