Outsourced Estimating for Electrical Contractors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Consistent tendering is essential for electrical contractors looking to grow their business — but preparing accurate estimates takes time, resources, and expertise. Many contractors get caught up delivering projects and struggle to find the hours needed for tendering. Others may not have specialist estimating skills in-house, especially for more complex jobs.

That’s where outsourced estimating comes in. At REMC, we provide electrical contractors with access to highly experienced estimators who deliver accurate, timely tenders on a flexible, one-off basis. This guide explains why outsourcing is valuable, how our process works, and the benefits for electrical contractors of all sizes.

Why Electrical Contractors Choose REMC

In recent years, outsourcing has surged across industries. Rising staff costs and competitive pressures mean contractors need smarter ways to tender without adding overhead.

Here’s why our clients choose us most often:

• Time pressures: Keep tendering during busy project periods or meet deadlines that might otherwise be missed.
• Industry knowledge: Gain access to estimators with deep electrical expertise across multiple sectors.
• Cost control: Avoid the ongoing cost of hiring a full-time estimator — pay only per project.
• Flexibility: No long-term commitments. We step in only when you need support.

Our Electrical Estimating Process

We’ve refined our process to be simple, efficient, and tailored to your business:

Step 1: Initial Contact — Most contractors reach out via our website or social media. We then arrange a call to discuss your business and upcoming projects.

Step 2: Onboarding — We collect key details such as your labour rates, suppliers, subcontractors, and overhead costs, so every estimate reflects the true costs of your business.

Step 3: Project Submission — You send us drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities (BOQs).

Step 4: Estimate Preparation — We prepare the tender using your preferred suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring the estimate is accurate and practical.

Step 5: Final Review — Once the estimate is complete, we hold a review call to run through allowances, profit margins, and any final tweaks before submission.

What You Can Expect from REMC

When you outsource estimating to REMC, you receive more than just numbers. Every contractor benefits from:

• A video review meeting to discuss project details and allowances.
• Professional tender letters, customised with your branding, clarifications, and exclusions.
• A detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) and completed BOQs (if required).
• The option for us to attend pre-start meetings, ensuring a smooth handover from tender to delivery.

Key Benefits for Electrical Contractors

• Save time – Free up hours to focus on projects and your team.
• Stay in control – You set the margins; we handle the calculations.
• Increase output – Bid for more projects you might otherwise miss.
• Improve accuracy – Estimates based on your real supplier and labour costs.
• Stay flexible – Use us only when you need support, without hiring full-time staff.
• Look professional – If needed, we’ll create custom tender letters that elevate your bids.

Proven Results & Repeat Clients

Since launching, many of our clients have returned with additional projects. Electrical contractors consistently value our cost-effective model and ability to step in at short notice. In many cases, our support has meant the difference between missing out and submitting a compliant, competitive tender — sometimes for projects worth hundreds of thousands.

Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Tender

Outsourcing estimating isn’t just for large firms. For small and medium-sized electrical contractors, it’s a practical, cost-effective way to tender more projects, save time, and secure profitable work.

With REMC’s streamlined process, you’ll gain expertise, flexibility, and confidence — without the overhead of permanent staff.

👉 Ready to save time on your next electrical tender?
Contact us today to see how outsourced estimating with REMC can work for your business.