How do you estimate electrical work costs for renovation projects?

A

AlexCole

New User
Location
Atlanta
Occupation
constructor
Recently, I have been involved in some renovations and one consistent struggle I have with renovations is estimating the electric costs. Renovations are often bit unpredictable because you open a wall to find lack of code compliance, hidden damage, or work you didn’t expect. Basically, it can an erratic target. I have recently started to learn better electrical estimating approaches so I can get more clarity before initiating the work. Initiating tasks from a we-designed takeoffs that estimate labor, materials and code upgrades will certainly minimize surprises. I am curious to hear how you all estimate electrical costs for remodels, renovations, etc. Are there specific estimating programs, or do you rely on past remodel data? I’m always interested in others methods and time saving experiences.
 
I'm right there with you. I am a one man shop and doing more of that kind of work. I had a builder tell me recently that he often expects this kind of work to be about three times the new construction per square foot price. between the unexpected behind the wall/attic/crawlspace non-code compliant fixes as well as the level of difficulty crawling around, I'd be interested in other's rules of thumb for pricing this kind of work as well. I've tried a unit price of X$ per added circuit, including breaker, wire up to 50ft, 2 boxes, then add from there. I've needed to add a factor for high difficulty several times as well. A clean crawl space with good lighting and easy access across the bulk of it compared to a filthy, 2ft headroom one with lots of hanging wires and HVAC ducts.
 
I've only ever done this type work as T&M. If the contractor doesn't like it, I walk. Unless it's clearly obvious what is needed and how long to do the work, such as jobs already completed to go by, there are too many unknowns to give an estimate.
 
Little Bill said:
I've only ever done this type work as T&M. If the contractor doesn't like it, I walk. Unless it's clearly obvious what is needed and how long to do the work, such as jobs already completed to go by, there are too many unknowns to give an estimate.
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Agreed. T&M is the only way to go for this type of work.
 
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