solaeros said:
Allright, anyone out there want to give up any tricks of the trade regarding estimating? I'm killing myself with this learning curve.
Take your time...do a take-off.
Count every item..take your time.
The estimate is the one place NOT to breeze though it .
solaeros said:
Obviously unit cost per square foot is not very acurate, should I be pricing per box, if so how much should it vary from one kind to the next?. I know most of you will just give me a "too many variables to say" answer but, i'm just looking for any PERSONAL tips I can get.
Yup.. sq.ft is pretty useless, unless you have a long term history of similar projects to compare it to ~ but just for comparison...not to submit.
While it true that there are "too many variables"...the variables can be narrowed down.
What type job is it? Resi., comm., industrial, etc
What wiring methods will be used? NM, MC, RMC, etc
Jobs physical attributes? 10' ceilings, 15', 20', etc
Combination of the above (and more)?
Schedule some "quiet time"...sit down with the print, highlighters, and paper(or similar on a computer ~ but disconnect from the internet so the distraction isn't right there).
Do your take-off...go room-by-room if you have to. Accuracy counts here. Take a break every 2 hours...LEAVE the room/print....go look at the clouds or traffic
Don't forget...every 2 hours or so...just walk away...don't forget to eat while doing the take-off ~ but don't eat/drink over the print.
Take your time.
An accurate take-off yeilds an accurate estimate which will yeild a higher closing rate.
I personally do NOT vary price from bob to box, ie, a 2/3 gang switch is not priced as a 2/3 gang - it's priced at 2/3 1G switches. Some guys price it as 2/3. IMHO, the difference is price is neglibile on "standard" 15A switches in a dwelling unit....but only up to 3G, 4G is another animal.
solaeros said:
Oh yeah and what kind of electric drills does everyone like? something light and compact?
I'm partial to DeWalt 14.4 compacts.
I also like Milwaukee drills..right angle and hole shooters.
It all depends on what the task is.