Quick question for the electrical contractors here—how do you typically adjust labor in your estimates?

[kanewilliam]

As a GC, I’m trying to better understand how labor factors shift based on project conditions, especially on commercial jobs with tight timelines.

 

[cdslotz]

As a GC, I’m trying to better understand how labor factors shift based on project conditions, especially on commercial jobs with tight timelines.

If you are using software (electrical), each line of takeoff, like a certain feeder run that with be difficult, you can adjust labor unit on the fly, or adjust at the end in the summary.
I don't know what you are asking about "how they shift"....I adjust the degrees of difficulty based on the published data base.......and I never argue labor units.If you are asking as a GC why your change orders have such high labor unit....our data can be calculated using NECA units for change orders....this is very common

 

[kanewilliam]

Thanks for the insight! I’m mainly trying to get a handle on how ECs account for variables like tight schedules or complex site conditions when estimating labor. You mentioned adjusting labor units based on difficulty—do you typically lean on NECA’s labor units as a baseline and then tweak them for specific challenges, like limited access or overtime needs? Also, when you say you adjust in the summary, are you applying a global factor or tweaking specific tasks? Just trying to align my expectations as a GC for more accurate budgeting.