Here at Harmon Electric in the Estimating department we get to see a lot of different projects that are out for bid, from typical T.I. remodels in strip malls to Medical/Dental facilities with Exam rooms & Patient care areas to Linear Accelerators & CT Scan machines. With this wide array of facilities I have noticed that the specs are calling out for more stringent requirements, from 3/4 “ minimum sized conduit specified, to dedicated neutrals required for all circuits. These requirements can add quite a bit of cost to an otherwise standard project.

When the economy is down like it is now, there is more and more competition for the same projects than ever before. The margins for being the competitive bidder are smaller than ever too. So how do we compete in such a market? To start with we need to be aware of all of those “Spec Requirements” that can really bring the cost of a job up. For example, when the specs state that “current carrying conductors cannot share a neutral with any other current carrying conductor” the implication is that instead of being able to share a neutral for three different phased current carrying conductors, which requires 5 wires in the conduit for 3 circuits, now you have to provide 7 wires, for the same circuits, not only is there more wire to be included in the bid, but the labor to install that wire as well. This adds up quickly. When ¾” minimum size conduit is required, that brings the cost up even more.

So how can we minimize the impact that that has on the cost of our bid? One, if we call the engineer, and ask, sometimes we find out that it is OK to run ½” conduit. Sometimes it’s not OK, in this case it’s a good idea to let the general contractor know that you are bidding it this way. It might seem silly to tell them that you are bidding it the way that the spec call out for, but it may make them aware that if our bid is higher, it may be because someone did not cover the spec, and bid it with ½” conduit instead of ¾” as specified. With the economy the way that it is a lot of contractor will cut corners “just to get the job”. When they do get the job, it can really be a mess for the general contractor.

If we do our job right we can make sure that everyone is on the same page, comparing apples to apples. This will help to ensure that the customers get what they are paying for, and the job is getting done properly. This in turn will be seen as a contractor that cares about the integrity of their work, and therefore is a contractor that can be relied upon; as we say here at Harmon Electric… “Uncompromising Quality and Integrity since 1975”!

Jason
Estimator

I would like to go on the record with my belief that electricians are the “gentlemen” of the construction industry. It is the electrician that is the first on the jobsite and the last to leave. In my opinion, electricians have the most pride in workmanship and the utter professionalism necessary to understand and deal with every aspect of the construction process. Those qualities make electricians the most elite of the trade.

I want to extend my complete gratitude to all electricians in the industry and for our employees at Harmon Electric for their outstanding abilities. It is through our industry that all growth is made possible. I have spent not only 20 years in the field; I now estimate and manage many projects to a successful completion.

I would like to express my pride in working for Harmon Electric as a previous Foreman in the field under Mr. Dick Harmon. It is also through my previous position of Project Manager that I have had the privilege to work with many general contractors and property owners as Arizona grows and prospers.

Arizona is a great state with a great future. It is my wish to see that prosperity continues as Vice President of Construction. This is a great company that is involved with the state’s growth and is on the cutting-edge of green technology.

Joe
Vice President of Construction