What Software Does Electrical Estimators Use?

Those days have passed when electrical estimators used the traditional methods, such as manual calculations and managing data through sheets for electrical estimations. Over the years, technology has changed all fields of life, and the same happens with the electrical estimation sector. Previous methods of electrical estimate calculations were very challenging due to manual human efforts and still had more chances of errors and miscalculations. Moreover, they are not suitable for the fast-paced market of construction and electrical estimations where contractors need back to back bid reviews and calculations. So, nowadays, these methods have been replaced by the updated technological solutions such as Trimble, PlanSwift, Accubid, and ProEst etc. These tools automate the whole process of electrical budget calculations, save time, reduce the errors and enhance the efficiency and authenticity.

In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 software used for electrical estimations and their essential features.

10 Best Electrical Cost Estimating Software

Here are details of the best software for electrical estimations.

1. Accubid Electrical Estimating Software

This software is beneficial for calculating estimates for complex projects such as industrial electrical estimating. It can calculate material prices, labor costs, and profit ratios. The following are the benefits of using this software.

• It ensures accuracy in calculations.
• Useful to generate customized estimates
• Best for handling large projects at the commercial and industrial level

Although it is a very efficient tool, it is expensive and requires proper training for usage, and a layman with no skills can not generate electrical estimation reports by using this software

2. Intellibid by Conest

It is a specialized software for electrical estimate calculations. The primary use of this software is to create accurate bids for commercial projects. The following are the main benefits of using this software

• The primary purpose of this software is to generate assemblies in a customized manner.
• It is ideal for commercial projects
• Deal with the complexities of the project
• Calculate exact material quantities
• It generates estimates in accordance with the regulatory code, which is helpful for obtaining early approvals.
• It creates accurate and competitive bids.

Despite its many benefits, it has a significant drawback that relies on its interface, which is outdated and is harder to use without training.

3. Planswift

It is an efficient tool that is available for a wide range of projects, such as electrical and general construction takeoff calculations. The following are its key benefits

• Calculate takeoff digitally without any manual effort
• The interface is straightforward and easy to use
• You can integrate Excel and other software with it

This is specifically used for the takeoffs and measurements; electrical contractors need to use other software for bid preparation and detailed budget calculations.

4. Electrical Bid Manager

This electrical cost estimating software is beneficial in calculating the electrical estimates efficiently for a ll small to large-scale electrical projects. It is integrated with the NEC code-checking system and generates estimates that match regulatory codes. The following are the benefits of using this software

• It can scratch the final electrical estimates from the initial plans of the project
• It is equally suitable for all small to large-scale projects
• It is easy to learn
• The automation process of takeoff calculations ensures accuracy and authenticity in estimates
• Quick books integration feature is also helpful in managing finances and keeping a record of invoices

Despite many benefits, it still lacks integration with the desktop version and customization compared to many other projects.

5. McCormick Electrical Estimating

It is suitable for takeoff, electrical estimating, and project management. The following are the main benefits of this software usage

• It is easily accessible on cloud setup and allows the teams to collaborate regardless of their location
• It is one solution for invoice management, project management, takeoff calculations, and estimate calculations
• It has all updated options for customized generation

One drawback of this software is it’s lacking in handling large and complex projects.

6. TurboBid

Calculating the electrical estimates for residential and small-scale commercial projects is helpful. The following are the main benefits of this software

• It is very affordable and is highly suitable for small businesses and startups with small budgets
• It calculates takeoff, estimates, and reduces the wastage of material by quantifying the perfect material limits
• It is mobile-friendly, which enhances its productivity and makes it more easy to use

One point that it lacks is its ability to handle large-scale projects such as commercial and industrial-level projects.

7. Countfire

Countfire is very helpful for time-saving by automating repetitive tasks. The following are the main benefits of using this software.

• It automates the material takeoffs, reducing the errors.
• It is a cloud-based software that allows team members of electrical projects to collaborate and work confidently.
• Its built-in check system reduces errors and enhances efficiency.
• It scratches the drawings from pdf format and generates final estimation reports with material takeoff, budget, and bids review.

The only weakness of this software is that it can only read drawings in PDF format. If you have Java sketches of electrical projects in any of their designs, you must convert them into PDF format to use this software.

8. Electric Ease

It is also another cloud-based software that reads the customized designs to generate electrical takeoffs. The following are the key benefits of using this.

• It is suitable for all small to large-scale estimation calculations for varying projects.
• It is accessible remotely from anywhere.
• It generates material prices with real-time collaboration and reduces the chances of overspending in extra prices of electrical materials.
• Its interface is very supportive and easy to use

One key weakness of this system is that it is slow in navigation systems and sometimes takes time to generate a takeoff list.

9. Pro Est

It is also cloud-based and is widely used for various sub-divisions, including electrical estimations.

• It is simple and easy to use
• Generate an accurate material takeoff list

It is only accessible with strong internet connections. It is costly and unsuitable for DIY electricians or startups with a small budget.

10. Esticom

It is suitable for small to medium-sized contractors with moderate budgets. It generates electrical estimates with a precise takeoff list.

• It has a simple interface
• Easy to use, even beginners can also use it with a built-in instructions system

One lacking point is that it is minimal for customized features and unsuitable for large projects.

Benefits of Using Electrical Estimating Software

• They make the process of estimating very fast with efficiency and accuracy.
• They automate repetitive tasks and save time.
• Cloud-based electrical software allows one to communicate with the whole electrical crew and create estimates with collaboration.
• Many electrical software integrate with the vendor’s database and create a real-world price list that prevents you from overpricing.
• They provide guidelines from start to end and help the contractors manage the projects efficiently, complete the tasks on time, and deliver on time.
• They generate estimations according to regulatory compliance, prevent penalties or delayed work, and assist in early approvals.
• They enhance the chances of keeping the project within budget and generating profit margins for contractors.
• They generate competitive bids and help contractors win projects.
• Reduce the need for manual work and enhance the efficiency of the estimates.
• They store all data for each project and use this data to help them make better bids for the following projects of the same scope and create error-free estimates.

How to Choose the Best Software?

If you are a new electrical estimator and need to know which software will benefit your client’s project, the answer depends upon the client’s requirements and project scope. However, here are a few tips that you must consider while choosing software

• Always choose software that integrates with regulatory codes.
• Look for software that is integrated with real-world price database systems and generates an accurate pricing list of materials.
• Software must have customized options to create the best solutions that align with the project’s needs.
• To reduce the chances of errors, choose the one that automates the takeoff, estimates calculations, and bidding process.

These are the tips for the new estimators. Do not worry; we also have a few tips for the contractors to choose the best electrical estimator. We understand that contractors usually don’t have time to focus on estimates, and they want to outsource the process to an electrical estimator. If you are reading this blog, here are a few tips for you to choose the best electrical estimator.

What to Look For in an Electrical Estimator?

Hiring an electrical estimator is time-consuming because choosing estimators with no skills can cause you a huge loss in terms of wrong bids and losing projects. Following are the main points that you must take in mind while hiring an electrical estimator for your estimate calculations

• The estimator must have experience in dealing with varying projects
• They must have a strong portfolio
• Must have good reviews from their previous clients
• Discuss the project and listen to your requirements carefully
• Provide support from start to end
• Remain available for you 24/7
• Know both traditional methods and technological approaches to generate electrical estimates.

“Electrical Estimating” also provides accurate and efficient estimates for varying electrical projects from years and years to various states of the country. You can also check our portfolio if you also want to outsource the electrical estimation process to best electrical cost estimator.

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