Client Challenge
A mid-sized industrial contractor was bidding a 240,000 sq ft manufacturing facility expansion with complex power distribution, motor control centers, LED high-bay lighting, and a new 2,500A main switchboard. The contractor's preliminary estimate was running 1.2M for electrical, but historical data suggested industrial electrical typically runs 8-12% higher than initial in-house guesses due to hidden scope in specs.
Our Approach
We performed a complete electrical takeoff covering all CSI Division 26 systems: service entrance, feeders, branch circuits, motor control centers, VFDs, lighting, and emergency power. We cross-referenced the one-line diagram, panel schedules, and equipment specs to catch scope gaps. Labor was calibrated to the local IBEW ratebook for the project zip code. Material pricing was validated against three distributors.
Results
Final estimate: 1.37M — 14% higher than the contractor's initial 1.2M guess. The owner awarded the project at 1.38M, meaning the contractor's actual cost landed within 0.7% of our estimate. The contractor told us the detailed line-item breakdown helped them negotiate 180K in value-engineered alternates with the owner.
"Their accuracy saved us from underbidding by six figures. We would have eaten that cost if we had submitted our internal number."
— Industrial Electrical Contractor, Southeast Region
Key Metrics
Related Services
Electrical Estimating Services
Accurate construction cost estimating for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Industrial Electrical Estimating
Manufacturing plants, factories, chemical plants, oil & gas facilities, and power plants.
Electrical Takeoff Services
Detailed material takeoffs using PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and Accubid.