Enroll In Our Online Electrical Estimating Program.

Below is a detailed description of our Online training program. Includes lifetime access to all iBidElectric Content.

PHASE 1 – Electrical Estimating I (Basic)

• Section 1: Once you register you will be given access to the online classroom.
• Students will download all provided course documents.
• Student will complete 12 lessons at your own pace.
• Lessons typically are under 60 minutes. Students can complete more than one lesson per day.
• Students can take each lesson at anytime day or night. All lessons are pre-recorded. 
• Students can watch each lesson as many times as they wish.
• Section 2: After completing section 1 each Student will be given access to thier own set of bid documents & OnScreen Software.
• iBidElectric Electrical Estimating Spreadsheet (provided) Student Must Have Microsoft Excel
• Students will be instructed on how to perform each estimating task over 14 days via pre-recorded videos.
• Each student must prepare an estimate on a Million Plus project over 14 days.
• In order to successfully pass the course the student’s proposal must be +/- 5% of the instructor’s proposal.

PHASE II – National Electrical Code

Once a student successfully completes the Basic Electrical Estimating Course they will be given access to the National Electrical Code Class before being given access to the Advanced Electrical Estimating Course.

As an electrical estimator, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and its various provisions. The NEC is a widely recognized set of guidelines and standards that regulate the installation, maintenance, and use of electrical systems in the United States. The code is constantly evolving to keep pace with the changing electrical technology and practices, and staying updated with the latest NEC requirements is crucial for electrical estimators.

Here are some reasons why it is essential for electrical estimators to learn the National Electrical Code:

1. Compliance with regulations and codes

The NEC is designed to ensure that electrical systems are safe, efficient, and reliable. Compliance with the NEC’s regulations and codes is mandatory for all electrical installations in the United States. Electrical estimators need to have a thorough understanding of the NEC to ensure that their cost estimates comply with the latest codes and regulations.

2. Ensuring safety

One of the primary goals of the NEC is to ensure the safety of individuals and property from electrical hazards. Electrical estimators who are knowledgeable about the NEC can identify potential safety hazards in electrical installations and develop cost estimates that incorporate necessary safety measures. They can also recommend changes to the electrical design to ensure compliance with the latest safety requirements.

3. Avoiding costly mistakes

Electrical systems are complex, and small errors in the design or installation can have significant consequences. These mistakes can lead to costly repairs, downtime, and even electrical fires. Electrical estimators who are familiar with the NEC can identify potential errors and recommend changes to the design or installation that can prevent costly mistakes.

4. Improved communication with other stakeholders

Electrical estimators often work with other stakeholders, such as electrical engineers, architects, and contractors. Having a thorough understanding of the NEC can help electrical estimators communicate effectively with these stakeholders. They can provide accurate cost estimates that comply with the latest codes and regulations, which can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

5. Staying up-to-date with the latest technology

The NEC is constantly evolving to keep pace with the latest technology and electrical practices. Electrical estimators who keep up-to-date with the latest NEC requirements can identify new technologies that can improve the efficiency and safety of electrical systems. They can also incorporate these technologies into their cost estimates, providing clients with cutting-edge solutions that meet their needs.

In conclusion, learning the National Electrical Code is essential for electrical estimators. It ensures compliance with regulations and codes, improves safety, avoids costly mistakes, enhances communication with stakeholders, and keeps up-to-date with the latest technology. Electrical estimators who are familiar with the NEC can provide accurate cost estimates that comply with the latest codes and regulations, helping clients make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

PHASE III – Electrical Estimating II (Advanced)

Once the student has successfully completed the National Electrical Code course they will be given access to our advanced electrical estimating lessons.

Some of the topics included in the advanced course include but are not limited to:

• Assemblies and Unit Costs
• Conceptual Estimating & Square Foot Cost Analysis
• Computerized Electrical Estimating Software
• Risk Analysis, Assessment, and Mitigation
• Proposals & Contract Negotiation

Important Note: While all lessons are pre-recorded, each student will have access to their instructor via email throughout the course. If a question cannot be answered via email, the instructor will schedule a phone call, online meeting, or both with the student.  

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

• Experience: 40 Years of Commercial Electrical Construction 
• Positions: Junior, Senior, & Chief Estimator, VP Preconstruction
• Employers: Local, Regional, and ENR Top 40 Electrical Contractors

Avoid Costly Mistakes:

Mistakes made during the preparation of an electrical construction estimate can cost tens of thousands of dollars if not more. Losing a project that could have provided valuable backlog and profit can cost a contractor hundreds of thousands of dollars in missed opportunities. Learn how to properly prepare an electrical construction cost estimate to avoid costly errors and increase your chances to win profitable projects. 

Some common mistakes:

• Misinterpreting the scope of work. 
• Missing documents & addenda.
• Incorrectly understanding match lines.
• Unrealistic labor units
• Miscalculating general conditions & direct job expenses.

Online Electrical Estimating Course

The iBidElectric Electrical Estimating Course – is more than an introductory course. Of course, we teach you how to develop the skills and knowledge to accurately estimate costs to construct electrical projects. We go beyond that and teach you advanced estimating & business development techniques to win profitable projects. 

Course Setting: Online

Length of Course:

Basic Electrical Estimating – Study at your own pace.

Course Schedule:  All classes in our online classroom. 

Course Prerequisites: Must have a high-speed internet connection with the latest web browsers.

Who Should Enroll: 

• Electrical Engineers

• Project Managers

• Electricians

• Construction Managers

• Facility Managers

• College Interns

Course Overview

Students will learn proven principles and methodologies of electrical estimating through a range of lessons such as; blueprint & specification review, takeoffs of common systems and items, such as fixtures, distribution, feeder and branch conduit & wire, equipment, systems wiring, and devices. Our electrical estimating course is broken down into 2 phases. Learn by watching and learn by doing. 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. 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.

Learn Electrical Estimating Online

Here, we offer the most unique training system for electrical estimators available. Yes, there are other training courses available. Typically these are conducted offline in a remote classroom that can require travel time & lodging. Our course is conducted entirely online.

Learn from your home or office.

LEARN ELECTRICAL ESTIMATING

Phase 1 – Learn By Watching 

Phase I  – Study at your own pace.

You will learn the process of electrical estimating beginning with the specification review all the way through the recap and proposal. 

 Phase 2 – Learn By Doing 

Phase II  – 14 Days

Each student will prepare a complete estimate on a project that exceeds an electrical value of $1 Million with a 2-week bid date. The student will be given access to an online takeoff application that will allow them to complete each step of the estimate. Each student will also be given our Microsoft Excel Estimate Spreadsheet that we have spent many hours & years developing. In order to successfully pass the course and receive our certificate of completion the student’s proposal must be plus or minus 5% of the instructors’ estimate. You must have Excel on your computer to use our spreadsheet. You will also need an internet connection to attend our online classes.

Learn By Doing Series

Once the student successfully completes the Basic Electrical Estimating Course they will be given a Certificate of Completion.