The Electrician's Estimating Challenge
Electrical work is one of the most detail-intensive trades to estimate. Every circuit has a wire gauge, every room has a minimum device count, and the NEC has requirements that change by room type and use. A kitchen needs dedicated 20-amp circuits for countertop receptacles. A bathroom needs GFCI protection. The garage needs its own circuit. Miss one of these in the estimate and you are doing work for free.
Then there is wire footage. You cannot just measure wall-to-wall. You have to account for routing through studs, up to the attic or down to the crawlspace, and back to the panel. Home runs add up fast, and copper is not cheap. Underbidding on wire is one of the most common mistakes electricians make on renovation work.
EstimationPro handles the detail work. You describe the scope, and the AI builds a complete electrical estimate with wire runs, device counts, breaker sizing, and labor hours. It knows the difference between roughing in a new-construction home and fishing wires through a 1960s ranch.
Electrical-Specific Features
Circuit-Level Wire Calculations
Wire footage calculated per circuit based on estimated routing distance from device to panel. Includes wire gauge selection by circuit amperage (14 AWG for 15A, 12 AWG for 20A, 10 AWG for 30A). Wire cost is one of the biggest variables in electrical bids, and this gets it right.
Device and Fixture Counts
Outlets, switches, three-ways, dimmers, light fixtures, ceiling fans, smoke detectors, and dedicated receptacles. Each device includes the box, cover plate, and labor to install. The material list is ready to hand to your supplier for a supply house order.
Panel and Service Sizing
Estimates for panel upgrades, sub-panels, and new service installations include the panel, breakers, service wire, grounding, and bonding. The AI sizes the panel based on the load calculation and includes space for future circuits. Permit line items are added automatically.
Renovation vs. New Construction Labor
The AI adjusts labor hours based on whether the work is new construction (open walls, fast rough-in) or renovation (fishing wires, cutting in boxes, patching). Renovation work typically takes 30-50% more labor per device. The estimate reflects this so your bid is accurate for the actual job.
How It Works for Electricians
Assess the panel and scope the work
Snap a photo of the existing panel. Record a voice note describing the job: add circuits for a kitchen remodel, upgrade from 100A to 200A, wire a new addition, install EV charger. Note the house age and existing wiring type.
AI generates the electrical estimate
Wire footage, devices, breakers, boxes, connectors, and labor hours. All priced with regional rates for materials and electrician labor. Review the line items, adjust device specs or wire routing estimates, and finalize.
Send the proposal and close the job
Share a branded proposal with the full scope of work. Auto follow-ups keep the customer engaged. They approve online and pay the deposit. You schedule the job and order materials. One system, start to finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does EstimationPro handle NEC code requirements in estimates?
EstimationPro factors in standard NEC requirements when generating estimates. Circuit counts, wire gauge, GFCI and AFCI protection requirements, and panel sizing are all considered based on the scope of work. The estimates include the correct wire gauge for the circuit amperage, proper device counts per room type, and dedicated circuits where code requires them (kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garage).
Can I estimate both new construction and renovation electrical work?
Yes. New construction and renovation estimates are handled differently because the work is different. New construction estimates assume open walls and standard rough-in access. Renovation estimates account for fishing wires through existing walls, cutting in boxes, patching, and the extra labor time that comes with working in finished spaces. The AI adjusts labor hours accordingly.
How does the software handle panel upgrades and service changes?
Panel upgrades are a common standalone job for electricians. EstimationPro generates detailed estimates for 100A to 200A upgrades, sub-panel installations, and full service changes. The estimate includes the panel, breakers, wire from the meter to the panel, grounding, bonding, and permit costs. Labor accounts for the utility coordination and inspection scheduling required for service work.
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