Accurate material estimates are critical to profitable electrical projects. Underestimate, and you absorb the cost. Overestimate, and you risk losing the job. Many margin leaks don’t come from labor — they come from material planning mistakes that are easy to avoid with the right partner.
At All County Electric Supply, we work closely with contractors to help align estimates with real-world pricing, availability, and delivery timelines. Here are five of the most common estimating mistakes we see and how to avoid them.
1. Relying on Outdated Pricing
The Mistake:
Using old price sheets or “ballpark” numbers from previous jobs.
Why It Hurts:
Material pricing can change quickly due to supply chain shifts, manufacturer updates, and freight costs. Even small differences can compound across a large project.
How to Avoid It:
Work with a distributor that provides current pricing and quote support. Our team helps contractors validate pricing early — before bids are locked in.
2. Not Accounting for Lead Times
The Mistake:
Estimating materials without factoring in manufacturer lead times.
Why It Hurts:
If long-lead items arrive late, projects stall — increasing labor costs and frustrating clients.
How to Avoid It:
Coordinate early with your supplier and leverage warehousing and logistics services to stage materials and plan just-in-time deliveries.
3. Ignoring Product Substitutions
The Mistake:
Specifying products without approved alternates.
Why It Hurts:
When a specified item becomes unavailable, last-minute substitutions often cost more — or require re-approval.
How to Avoid It:
Use trusted manufacturers and identify approved equivalents during the estimating phase. We help contractors compare options that meet spec without blowing budgets.
4. Underestimating Ancillary Materials
The Mistake:
Only pricing major fixtures and gear — forgetting connectors, mounting hardware, controls, and accessories.
Why It Hurts:
These “small” items add up quickly and are often absorbed as unplanned costs.
How to Avoid It:
Review complete system requirements, not just headline materials. Our counter team helps ensure nothing gets missed before the job starts.
5. Treating Material Supply as a Transaction
The Mistake:
Using suppliers strictly for fulfillment instead of planning support.
Why It Hurts:
Missed opportunities for pricing insight, logistics coordination, and inventory staging can quietly erode margins.
How to Avoid It:
Partner with a distributor who understands project timelines and material flow. At All County Electric Supply, we support estimating, procurement, storage, and delivery — not just order-taking.
Estimate Smarter with All County Electric Supply
Better estimates lead to better projects — and stronger margins. All County Electric Supply supports contractors with transparent pricing, trusted manufacturers, and reliable warehousing and logistics services that reduce surprises and keep jobs on track.
Bring us in early — we’ll help you bid with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Outdated pricing and overlooked accessories are two of the most common contributors.
Ideally during pre-bid or design-assist phases, when pricing and availability can still be optimized.
Yes. Staging materials reduces jobsite loss, damage, and rushed freight charges.
Experienced distributors can recommend approved alternates that meet specs and budget requirements.
All County Electric Supply provides pricing insight, material coordination, and logistics planning for electrical contractors across Wisconsin.