If you are planning for a new commercial construction or renovation project, the electrical system is going to be a major investment. However, there are ways you can reduce costs without compromising on safety or quality. As the project owner, being strategic and informed at every stage can lead to significant cost savings on electrical work.
Plan Ahead with an Electrical Engineer
One of the best ways to optimize electrical costs is to plan well in advance. Hire a qualified electrical engineer early in the design phase, rather than waiting until construction is about to start. An electrical engineer can help:
-
Accurately estimate electrical loads based on your building plans and intended use. This prevents oversizing systems and paying more upfront.
-
Design an efficient electrical layout that minimizes wiring distances and complicated installations.
-
Specify energy efficient products like LED lighting that offer long-term savings.
-
Recommend ways to integrate lighting controls, occupancy sensors, and daylight harvesting to reduce energy waste.
-
Suggest cost-effective solutions that meet safety codes and performance requirements.
Proper planning and design from the start prevents costly changes later on. The upfront engineering fees are an investment that can net significant savings as your project progresses.
Compare Bids and Qualifications Carefully
Once you have finalized designs and building plans, the next step is sourcing and hiring your electrical contractor. Be sure to:
-
Get at least three competitive bids from reputable contractors. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.
-
Verify contractor qualifications, licensing, and insurance. Check references from past electrical projects.
-
Review the bid details closely and ensure quotes are based on the same scope of work.
-
Ask about additional costs like permits, supervision, testing, overtime rates etc. to prevent surprise add-ons later.
-
Negotiate pricing on big ticket items like switchgear, generators etc. Leverage the contractor's buying power.
-
Confirm timeline and staffing levels are adequate for timely completion.
Thorough bid evaluation ensures you choose the right contractor and get the best overall value. Don't risk quality and safety with cut-rate electrical work.
Buy Equipment and Materials Strategically
As the owner, you can realize major cost reductions by purchasing big ticket electrical items directly. This includes:
-
Switchgear and distribution panels - Work with your engineer to define requirements and then source competitively. This can save 20% or more.
-
Standby generators - Get quotes from multiple vendors to negotiate the best deal. Consider sizing options carefully.
-
Transformers - For specialized or oversized units, buying directly nets volume discounts over contractor markup.
-
Lighting fixtures - For specialized commercial lighting, buying in bulk achieves economy of scale savings over typical distributor markup.
For large new construction projects, also consider procuring commonly used construction materials like wire, conduit, boxes, receptacles etc. in bulk. This allows contractor markup savings of 15% or more on electrical materials. Just be sure your contract clearly defines responsibilities for storage, handling and installation.
Inspect Work and Provide Feedback
Ongoing inspection and feedback ensures your electrical contractor delivers quality workmanship. Be proactive:
-
Conduct ** frequent site inspections** yourself or have your engineer inspect regularly.
-
Review work completed against the agreed schedule.
-
Provide prompt feedback on any issues identified to prevent small problems from growing.
-
Document all changes thoroughly and get change orders in writing to prevent billing disputes.
Staying involved throughout the project motivates the contractor to do their best work. Catching errors early also minimizes waste from having to redo defective installations.
Enforce Strict Safety Protocols
Electrical systems involve serious safety hazards if not handled properly. Be sure your contract includes clear safety requirements like:
-
Mandatory safety training for all electrical workers and inspectors on site.
-
Proper PPE including arc flash suits for any live electrical work.
-
Lock out tag out procedures for de-energizing circuits.
-
Warning signs to identify live systems and temporary power setups.
-
Regular inspection and testing of all equipment and systems.
There should be no compromises on safety. Enforcing stringent protocols protects workers and occupants. It also prevents injuries and accidents that lead to costly delays.
A commercial electrical project for your new construction or renovation is a complex undertaking. However, strategic planning and partnerships can help optimize the scope, quality and pricing. Being a proactive and informed owner at every stage lets you maximize value and stay on budget. Use these tips for sourcing, buying and managing your next major electrical project.