Could you provide some insights on labor rates? How can we determine the most suitable labor rate for a specific project?

This video is 4yrs old, but thank you very very much for it. It helped to reduce my anxiety stepping into the bidding role.

Great video, everyone! I used a method similar to this 25 years ago when estimating was much simpler, especially before we had lighting controls, switched receptacles, and more complicated circuitry. After many years of doing estimates in different ways, I’ve found that averaging isn't as accurate as scaling. ++BUT++ I agree with so much of what you discuss in the video. It’s true that the branch is not the largest cost of the project, and ++IF, if you're not an experienced estimator, using this method will definitely help you get closer to the right estimate and save a lot of time. Of course, this approach won't work for every job, particularly in restaurants or projects that require a significant number of lighting fixtures. I recommend that you never use a number lower than 15, even if the formulas suggest otherwise. Overall, this is an excellent resource for beginners. I've created an Excel spreadsheet to perform the calculations discussed in the video. If anyone is interested in using it, feel free to reach out!

Is there a way to restore a takeoff ?

Thank you. This was very useful as I'm learning the world of electrical estimating.

This is great for fresh jobs, thank you! I just acquired planswift, If I already have a takeoff in EBM, and I want to now digitize everything in the audit trail to link up with planswift...how is that accomplished? When I try to edit to source on a entry item, there doesnt seem to be any button to allow integration? The scenario is I have three jobs for the same chain store, but its 3 different locations. So I was copying the audit trail from one job, making a new job in EBM with that, making a new planswift file for this job number, and was going to edit quantities for the different set of pdfs for the different location. Im hoping I dont have to do a completely new take off for each location just to integrate with planswift

Ok so what is the advantage of having TIF files compared to PDFs? And what is Planswift electrical estimating software like, are there enough assemblies? Great channel guys and thanks for posting these types of videos.

Is this video the latest update of planswift?

Can you explain a little more about using the network version? Does this require each user to remote into the server or does the program on my machine just reach out to the server program for data?

TLDR: Using proper construction accounting software designed for contractors is essential for accurate bidding, cost tracking, and project management, as QuickBooks lacks the necessary features and capabilities for the construction industry. 00:00 💡 QuickBooks for construction accounting lacks detailed job cost reporting, making it difficult to know if a job is profitable until it's over, so using proper software designed for contractors is essential for accurate bidding and cost tracking. 03:53 ⚠ Efficient construction accounting software is crucial for managing change orders, tracking committed costs in real time, and streamlining material ordering and tracking. 07:15 🚧 QuickBooks is not suitable for construction accounting due to its limitations in generating contracts, handling payroll for multiple jobs and states, and lack of integrated features for mobile timekeeping and job costing. 12:59 🚧 QuickBooks lacks electronic document management for construction documents, but using progress billing can improve payment management and project completion. 16:39 💡 QuickBooks is not suitable for construction accounting due to its limitations, but using construction accounting software can automate billing and streamline processes, with programs like Vision InfoSoft's billing manager and Job Power offering deep integration and construction-oriented features. 20:36 🚧 Consider scheduling a demo and seeking help to avoid pitfalls when using QuickBooks for construction accounting, and explore the benefits of using Job Power for contractors. 25:47 🚧 QuickBooks for construction accounting software is designed for small to medium-sized contractors, with limitations such as user access and storage options, but it offers payroll and remote time keeping features. 30:09 🚧 QuickBooks lacks project scheduling, but the speaker values everyone's time and will provide more info via email.

How u do the take off of the electrical wiring ?

What is the name of the program you are using

Thanks a lot for your info..

This is good information. Looking into your EBM software for electrical small business. How fast do you think someone who has no experience in electrical estimating can understand it?

