Electrical Takeoff and Personnel-Hour Cost Estimating

Calculating the value of a typical electrical construction project consists of counting the luminaires and devices, measuring the cables and raceways, listing the electrical equipment, and determining the necessary fittings and hardware required to complete the installation. The first step in this work is the takeoff sequence, which includes the following:

• List switchgear, including switchboards, panels, transformers, bus duct, motor starters and motor control centers, and similar equipment items

• Count lighting fixtures, lamps, and hanging material

• Count switch and receptacle devices

• Count devices in special systems, such as fire alarm systems, sound systems, security systems, telephone systems, and other special systems

• Determine the amount of feeder conduit and wire, listing fittings and elbows as well

• Count junction and specialty boxes

• Count fuses

• Count connections to large pieces of equipment, such as air-handling units, chillers, pumps, kitchen equipment, and similar items

• Determine the amount of branch-circuit conduit and wiring

• Sketch and take off control wiring for HVAC and other systems

• Count and list all items on drawings or in specifications that are not colored in at this stage of the takeoff procedure.

After listing the items...