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Note from Best Bid Electrical Estimating and Takeoff Solutions

It seems like we never slow down at Best Bid. We hope you are as busy as we are. Just have just added a few new features to the Best Bid Hybrid Pro so if you have not checked for updates do so. Tools>check for updates. We are excited to…

Free Estimating Help #11

Include your exclusions: 1. All Concrete 2. Painting and patching 3. Utility fees 4. Engineering fees In some cases, you will only be able to present a dollar amount with no exclusions. You will be bound to perform the work as indicated by the…

Free Estimating Help #12

Lighting Takeoff We suggest that you perform the lighting takeoff first. It is often the first page of the drawings past the site pages. The Lighting Quote usually takes the longest to return, so by performing it first, it gives the Supply House…

Free Estimating Help #13

M=Moderate---Recessed lights installed in a lay in ceiling 9’ tall or less. C. D=Difficult---Bay fixture installed off a lift. D. E=Extreme---Custom chandeliers or large architectural lighting. E. P=Pole lights-Site Lighting Identify each…

Free Estimating Help #14

Switch Takeoff The next step in the natural progression of the estimate would be to count the devices. We start with the switches to follow the order of most plans. As with all phases of estimating, there are different thought patterns to this…

Free Estimating Help #15

Creating your assembly Now that you have the quantities recorded, it is time to create an assembly. This terminology is used to describe what products are brought into the estimate to install the quantity of switches that you have counted. It…

Free Estimating Help #16

Note: Read the specifications and determine what type of raceway and fittings that you will be using. Record the type of device that is required along with the faceplate. When applying your assembly, if you are including the complete raceway…

Free Estimating Help #17

The feeders can be fast and easy to record, but this is also where the big money is, so spend extra time by measuring twice. Checklist should include the following: 01. Aluminum or Copper conductors 02. EMT, PVC or Rigid raceways 03. PVC or…

Free Estimating Help #18

Next, look to see if you have access to the HVAC equipment schedule to determine what kind of units will be installed. Some of the different types may be as follows: 01. Split Systems, which would have an air handler and a condensing unit 02.…

Free Estimating Help #19

Note: As shown in the example above, I suggest scaling each feeder and recording the distance on the one line diagram as shown in the example above. As with all estimating, we will break the whole into smaller sections. 39 We now perform a takeoff…

Free Estimating Help #20

Understanding Man-Hours Every proper electrical estimate must include the time that it will take to install all of the material. This is based on calculating the installation time of each item down to the manhour. Therefore, it is important…

Electrical Estimating Questions

We are here to help you at Best Bid Electrical Estimating Software. If you have questions about estimating please send us your questions. If you have software questions please send those as well. We will do our best to answer all questions. Send…

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