I'd like to agree that the electrical estimator should have field experience but not a deal killer. A person that does not have that experience can't possibly know what the field person knows which could result in leaving out crucial materials and hours. Besides that, I would like to open a question with many answers and opinions I hope. I have been estimating more than 25 years and in the trade for 35 years and have never been taught anything regarding estimating. I have been pretty successful through out the years with the way I do things and of course it has come with a lot of trial and error and a few costly mistakes. But believe it or not, sometimes that is what makes you better at what you do. I have done it by hand and also using software. I used "Estimation" many years ago and now I use McCormick for the past 10 years and now is all on screen take off these days. These videos are very well done and educational and also factual. However every educational video i have ever seen and book I have ever read seems to leave out some very crucial information that Even I would like to know. When you do the takeoff the numbers that make it into "Extend" and "Bid summary" are not the ideal numbers to use. Mainly the "hours" I speak of. This is when experience really comes in. You need to know when to add more hours at the end and really how many should be added. Such as non working time or "non productive" etc. It's not left out completely but very vague. Lets say after a complete take/off I get 4000 hours on a job but the truth is it will most likely be around 6000 +/-. The hours that are in the software really are installation hours without the reality of how jobs really go. Whenever I am done I look at the job and just know those will either work or not work and that becomes the difficult part. I learned this the hard way many years ago when a project doubled the hours and it would have been a huge loss if it weren't for many change orders. I also notice that I have won projects when I am 200k low and still go in and make 25% plus on that project. But if I worry too much about the other guys I won't land anything. It is also very important to know how good your employees are and how productive because the Industry standard hours are not always the way to go. As far as software goes I can't speak for them but what I can say is that I am always open to better. Hours really are an art of this trade and should be taken serious especially on bigger jobs. It's a good Idea to actually spend time on a project and watch how long it takes for people to do things. And remember they will never do it as efficient as you will. Thank you.

How much is this system

How do I access Default Settings if it is grayed out? I can see it in EBM, but if I click on it, nothing happens.

Poor quality video, it can barely be seen

Look great . I need this .

This is great

We had a great time today! Thanks for having us on. We really enjoyed it.

Thanks so much for having Brent and I on the Live today and all the great support you guys give Electrical Enlightenment!

You had mentioned a spreadsheet in the video for estimating. Is there a link for that spreadsheet to download ?

this help a lot, thank you

Can you please send us sample of ebm take offs

Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator

Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator

Vision InfoSoft offers the industry-leading electrical estimating software, Electrical Bid Manager. We also offer EPIC Pricing software and data service subscription to keep your electrical material pricing updated. Give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator

Much informative, Thanks.

What's the price on your Vision Software.

I bid jobs $1,000,000, to $12,000,000 and up , I carry material tax on the total materials and 10 & 15% markup you think thats good

Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator

How much is the program

Are there assemblies for firewalls?

Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator

Subscribe, like the video, give us a call at (800) 258-7752 to discuss your Electrical Estimating and Takeoff options or visit www.visioninfosoft.com to learn more. #electricalestimating #electricalestimatingsoftware #electricalestimator

Great Video guys!

Union Facility Service Electric

I am 90 years old but try to stay sharp. It is always helpful to learn new methods. I actually have a laminated graph that is based on the same calculations. I believe it was included by Estimatic Company of Colorado with their estimating course that I took many years ago. I think the company is now long gone.

Where can I find a course for ebm?

Thanks for the shoutout! Looking forward to our webinar, and for anyone that sees this comment we have been using EBM software for the past 23 years and love it. 😊

Every person should watch for a contractor that makes money from change orders, it is the first red flag to never, ever hire that type of contractor...at the end will be a very dishonest and untrusty person, who will get into a contract with the intention of screwing you.

Disagree that the estimator doesn’t need to be an electrician As someone who has built jobs, and dealt with this idea of a material man doing takeoffs. Often times they overlook things they aren’t aware of. -conduit for low voltage subs comes to mind -AV-FA-Security-Data cabling Mechanical spaces-hard lid ceiling all require conduit This is always missed And I get blamed for going over on cost How about time to build out the electrical room. We will be non productive in those areas We will take time to build out those rooms Check clearances and install will be to a premium in those areas No time is given when using those “assemblies” Digging underground how about when we do the work to stub up electrical rooms. This work is achieved with a lot of layout-sand-unistrut that Never makes the bids I think it’s hubris to say they don’t need to have experience to know our true costs.

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I see you make final adjustments for average branch circuits to account for vertical distances, but you don't make the same consideration for home runs. It seems like that short-cut for home runs would only be taking into consideration horizontal distances. Can you explain the rationale to not adding vertical distances to the home run calculation?

Hi thanks for the videos, quick question how do you estimate the amount of wire need it for a given number of fixture and a given number of receptacles?

Also, if I accidently create an Item, with intention of making it a category, how do I either move the item to a Category, or delete it?

One thing I cannot find in any video's, is how you can move with what looks like your mouse, items on screen. For instance in the Assemblies column, if I want to move something on the bottom of the list, up to the top?