Construction Codebooks > RS Means Estimating Guides > 2012 RS Means Electrical Cost Data 35th Edition

The average margin on electrical projects is only 2%, and many lose money. One reason for the bleeding is that electrical shops estimate these projects without accurate cost data. You can chose to lose, or you can choose to use the Means Electrical Cost Data. The choice should be an easy one, assuming your business exists to make a profit.

2012 RS Means Electrical Cost Data 35th Edition is an essential resource that will help you cover expenses and protect your profit margin. It's for nyone involved with the installation, planning, or maintenance of electrical equipment and systems. It contains the latest costs, so you can make accurate electrical estimates. Estimate electrical construction jobs like a pro.

2012 RS Means Electrical Cost Data 35th Edition contains the latest electrical components and materials, with extensive estimating reference tables.

Simplify the process of estimating electrical construction projects with this versatile reference guide. Get accurate, location-specific cost information to tackle any kind of electrical estimate. Improve your estimates with this all-inclusive guide.

• Resources for all types of estimators including designers, engineers, and contractors.
• Cost recommendations for both designing and planning electrical work.
• Comprehensive cost entries - from high-voltage transmission lines to residential wiring.
• Cost-saving tips and ideas.

The 2012 edition includes:

• Updated! Over 13,500 unit costs and 1,100 assemblies costs covering the latest products, materials, and electrical construction methods.
• New! Sustainable building materials including energy-saving light fixtures and devices, photovoltaics, and mass notification systems.
• New! A complete sample estimate to guide customization and improve accuracy.
• City Cost Indexes and Location Factors for over 930 U.S. and Canadian locations.
• Equipment rental costs.
• Crew size projections, labor hours, and labor rates.
• Detailed reference information.
• Square foot costs.

• FREE RS Means Hotline: Personalized help in using RS Means data effectively in your estimating.
• FREE email subscription to the RS Means quarterly update service online newsletter - a comprehensive report on market indicators and construction price trends.

Unit Prices:

• 1. General Requirements.
• 2. Existing Conditions.
• 3. Concrete.
• 5. Metals.
• 6. Wood, Plastics and Composites.
• 7. Thermal and Moisture Protection.
• 8. Openings.
• 9. Finishes.
• 10. Specialties.
• 11. Equipment.
• 12. Furnishings.
• 13. Special Construction.
• 21. Fire Suppression.
• 22. Plumbing.
• 23. Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
• 26. Electrical.
• 27. Communications.
• 28. Electronic Safety and Security.
• 31. Earthwork.
• 33. Utilities.
• 34. Transportation.

Assemblies:

• D. Services.
• G. Building Sitework.

Reference Information:

• Equipment Rental Costs.
• Crews.
• Cost Indexes.
• Reference Tables.
• Square Foot Costs.
• Abbreviations.

1. Define the scope. Your estimate needs to be for a specific scope of work. Be sure your estimate articulates and defines this clearly so everyone understands exactly what's being estimated.
2. Use a good cost data source. Well, here you are looking at the RS Means. You've got this one nailed.
3. Don't include general "fudge factors." Include specific ones. For example, calculate the exact cost of a bad weather day. Then estimate how many such days are likely to occur. That's your bad weather cost estimate, not some arbitrary number like 10%.
4. List constraints. These include time constraints, access issues, and anything else that might cause delays, produce extra work, or require additional resources. In a separate section of your estimate, include a cost breakdown of these. You won't need this information for the purposes of submitting a bid, but you will need it for purposes of risk assessment, project management, and T&C negotiations.
5. Include testing and adjustment in your estimate. Cost over-runs are often due to failure to properly test as the work progresses.
6. Don't forget daily mobilization and start-up costs.