ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Project bidding

I'd get laughed off the job site if I quoted $30+ per opening. I've got a comprehensive list giving per opening price plus extras. My basic opening runs $13 - $18 depending on the contractor and volume. But when I divide out the sq. ft. cost, it runs $3 - $4 per foot plus service, so I guess I'm making it up on the extras(3ways, smokes, 4ways, HVAC, ceiling fans, cans,etc) All of our jobs have a lot of cans and extras.

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

My prices don't include the cost of fixtures (luminaires) or their accessories (bulbs).

It does include hanging them, but that may be a bad idea too.

Some go together well, some don't go at all.
I've been tempted to insist on Progress brand fixtures, or it's T&M to hang 'em, but haven't had the gozongas to actually put it in a proposal yet.

Heck, lately, some of the Progress Lights are hard to hang.

What do y'all do?

My figures at per sq foot do not include fixtures/fans/data/phone. If someone hands me some prints for a job to bid, I will just roughly tell them $2sq.ft. If I buy the fixtures, They are builder grade $35, fans w/light kits/controls $125, bathroom combo (fan, light , heat)$150, You see what usually happens is Homeowner will opt to select their own fixtures, etc. thus saving me from having an inventory, reducing overhead costs. For a 2000 sq foot home, $4000 is not a bad price for just rough in (romex, boxes, staples etc) and trim /punch out. new 200A permanent Service is $1100, 100A Temporary pole is $450, so without light fixtures , my bid is $5500, Fixtures extra! Besides, I really hate when homeowner drops in each evening, changing their minds frequently, so if they get fixtures, Im cool with that. Cans, fluorescents--- they are all the same to me, labor wise. that price is more than sufficient for romex (240 range, dryer, etc)
Oh yes, if there is fancy what nots (whirlpool tub, extra water heaters, water softeners,spas etc) Youbetcha its more.
I dont know if I see the difference of ease in the drop method compared to sq foot.
I like the input you are all giving, I see that I am much lower than you guys (per sq foot) maybe I should adjust
I have a 5000 sq foot duplex coming up. gas stove, gas water heater, gas heat. All #12 romex, except for dryer, and that may be gas too

where do i get this mike holt estimating program?

sean wb, 1-888nec-code or www.mikeholt.com will get you there. he has a whole host of electrical litrature. ken m

Doc,
a 48thousand dolar fixture? 48 and 3 zeros ?

good grief, does it slice dice & make julian fries?

And here I thought the 16-17K French "Antique" chandelier was a pricey fixture....Damn Doc 48K, what is it???
John