We've talked about this before.
Coming from the commercial side, I've always wondered how the "per opening" method can really work. When I was estimating, I did a detailed take off for everything. I'm sure that there are some commercial guru's out there that have developed simplified forms of estimating that count openings for a commercial job. The problem with commercial, and industrial is that there are so many variables.
I remember a job that I bid once that had a $48,000.00 light fixture. That's right, 48 thousand. This thing was built in Switzerland, and every part was machined. I came in second at about 50K higher than the lowest bidder. I got a fixture number from a supplier that was 46K lower than everybody else. I called all the suppliers, and asked what the big difference was, they told me that (1) light fixture. I called the GC, and told him that there was a "number" floating around on the street that was 48K low due to a supplier's mistake. It didn't make any difference, the EC used the low number, and the GC awarded them the job.
The only way I can see it being done is by the EC "spec"ing all fixtures, devices, gear, etc.
Please enlighten me,
Doc
