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Computerized Electrical Estimating Course - Virtual

The Computerized Electrical Estimating Course –Virtual course is an introductory course in computerized estimating that provides participants the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge to accurately estimate costs to construct electrical projects using Trimble Accubid estimating and graphical takeoff solutions

Course Details

Class Setting: Virtual

Course Prerequisites: Proficiency with working in a Windows environment Must have high-speed internet connection with the latest web browsers. Acceptable web browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.

Who Should Attend: Estimators, Chief Estimators, Junior Estimators, Senior Estimators, Journeymen, Project Managers

Participants will learn proven principles and methodologies of electrical estimating through a range of topics such as; creating and applying estimate breakdowns, takeoffs of common systems and items, such as fixtures, distribution, feeder and branch wiring and devices and closing a bid.

Participants are required to submit a completed bid at the end of the course. This bid will be the primary means of measuring performance and determining success.

The entire course is delivered via the internet with ten daily sessions that span two consecutive weeks. This internet-based instructional approach delivers a superior learning experience with higher subject retention. Participants are introduced to concepts through demonstrations, which are then followed by practical hands-on exercises. Participants have 24 hour access to virtual workstations equipped with Trimble Accubid Estimating and LiveCount software tools for the duration of the course.

Learning Objective

Upon successful completion of training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the tasks that comprise the estimating process.
  • Accurately describe and review bid documents (i.e. drawings, specifications, bid form and addenda)
  • Demonstrate procedures to setting up an estimate.
  • Describe the importance of breaking down an estimate into logical and functional breakdowns.
  • Correctly perform takeoff of materials in common systems using a systematic approach that emphasizes attention to accuracy and detail.
  • Demonstrate the ability to correctly modify takeoff quantities and items.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the process of extending material pricing and labor unit values to an accumulated bill of materials.
  • Accurately account for costs of all applicable labor (direct, indirect and incidental), general expenses, subcontractors and quoted material items.
  • Demonstrate the ability to submit a final bid which accurately accounts for all costs, overhead and profit.
  • Demonstrate a basic proficiency in the use of Trimble Accubid estimating and Trimble Accubid LiveCount software.
  • Complete a bid using the Final Pricing Screen

Course Modules

Module 1 – The Role of the EstimatorHide

Module 1 – The Role of the Estimator

  • Importance of estimating in contracting business
  • Principle activities of an estimator
Module 2 – The Estimating ProcessShow

Module 2 – The Estimating Process

  • Estimating defined
  • Estimator's responsibility
  • The estimating process
  • Estimate setup
  • Takeoff
  • Material and labor extension
  • Closing the estimate
  • Final pricing
Module 3 – Initiating ProjectsShow

Module 3 – Initiating Projects

  • Assessing risks in bidding
  • Reviewing all documents
Module 4 – Reviewing Bid DocumentsShow

Module 4 – Reviewing Bid Documents

  • Drawing review
  • Surety bonding in the construction industry
  • Contract terms and conditions
Module 5 – Project SpecificationsShow

Module 5 – Project Specifications

  • Specification review
  • Specifications format
  • Components of specification format
  • Request for information process
  • The addenda process
Module 6 - Preparing to EstimateShow

Module 6 - Preparing to Estimate

  • Defining estimate breakdowns
  • Addressing bid requirements
Module 7 – Fixture TakeoffShow

Module 7 – Fixture Takeoff

  • Defining the takeoff process
  • Validating takeoff
  • Takeoff sequence
  • Time management during takeoff
  • Lighting fixtures and accessories takeoff
Module 8 – Device TakeoffShow

Module 8 – Device Takeoff

  • Devices defined
  • Steps to device takeoff
  • Device takeoff using assemblies
Module 9 – Distribution TakeoffShow

Module 9 – Distribution Takeoff

Steps to distribution takeoff

Module 10 – Ducts and Trays TakeoffShow

Module 10 – Ducts and Trays Takeoff

  • Ducts and trays defined
  • Cable tray takeoff
  • Bus duct takeoff
Module 11 – Feeder TakeoffShow

Module 11 – Feeder Takeoff

  • Feeder takeoff defined
  • Steps to feeder takeoff
Module 12 – Systems and Power Branch TakeoffShow

Module 12 – Systems and Power Branch Takeoff

  • Branch wiring defined
  • Branch wiring takeoff process
Module 13 –Mechanical Equipment TakeoffShow

Module 13 –Mechanical Equipment Takeoff

  • Mechanical equipment defined
  • Mechanical equipment takeoff process

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