Want to make your life easier as an estimator? Read More to know how you can do so. Estimators need to provide their clients with Effective Electrical Estimates. To do so they might require some of the essential tools of Electrical Estimating that can help to make their work easier, efficient, error-free, and satisfactory for the client. According to research by Trimble, LiveCount (software used for Electrical Estimating purposes) can increase takeoff speed by 20% to 30%; hence, this proves the importance of using tools for Electrical Estimates.
 In this very article, we will try to help estimators find the best tools for their work so they can make their estimating business much more fortunate.
Ten Tools You Must Know About for Making your Electrical Residential Estimates more Efficacious.
1. Electrical Bid ManagerÂ
EBM is used by estimators for preparing precise, prompt and competitive bids that can help them increase the probability of acquiring contracts. Essential Characteristics of an Electrical bid manager include.
- Labor unitsÂ
- Conversion CalculatorsÂ
- Screen take off
- Proposal generatorsÂ
- Conceptual EstimatesÂ
- IntegrationÂ
- Robust reporting tools
- TemplatesÂ
2. Electrical cost estimator
Electrical cost estimator Software like XActimate helps evaluators generate accurate and efficient cost estimates for their clients.
The software provides fault-free estimates of the cost of electrical projects by surveying local suppliers and products, giving estimates of material costs, and reviewing labour costs.
3. Takeoff softwareÂ
Takeoff software like Trimble and Planswift basically can save you money and time while working on a project due to their ability to estimate materials accurately. They can help you with cloud collaboration, which helps the estimators to work together more efficiently as a team from anywhere, delivering accurate bids, decreasing the chances of errors and measuring lengths much quicker, and managing projects by giving detailed estimates.
4.RSMeans
With RSMeans data, you can confidently estimate the expenses of your projects, just like you would with the assistance of an astute construction partner. It is similar to having a friend who is always aware of the best offer in town, but specifically for building supplies! In addition to providing you with precise cost estimates, this information gives you peace of mind and readiness while you negotiate the complex world of construction budgets. It’s like having a trustworthy companion at your side to help you navigate the tricky world of building expenses and choices. With RSMeans data in hand, you may approach your projects with clarity and confidence, just like you would have with a reliable travel partner.
5. Industry Specific CalculatorsÂ
These Calculators are great for effective residential estimates and commercial estimates. They can make your life much easier because they are industry-specific. These Calculators can do various jobs for you. A conduit fill calculator can give you specific calculated numbers for conductors that can be installed in a conduit; meanwhile, a voltage drop calculator can tell you the voltage drop in the system. Lighting calculators and wire size calculators are also very essential as they calculate lighting fixtures and wire size based on the type of circuit, voltage, and current.
6. Spreadsheet SoftwareÂ
Spreadsheet Software like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel help to organize and arrange data that can help with the efficiency of work. They also allow you to manage project budgets.Â
7. Blueprints and CAD SoftwareÂ
This software allows you to see how a house or a building will be designed and what features will belong where. Hence it gives you a visual outlook on electrical layouts and systems. By this, you can estimate the material to be used and the labour you need precisely.
Here is a list of types of CAD Software that you can use:
- AutoCAD
- Solidworks
- Creo parametric
- Free cadÂ
8. Scope of work template
The scope of work template is a detailed document defining the exact activities and criteria for a project that helps ensure that all aspects are included in the estimate.
9. Project management softwareÂ
This software can help you to track the progress of your work, it can coordinate tasks and help in managing schedules. These factors are quite essential for the management of estimates and accomplishment of your project. Useable examples of this software are Microsoft Project and Trello.
10. Digital multimeter and clamp meter.
A digital multimeter allows you to measure critical electrical factors such as voltage, current, and resistance, ensuring that your estimates are accurate. Meanwhile, a clamp meter allows you to measure current flow in circuits without disconnecting anything, making it easier to analyze real-time loads and ensure that everything is working properly.
Final words
To sum it all up, we can say that without using these tools, estimators can not function as effectively and efficiently as these tools provide them with accuracy, management skills, safety, and much more.
