How to Bid on New House Electrical Work
Building contractors hire electrical subcontractors to perform electrical work on residential properties of all types. Usually, this will include all tasks associated with a property's electrical system which need to be done. Electrical subcontractors can find out about jobs on new houses through listings and may also be solicited to provide a bid. The bid process involves researching the property, determining materials and labor and assessing the particulars on any given project. Many aspects are considered for electrical bids on new houses, such as work experience and history, prior relationships and general business ethics.
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Instructions
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Look for new houses under construction. Check the local online and offline newspapers. Often, you may receive invitations to submit a bid from general contractors. Get on local bid lists by sending out company announcements, attending local building functions and participating in building community events. Ask about how to qualify your company to get included on bid lists. Be prepared to offer information about credit, work history and references. You may also have to fill out forms.
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Assess each opportunity to work on a new house carefully before submitting a bid. Get to know the parties involved and establish relationships. Consider where the jobs are located before attempting to bid. Look at how the work schedule could impact your business. Determine which specific products are necessary to do each job. Make a checklist of these items so when the opportunity to bid presents itself, you are ready to consider it thoroughly.
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Investigate the builder. This is especially important on new homes, since working on a project from scratch is time-consuming and expensive. Be sure you are comfortable with the builder and can have a good working relationship with him. If it is someone you are unfamiliar with, be sure to check the references with area building organizations and the Better Business Bureau.
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Accept invitations to bid on new house electrical work when you are satisfied you have the qualifications and the job will make it worth your while. Request the building plans, drawings and specs to review. Look over the materials thoroughly and make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed bid. Review the mechanical equipment to ensure you understand exactly what you will need. For example, there may be new kinds of electrical equipment to contend with. Be sure you have all that in place before submitting the bid. Read all the general conditions and specifications very carefully. Make a note of any situation that could result in an unplanned cost, such as anything involving a wage scale, performance bond, parking or night work overtime expenses.
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Make an estimate of the costs involved for you to perform the work, including all materials and labor expenses. Balance the expected profit against the overhead. Review the bid several times to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Include items like all wire, receptacles, switch plates, panels, other equipment and permit costs.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't bid on every job you find; be thorough about how it will impact your business. For example, your company may not be qualified for every job. Jobs located hours away may not be worth the effort.
Ensure that all new property permits are in place so all laws and regulations are followed.
Ask for and follow up on all prints and specs so your bid is complete and makes the cutoff.
