McCormick Systems’ Blog

McCormick President Paul Wheaton appears on the latest episode of Today’s Electrical Estimating, a podcast hosted by Chris Trommer and Sal Huerta where they chat with leading electrical estimating experts to share industry insights and trade-specific tips. The trio deep dive into the considerations estimators need to make before purchasing their first electrical estimating software. The conversation focuses on how

Large electrical construction jobs involve complex estimating for projects like skyscrapers, factories and hospitals. These lucrative opportunities require very skilled workers, precise planning and cutting-edge technology to handle the scale and intricacies of the electrical work. Despite being large undertakings, these projects are extremely attractive for contractors as they offer: A chance to showcase expertise Higher earning potential Valuable experience

One of the most important steps to winning more lucrative electrical jobs is cultivating successful estimating habits for electrical estimators. These habits should make creating fast, accurate bids a seamless process. Below, we’ve put together 10 different things to consider as you cultivate better estimating habits. If you’re new to electrical cost estimation, or just trying to sharpen your processes,

Electrical estimating jobs are tricky. They involve varying voltages, different types of wiring or piping, and (seemingly) an innumerable number of outlets. With all these complex specifications, electrical bids are expected to be accurate and tailored to the trade. And that doesn’t even cover what’s needed for competitive electrical estimates. According to Blackridge Research and Consulting, a bidder will likely

The accuracy of your bid is crucial to not only winning the job but also determining expected costs and forecasting your profitability. The bid includes the quantities and prices collected in the takeoff and the estimate so precise information is necessary from the start. Collecting and organizing this data can be time-consuming and difficult. To make your job easier, we’ve outlined some tips

Accurate construction bids are an essential part of running a successful construction company. You’re probably familiar with a construction bid, having gone through the motions of the construction bidding process already, however, understanding the ins and outs of construction bidding can make your proposals more precise and give you a competitive edge. According to Knowify, 60% of all contractors are putting in

In the preconstruction phase, to be confident in your data and assured of the competitiveness of your bid you have to understand the various elements involved. Determining appropriate timelines and creating accurate budgets allows you to manage more profitable jobs. Takeoff, estimates and bids, in their own way, are processes used to determine the schedule and costs for a project.

When you hear the word “tools,” certain images probably come to mind: a hammer, a drill – maybe even a box of screws. But do you also think of your software? As all contractors know, construction is a fast-paced industry where having the right tools can spell the difference between success and failure. You can’t wire a building without wire

Estimating directly impacts the bidding process by establishing an accurate budget, identifying all potential expenses, providing a detailed list of necessary materials, and evaluating all labor requirements for a job. Because estimating touches every aspect of a project, it’s important to estimate accurately. But it can also be an extremely tedious and time-consuming process. Finding ways to streamline the estimating

In construction, clients will award the job to the perceived best bid. Bids are created through estimates and predict both the total scope of a job and its cost to complete. This means that a single mistake or miscalculation during the estimating process can easily lead to lost revenue. Underestimated materials and quantities can lead to expensive delays and budget

Managing profitable jobs begins with establishing reliable budgets. And to create these accurate budgets, construction companies need to know what their costs are and where their expenses are coming from. That’s where estimating comes in. Estimating involves determining all the required costs for a project. Which means an estimator needs a thorough understanding of both the industry and the estimating

The Biden-Harris administration recently announced the Solar and Wind Grid Services and Reliability Demonstration Program. This $26-million program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will create new sustainable energy jobs for the American people. The goal of this program is to demonstrate how the U.S. power grid can run on 100% clean energy.[1] Check out our article about