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Estimating is a skill that can make or break a career or
company. Understanding the estimating and bidding
processes is essential for your business to remain
profitable.
This is newsletter #26 in the series. If you have
missed prior newsletters, and are enjoying the series,
we encourage you to purchase the complete Electrical Estimating Program.
Click on the coupon at the bottom of this page.
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The Estimating Process - The Take-Off: Counting |
The purpose of counting symbols is to determine the quantities of a given electrical component or assembly that will be required on the job. This information is used to determine the quantity of items like fixtures, switches, receptacles that will be on the job’s bill-of-material so that you can price the job. To count symbols accurately, you must be capable of reading and interpreting all drawing symbols.
When counting symbols manually, use a hand-held counter to keep track of the count and as you count a given symbol, mark it with a colored pencil, pen, or highlighter. This ensures that no symbol will be counted more than once, and that no symbol is missed in the take-off. Highlighters are par-ticularly good for marking items since a single motion will color the entire symbol. This can be very helpful when you are checking to see if you have counted all of the items. If you're using computer software to do an on screen take off, use the software as instructed by the provider but make sure to be thorough. On screen takeoff is an excellent tool but, unlike paper, it's easy to miss an entire section of a plan that's hidden off screen.
When you have finished the take-off, your drawings should be a colored representation of the electrical work that needs to be installed like in the following drawing:
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