Able Estimating Inc.

“That estimate looks solid—should be smooth sailing.” If only it worked that way. Electrical estimating isn’t just about plugging numbers into a spreadsheet. It’s about understanding the real-world challenges that show up on-site—the things that don’t always make it into the drawings. Ever had a job where: 🔍 A site condition forced a longer conduit run, throwing off labor and material costs? 💰 Copper prices jumped mid-project, and the original estimate didn’t account for it? 📜 A last-minute code update changed what was once compliant into a costly fix? These are the realities of electrical projects, and estimators are the first line of defense against unexpected costs, delays, and rework. We don’t just calculate numbers—we predict problems before they happen. A good estimate isn’t just a price. It’s a roadmap for a successful project. #ElectricalEstimating #ConstructionCosts #RiskManagement #EstimatorsMatter #ProjectSuccess

Labor shortage hitting hard? You’re Not Alone! Mike wasn’t looking for help with his estimating. 🔨 He’d been in the construction game for 20+ years and felt he had a good handle on things. I gave him a call anyway, knowing how tight things were getting with the labor shortage and project demands. 📈 We talked about the growing complexity of bids, the increasing pressure to meet deadlines, and how finding skilled estimators these days feels like searching for a unicorn. 🦄 He told me, “I’ve been doing this for years—no one knows these projects like I do.” But I asked, “What if there was a way to free up your time without compromising accuracy?” Few months later: he was buried in work, struggling to keep up with bids. 📄 We talked again, and this time he was open to the idea of outsourcing some of his estimates—just to test the waters. 🌊 I connected him with a team of seasoned estimators who jumped in right away. No hiring process, no training—just results. 💡 The outcome? Mike’s team won more bids, hit deadlines faster, and he had more time to focus on managing projects. He even found that outsourcing the estimates freed up his team to do what they do best. 🛠️ Now, he’s a believer. “Honestly, I wish I’d done this sooner,” Mike told me. “It’s made all the difference.” Sometimes, you don’t realize how much you need help until you’re deep in it. Outsourcing isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about building efficiency and winning more work. 🏗️ So, if you’ve ever felt the pressure piling up, maybe it’s time to think about what outsourcing could do for you. 💭 Who else has made the switch? Let’s talk about it. 🔧 #ConstructionIndustry #Estimating #Outsourcing #ProjectManagement

We recently worked on an estimate for a large commercial building, focusing on the roofing scope—everything from waterproofing to insulation and membrane layers. The drawings were typical for a big project, with some key details hidden deep in the specs. One critical spec we caught was for a specific roofing membrane that had to meet stricter fire-resistant standards due to the building’s occupancy type. It was a small note tucked away in the fine print. Missing that could’ve led to a big problem with compliance down the road. Feedback day—turns out, we weren’t the lowest bid, but a lot of the other bidders missed that fire-resistant requirement. Now, the GC is asking them to revise their numbers, which will push their costs up. Since we caught it from the beginning, our bid remains firm and competitive. The takeaway? Roofing projects aren’t just about square footage or material costs. It’s about catching those small, hidden requirements that can make or break your bid. Sometimes, being right is better than being the cheapest. #RoofingProjects #ConstructionBidding #CommercialRoofing #estimating

How Accurate Estimating Made a Difference in a $30MM+ Project Concrete estimation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about precision, timing, and building trust. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on the Burlington Post II, a $30MM+ new construction, mid-rise, affordable housing community in St. Petersburg, Florida. The complexity of the project demanded accuracy and clear communication from the start. The Challenge: The project presented some unique hurdles: - Complex Structures: From foundations to elevated slabs and retaining walls, every detail required precise estimation. - Time Pressure: The client needed a quick turnaround to stay competitive in the bidding process. - Budget Concerns: With fluctuating material costs, controlling the budget without compromising the quality was essential. Our Approach: We knew this project needed more than just a standard estimate. It required careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on both the big picture and the finer details. - Accurate, Detailed Takeoffs: Every cubic yard of concrete and a ton of rebar was accounted for. By breaking down the various elements—pad footings, slabs, and more—we ensured nothing was left to chance. - Visual Clarity: We provided color-coded marked plans that made it easy for the client to visualize the scope of work. This approach improved collaboration and transparency across the entire team. - Contingency Planning: We incorporated room for material cost fluctuations, so the client had a buffer for potential changes without risking the overall budget. The Results: Precision: Our estimate was within 2% of the final costs, giving the client the confidence they needed to move forward. - Timely Delivery: Despite the tight schedule, we delivered ahead of time, allowing the client to submit their bid without delays. - Streamlined Communication: The color-coded plans made it easier to communicate across the teams, leading to fewer miscommunications and smoother coordination. Even GC were briefed using those marked plans. What This Taught Us: Every project has its own set of challenges. For us, it’s not just about delivering an estimate—it’s about ensuring that our clients have the clarity they need to make informed decisions. When the estimate is right, everything else falls into place: timelines, budgets, and trust. Have you ever faced challenges with estimating in complex projects? How do you manage those uncertainties? #ConcreteEstimation #ConstructionProject #Collaboration #PrecisionMatters #EstimatingChallenges #ProjectManagement

How We Helped a Delaware Electrical Contractor Transform Their Bidding Process 🔧⚡ We recently partnered with an electrical contractor in Delaware who was relying on manual methods—spreadsheets and hand calculations—for their bids. As their business expanded, these outdated techniques were holding them back from efficiently managing projects and growing. Challenges they faced: 1. Relying on manual spreadsheets, which led to slow and error-prone bids. 2. Struggling with inconsistent labor and material estimates. 3. Limited ability to scale their business due to inefficient processes. Our solution: We took a hands-on, personalized approach. Instead of pushing them to adopt complex software, we created custom, user-friendly spreadsheets that integrated the advanced features of Accubid, EBM, and Conest. These tools automated much of the heavy lifting, while allowing them to continue working within their familiar spreadsheet environment. But we didn’t stop there. We now manage their estimating process for them, acting as an extension of their team—handling everything from labor hours to final bid submissions. This has freed them up to focus on running their business and growing their client base. Results: 1. 50% faster bid preparation time, enabling them to handle more projects. 2. More accurate estimates, leading to more competitive bids. 3. A scalable system that allows them to take on larger projects without the hassle. Now, they have a trusted partner in us, ensuring that their bids are timely, precise, and aligned with their growth goals. 🔝📈 If you’re in the electrical contracting business and looking to streamline your estimating process, let’s connect! 💬 #ElectricalEstimating #BiddingOptimization #ElectricalContractors #Accubid #EBM #ConstructionTech #BusinessGrowth #ContractorSolutions