Conduit
Conduit should be taken off in three main categories: power distribution, branch power, and branch lighting. In this way, all conduit does not have to be taken off in one session. Instead, the estimator can concentrate on systems and components, thereby making it easier to ensure that all items have been accounted for.

Aluminum Wiring
Remember that aluminum wiring of equal ampacity is larger in diameter than copper and may require conduit.

Switchgear
When estimating costs for the installation of switchgear, especially large items, factors to review include access to the site, access and setting at the installation site, required connections, uncrating pads, anchors, leveling, final assembly of the components, and temporary protection from physical damage, including from exposure to the environment.

Pads, Supports, and Panel Backing
While supports and pads may be shown on drawings for the larger equipment, in many cases nothing is shown for smaller pieces, such as panelboards and area transformers. Whether a special floor-to-ceiling support system is required, or just a piece of plywood for the back of the panel, it must be included in the costs.

Installation Equipment
Do not overlook the costs for equipment used in the installation. If highlifts, scaffolding, or cherry pickers are available, the field will use them in lieu of the proposed ladders.

Material Weights
The estimator should take the weights of materials into consideration when completing a takeoff. Topics to consider include: How will the materials be supported? What methods of support are available? How high will the support structure have to reach? Will the final support structure be able to withstand the total burden? Is the support material included or separate from the fixture/equipment/material specified?

Non-Listed Items
It is important to include items that are not documented in the plans but must be priced. These items include, but are not limited to, testing, equipment hookups, motor controls, disconnect switches, special systems, dust protection, roof penetrations, pitch pots for the roof, coring concrete floors and walls, cleanup, and final adjustments.

Temporary Light and Power
Examine all contract documents to determine if providing temporary power and lighting is included in your scope of work. In many cases, temporary lighting and power requirements are not specified in contract documents. Either way, you will probably be required at some point to provide costs for these items. Depending on your bidding strategy, you may or may not want to list this item as an alternate to your estimate. However, if it is stated in the contract documents, then you will be fully responsible for providing this service.

Cutting and Patching
Not all projects will be performed under ideal conditions — that is, wide open spaces with no interferences. Many times the electrical contractor will have to run conduit through pre-existing partitions or partitions that were recently installed. Allowances must be made for this cutting into the partition and the ensuing patching. Otherwise, a statement must be included with the estimate that all cutting and patching will be the responsibility of others.

Mechanical Connections
Clarify who is responsible for the connecting of the electrical wiring to mechanical items. It has been argued that the electrician is responsible only for bringing the wiring to the unit, with others saying it is the electrician’s job to connect the wiring.

Fixture and Device Counts
Performing a fixture takeoff is a good way to become familiar with a proposed project. Fixtures should be taken off room-by-room, using the fixture schedule (if provided), specifications, and the ceiling plan. While performing the count, it is a good idea to also take off the controlling devices and accessories (plaster ring, outlet boxes, cover plates, etc.). A spreadsheet works well for this purpose.

When finished, this takeoff can be used for purchasing, accounting and billing, and cost control.

Special Systems
When estimating material costs for special systems, it is always prudent to obtain manufacturers’ quotes for equipment prices. Also, some installations will require special accessories. Often, the sales engineers are a good source of information on these requirements.