I'm interested in opinions you might have on the "man-hours per unit" estimates that come from software and books on electrical estimating. Most seem to be fairly accurate in ideal situations. I've been doing heavy industrial electrical power and controls since 1974 and am planning to "retire" into a one man truck doing light commercial, agricultural and new residential work in a rural area. I've checked the market and it's there.
estimating man-hours
- Thread starter bert47
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bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: estimating man-hours
I personally don't like using standarized formats for estimating. They generally don't allow me to be creative with my quotes.
When I first started putting proposals together, I found myself cutting everything short and not allowing for conditions or contingentcy issues. I have gradualy moved from itemized specs to generalized numbers. More recently, my bids are practically ridiculus but I still get the work. There have actually been jobs that once I formed a decent proposal, I would literally double it and still get the work. But, other times, I would practically give the job away and not get it.
I feel estimating is more an art than a science.
I personally don't like using standarized formats for estimating. They generally don't allow me to be creative with my quotes.
When I first started putting proposals together, I found myself cutting everything short and not allowing for conditions or contingentcy issues. I have gradualy moved from itemized specs to generalized numbers. More recently, my bids are practically ridiculus but I still get the work. There have actually been jobs that once I formed a decent proposal, I would literally double it and still get the work. But, other times, I would practically give the job away and not get it.
I feel estimating is more an art than a science.
Re: estimating man-hours
Estimating. The science of creating the winning bid with the lowest price. The art of crafting the lowest bid into a winning bid.
Been at it for about 25 years...still win, still lose!
Software programs are ok. They can get you in the ballpark. It takes a working knowledge to get a price that you can make money, customer is happy and bills are paid!
I've created my own database based on personal experience of installation and reviewing employees times for similar work. When I was a little younger, I thought I could every job faster than an employee. Not necessarily true!
Good luck.
Estimating. The science of creating the winning bid with the lowest price. The art of crafting the lowest bid into a winning bid.
Been at it for about 25 years...still win, still lose!
Software programs are ok. They can get you in the ballpark. It takes a working knowledge to get a price that you can make money, customer is happy and bills are paid!
I've created my own database based on personal experience of installation and reviewing employees times for similar work. When I was a little younger, I thought I could every job faster than an employee. Not necessarily true!
Good luck.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: estimating man-hours
"Gue$$timating", How can you go wrong!
"Gue$$timating", How can you go wrong!
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