💡 Module 4: Material Costs & Pricing
Convert your takeoff into dollars: quantify materials, apply current pricing, and use quotes or cost databases to build a reliable estimate.
📋 Key Takeaways
- Translate counts/lengths from takeoff into itemized material lists.
- Apply unit pricing (per foot/per device) consistently.
- Refresh prices via vendor quotes and maintain a dated price log.
- Use cost databases for baselines; override with current quotes.
📌 Core Concepts
From Quantities to Dollars: Convert conduit LF, wire LF, box/device counts, fixture counts, and gear into priced line items.
Unit Pricing: Price by LF (conduit/wire) or per-each (devices/fixtures). Multiply by quantity → subtotal per category.
Quotes & Updates: Request vendor quotes for wire, gear, and lighting. Record quote date and lead time; update your sheets.
Material Categories: Conduit, wire, boxes/devices, lighting, panels/switchgear—each with its own pricing behavior.
🧰 Material Pricing Quick Reference
| Category | Typical Unit | Pricing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conduit (EMT/PVC/RMC) | LF | Bundle by size; elbows/fittings priced per-each. |
| Wire/MC Cable | LF | Copper pricing volatile—use fresh quotes; include scrap factor. |
| Devices/Boxes | EA | Group by type (GFCI, duplex, switch); include plates/straps. |
| Lighting/Fixtures | EA | Spec-driven; confirm alternates, controls, and lead times. |
| Panels/Switchgear | EA/System | Always vendor-quote; verify AIC rating, spaces, accessories. |
💡 Pro Tips for Material Pricing
Date everything: keep a pricing log with vendor, contact, and quote date—attach PDFs/emails.
Apply wastage factors: add cut loss/scrap (e.g., +5–10% wire) as a separate line to stay transparent.
Lock assumptions: list inclusions/exclusions (e.g., fixtures by others, no seismic bracing) to reduce change orders.