April 1, 2025
Suderman Digital Electrical Estimating Training – Surrey
The Digital Estimating Course follows Suderman's proven systematic approach to estimating, using a simple and comprehensive methodology to build confidence in your work.
What You’ll Learn:
- Advantages and risks of using estimating software.
- Step-by-step guidance through a complete estimate process, including:
- Takeoff preparation.
- Detailed breakdowns and organization.
- Finalizing and closing a job estimate.
This practical course ensures you gain the skills to effectively utilize software tools while maintaining accuracy and reliability in your estimates.
Date & Time
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (8:00 am pt) – April 2, 2025 (4:30 pm pt)
Location
E.B. Horsman & Son - Head Office & Distribution Centre
Training Room - 19295 25 Ave, Surrey, BC V3Z 3X1
Free parking for attendees
Details
Course date and time: Tuesday, April 1, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Wednesday, April 2, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Required: Completion of Suderman’s Basic Course 1.
- Preferred: Completion of Advanced Course 2 (not mandatory).
Participants must bring:
- A laptop with an HDMI connection or adapter is required. Both Windows and Mac are acceptable, as long as Google Chrome is installed.
- Handheld mouse (trackpads are not suitable).
Provided by Suderman:
- Temporary use:
- Patabid software license for two days.
- 24” secondary monitor.
- To keep:
- PDF version of the Suderman Labour Manual.
- Assignment book.
Day 1
Introductions
- Meet the instructor and overview of Suderman Estimating Systems and Patabid’s Quantify software.
- Finalize software setup on participants’ computers.
Training Session
- Brief history of estimating tools and transition to software.
- Demonstration: manual vs. software-based takeoff efficiency.
- Importance of proper training to avoid errors in software use.
- Takeoff sequence: marking up plans for clarity and accuracy.
Takeoff Exercise
- Generate and send the materials list to suppliers.
- Organize drawings into manageable sets to avoid clutter:
- Lighting & Emergency Lighting
- Power Distribution
- Mechanical, Devices & Branch Wiring
- Fire Alarm and Special Systems
- Review drawings, set scales, and read specifications.
Breakdowns
- Establish takeoff categories:
- Systems (e.g., power, lighting, fire alarm)
- Locations (e.g., interior, exterior work)
- Discuss the value of breakdowns for consistency, accuracy, and project management.
Counting, Quantification & Outputs
- Lighting: fixtures, controls, emergency lighting.
- Use Suderman and NECA Labour Manuals to reference labour units.
- Compile counts into a supplier-ready sheet and discuss supplier relationships.
Special Systems
- Fire Alarm, Data/Comm, Security, etc.: subcontract or separate pricing.
Day 2
Advanced Takeoff with Assemblies
- Benefits and risks of using assemblies.
- Take off feeders and mechanical feeds.
- Count and verify devices, branch raceways, and conductors.
Detailed Takeoff
- Lighting: whip assemblies, junction boxes, conduit runs.
- Devices: junction boxes, home runs.
- Data/Comm: verify ELV cable installation requirements.
Finalization
- Review and extend all pricing and labour units.
- Address errors, decimal issues, and omissions.
- Closeout:
- Recap project using Patabid Quantify.
- Add job costs, markup, and profit.
- Submit final bids, discuss strategies for selling the project.
Wrap-Up
- Q&A and discussion to conclude the course.
Technical Requirements
Instructor(s)
John M. Wiesel
Suderman Estimating Systems Inc
John M. has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in electrical work as a red seal, master electrician. His career has spanned roles such as journeyman, supervisor, estimator, project manager, and pre-construction manager. After completing the Suderman estimating course in 2000, John applied its principles successfully throughout his career. Now, he shares his expertise by teaching electrical estimating processes to help others excel in the field.
Learn MoreCancellation Policy
Fees will be collected at the time of registration. Should it be necessary to cancel your attendance, please contact ECABC at any time up to four (4) weeks prior to the course start date for a full refund. A cancellation from two (2) weeks to four (4) weeks will result in a 50% refund. There will be no refund for cancellations less than 10 business days prior to the scheduled start date. Participant substitutions may be made up to two (2) days before the course start date, at no additional fee.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR COMBO PURCHASE: As Course 2 is considered an extension of Course 1, the aforementioned cancellation policy is in effect as in relation to the Course 1 start date. Any exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of the ECABC President and course instructor.
Registration & Information
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