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68 E L EC TR I C AL CONNEC T I ON
S PR I NG 20 1 6
THE PROFESSIONALWAY
R
egistered electrical contractors
often ask about the value of an
estimator.
They are usually thinking of employing
their first full-time person in that role.
Up to this point the owner/manager
or the supervisor has performed the
estimating tasks, but if the business
is to expand then it requires someone
dedicated to the task.
The old ‘price per point’ or ‘price per
square metre’ has no place in tendering a
serious bid for a project.
Businesses considering a full-time
estimator need to be aware of the
qualities estimators need and what
they are expected to do. This is central
to achieving quality service at a
reasonable price.
As one of this country’s leading
electrical contractors has said: “Why
would you be concerned about paying
top dollar for a competent estimator …
an inexperienced cowboy could cost you
your business.”
APTITUDES
Estimating personnel should be
selected for their practical background
and personal qualities.
The estimator needs to be a self-starter
with good planning skills and able to
make assessments regarding budgets and
workforce capacity.
People with trade backgrounds in
project management and speciality
supervision are often suited to become
competent estimators. They must be
able to confer with suppliers, architects,
developers, builders and sub-contractors.
DUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES
Many contractor personnel think
estimators are purely ‘count and
measure’ clerks.
However, the duties and responsibilities
of estimators are many and varied, and
it is their task to ensure that all material
and associated labour is included in the
final price.
Further tasks include:
>
sourcing suitable tender documents;
>
assessing client needs;
>
taking off (count and measure) total
materials, labour and special services;
>
obtaining the most economical prices for
materials and equipment from suppliers;
>
applying the company’s labour units to
the installation;
>
gathering quotes from sub-contractors;
>
assessing risk levels;
>
ascertaining expected profit margins;
>
accounting for preliminaries such as
site facilities, transport, site storage,
equipment hire, walking time, site
allowances, accommodation, etc;
>
ensuring the workforce has the capacity
to complete the project within the time
frame;
>
preparing and submitting the final
tender;
>
following up tender results;
>
completing a post-tender analysis for
research; and
>
if successful, monitoring the stages
progressively to ensure the project stays
in line with the estimate.
Of the above, the take-off is the easiest
part of the job (although it is the most
time consuming). Any competent tradie
should be able to accomplish it.
Materials pricing is reasonably
straightforward when using reliable
suppliers. Calling quotations for light
fittings, sub-contracting and special
equipment is fairly routine.
The labour aspect is the most difficult
to predict due to the many factors that
can affect the installation. These include:
>
type of building
>
weather
>
site access
A QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED
ESTIMATOR CAN HELP AN
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR TO
STAY IN BUSINESS AND MAKE A
PROFIT. YOU CAN QUOTE
BRIAN
SEYMOUR
ON THAT.
ESTIMATING