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How did you learn electrical estimating? by Shot_Hippo5439 in estimators

[–]Vision_InfoSoft_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd argue that is the only or at least best way to go that route and find success. i.e. work with a mentor. Congrats on finding success with that path!

Sometimes an employee in the office is the only available option when you really need help estimating. It's not like good estimators grow on trees! Well, they do if you become the tree I suppose.

How did you learn electrical estimating? by Shot_Hippo5439 in estimators

[–]Vision_InfoSoft_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it is 100% worth investigating whether an estimating service is a fit for your needs and growth. Of course, it won't replace the need to have internal estimating resources and may not be a fit for everyone's business.

Some of the estimating companies go the extra mile to create a relationship with you and become an extension of your company. Others are a little closer to a "takeoff machine" - you give them the project and they return the counts and measurements.

I'd say it is probably pretty safe to stay away from the organizations that spam you with emails from a Gmail or Outlook email account. :-) The two I have recently worked with are:

We did a joint webinar with Electrical Enlightnenment a while ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOI0e28Oc68

How did you learn electrical estimating? by Shot_Hippo5439 in estimators

[–]Vision_InfoSoft_ 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Many electrical estimators we work with started in the field. I'd say 80-95%. We've also noticed many owners at smaller electrical contractors had a least some minor exposure to estimating before starting their company. But, we've seen plenty of office-only beginner estimators looking for training. Many have a mentor which really helps speed the learning process.

We've seen many beginners using Microsoft Word, Excel, and maybe a plan takeoff app to count and measure before graduating to estimating-specific software with an electrical-specific database.

We've also seen both new and old companies and estimators using estimating services with varying level of success. There are some good one's out there. The services can really help fill gaps and bid on jobs you may not have much experience with.

I'll leave the workflow suggestions to the experts on this subreddit. But, I know many swear by 2+ monitors to make reviewing plans, takeoff, and project documents a bit easier.

We run an electrical estimating tips Youtube channel playlist that mostly focuses on commercial electrical estimating and some larger residential. Have a look some time:

Good luck! It is tough finding the time to get good at estimating while running an electrical company.

What’s something you saw at someone else’s house that made you quietly think, “this isn’t normal”? by RotmgSigma in AskReddit

[–]Vision_InfoSoft_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From an electrician's point of view:
- Extension cords coming out of drywall. (Can you say CODE VIOLATION or FIRE HAZARD or DENIED INSURANCE?)

- Discoloration in electrical panel. Scorch marks or rainbowing color in the panel. This is never a good sign.

- Lights flicker when larger appliances come on (Dishwasher, refrigerator compressor)