Client Challenge
A regional GC was bidding a 520-unit multifamily apartment complex — two 6-story buildings with underground parking, rooftop mechanical units, and clubhouse amenities. The bid deadline was 5 days, and the GC's estimator was covering 14 other active bids simultaneously. They needed a complete electrical material takeoff and labor estimate broken out by building and by CSI division.
Our Approach
We assigned two estimators to run parallel takeoffs — one for Building A, one for Building B. Using Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift, we counted every fixture, device, panel, and conduit run. We also produced a panel schedule summary and a preliminary load calc for each service entrance. Labor hours were calibrated to local market rates for multifamily construction. The final deliverable included separate Excel tabs for each building plus a combined summary tab for the bid.
Results
Delivered 4 hours ahead of schedule. The GC used our takeoff as the baseline for their electrical sub-bid package. The project broke ground within budget, and the electrical contractor told us our material counts were within 1.8% of their final order.
"The parallel takeoff approach was genius — we got two buildings done in the time it would have taken our one guy to finish one. The Excel tabs made it easy to merge into our bid package."
— Regional General Contractor, Southeast
Key Metrics
Related Services
Electrical Estimating Services
Accurate construction cost estimating for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Residential Electrical Estimating
Single-family, multifamily, custom homes, additions, and renovations.
Electrical Takeoff Services
Detailed material takeoffs using PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and Accubid.