Electrical contractors are business representatives of firms that conduct highly specialized construction work in the field of energy systems. Unlike electricians, who attend to the wiring of structures, electrical contractors manage integrated building systems.
Like all subcontractors, electrical contractors must be effective communicators to communicate their expectations to stakeholders. They also spend significant time reading documentation, such as blueprints and regulations.
Design
An electrical contractor is a person or firm that specialises in construction work involving energy and electrical systems. They may perform duties such as determining the feasibility of computer design plans, overseeing the construction process and managing the project budget. They also install and maintain electrical systems.
In addition to these general skills, an electrical contractor is expected to stay up-to-date with technological updates regarding electricity and energy. It is also their responsibility to follow all safety requirements during construction, and ensure that any new electrical wiring is properly installed to avoid fire hazards and other potential issues.
Working as an independent electrical contractor offers a lot of professional growth opportunities and flexibility in scheduling. It is also possible to earn a decent income with this career option, but it requires hard work and dedication. In order to succeed, an electrical contractor should be well organised and have good communication skills. This helps them keep up with all their appointments, as well as prioritising tasks and maintaining their tools.
Bid
The bid process is another opportunity for an electrical contractor to set themselves apart from the competition. A quality proposal can be a significant factor in winning a job.
Before submitting a bid, it is important to carefully review the project specifications. This will help ensure that you are qualified to perform the work and that it will be completed within the expected timeline.
During the bidding process, it is also important to consider labor costs and overhead expenses. This includes assessing the amount of time required for on-field and off-field employees, as well as equipment rental and other related costs.
Once you have reviewed the specifications, you can prepare an estimate by performing a quantity takeoff of the drawings and creating a list of materials with prices and labor units. This can be done using onscreen takeoff software, which is much quicker and more cost effective than preparing estimates manually. In addition, it helps avoid errors and saves time.
Installation
Electrical contractors must have a strong understanding of how to work with the different types of equipment they use. They must also have the ability to communicate with their customers and other employees, as well as complete administrative tasks. These skills can help them keep track of their schedules and projects, as well as address any issues that may arise during the installation process.
Independent contractors can also use their business planning skills to develop a strategy for promoting and marketing their services. This can include creating a website and social media accounts to reach a wider audience. They can also join industry associations and events to connect with other professionals in the field.
The duties of an electrical contractor can vary depending on their area of expertise and the type of project they are working on. For example, “outside” or “line” electrical contractors are responsible for high-voltage power lines. They ensure that electricity generated at a power plant is carefully carried through the system and distributed to buildings and homes. Other electrical contractors, called “inside” electrical contractors, focus on electrical and cabling design/installation/maintenance for commercial and residential buildings. Finally, voice/data/video electrical contractors, or integrated building systems electricians, work on low-voltage systems like power controls, back-up power, wireless networks and telecommunications.
Maintenance
Keeping all the electrical equipment in the workplace up and running at optimal performance is vital for business productivity. Even the slightest fault can bring computers, phone lines and tills to a standstill. Getting these issues diagnosed and fixed quickly and properly is the best way to minimize downtime, or better yet, avoid it altogether.
The maintenance process involves checking all electrical equipment, repairing or replacing it as needed, and testing the system for safety. This requires the electrical contractor to have a good understanding of reading blueprints and schematics, as well as the ability to work safely around heavy machinery.
Oftentimes, property management contracts with an electrical construction company to do routine predictive maintenance on their properties. Known as contract maintenance, sustaining or ongoing service work, this type of project allows for an electrician familiar with the site to be readily available for troubleshooting problems. The onsite team can also provide an assessment of how to prevent issues in the future.
