ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area estimating

I am estimating a 2 bedrm single family home using the "cost per opening" method. I add up all the openings and add a % of profit on the total. I realize that state to state it probably varies, but would to get some actual comparisons or other methods of estimating. If anyone has a price list or any other ideas on good ways to estimate I would greatly appreciate it.

Don,t forget that any special circuits or extra switching will have an effect on your price. Are you installing any recessed or ceiling fans or undercabinet lights? Does this have cathederal ceilings? All of this creates more work and your price should reflect this.

I think a cost per type of opening would be valid. Here openings would be fan boxes, switches, CFGI boxes, subpanels, ...

This would keep your estimates close without spending too much time on the estimate.

Remember to have an accurate bill of materials for each type of opening. It saves trips back home for one more ground screw.

Here's my price sheet. Keep in mind I am in rural south Georgia so adjust this to your cost of living. We use the term drops instead of opening. ex ceiling fan w/light kit = 2 drops

125v drops $18

4 ways and GFI $36

Drops over 15 foot $50 (ex. Chandelier on 20ft ceiling)

TV/ phone $36 per drop

250v Drops $100

Appliance Setting Fee $100 for single oven, $150 for double oven, $50 for micro hood , $250 for down draft

Floor Recepts $100

Service (underground) $750 per 100 amps

Service (overhead) $900 per 100 amps

Hope that helped.

How do you do floor recepts for $100? My materials are about $150 for a single floor recept, no labor added...

$200 per outlet + fixture cost (110v) for standard wall/ceiling (i.e. no cathedral), $250 ceiling fan (owner supplied fan) + $200 for control (if new switching outlet required)... I don't 'set' any appliances

Sparky, I use a P&S floor box system that runs me $43. Comes with cover and device. People still grumble about the price.

Speaking of floor outles,
It is common practice around here in new, $5-600k homes to install a single gang metal outlet box and a Leviton single "floor receptacle" with brass cover and screw plug.
However, Article 314.27(C) requires special boxes in floors.
I know Wiremold has their "Walker boxes", but I don't see them used in residences. What does everyone else do?

Carlon makes a good one. Poured into the slab. Cut it to the proper height after the concrete sets. I love 'em.
The PVC box $12.00.
"Glue in" device ring $5.00.
Device $1.00.
Plastic cover $15.00.
Brass cover $35.00.
The prices above are approximate "cost", if my memory serves me correctly, not selling prices.
Check this link. http://www.carlon.com/p_RoundFloorBox.html

Floor Boxological Regards,
Doc

Several manufacturers offer the single gang brass cover single receptacle as an "assembly" that includes a standard metal wall case with plaster ears. IMHO, the box cannot be differentiated from any other wall case of similar manufacturer, it's just that it came in the same package as the cover, and I get to pay additional for it because the manufacturer picked it up and handled it for a bit. Pass & Seymour offers it both ways. See: Floor Box and scroll down to the bottom the the Adobe .PDF page.