If you have come across this article, it probably means that you are looking into the cost of Commercial Electrical Installations. The electrical system is responsible for controlling many basic functions of a building such as lighting and fans.
In commercial buildings, electrical systems are generally larger, requiring more wires and fixtures. It is important to assess an electrical budget as it helps to prevent unnecessary expenses and keeps the project on track.
In this article, we are going to explore the electrical installation costs of a commercial building and learn deeply about cost-affecting factors. By the time you are done reading it, you will learn how to manage your finances.
Average Commercial Electrical Installation Cost
The average Commercial Electrical Installation Cost falls between $5 to $18 per square foot. Most owners pay somewhere between in order to balance quality and expenses. Keep in mind that for some projects this cost may go even higher.
For example, if you choose custom-made material, it will cost you more. Similarly, many factors affect cost.
Let’s take a good look at them!
Factors Affecting Electrical Cost
1) Project Size and Complexity
One of the most common Factors Affecting Electrical Costs is the scale and complexity of the project.
It is common knowledge that the larger the size of the project, the more will be the cost. More material and labour will be needed to finish the installation project thus increasing the cost.
Similarly, intricate electrical projects tend to cost. The more complex the project is, the more it is going to cost you.
2) Electrical Load Requirements
The cost of commercial electrical installations also depends upon your electrical requirements. How much load is your electrical system going to carry? Commercial projects generally have higher load requirements than residential projects.
If you don’t know how to calculate load, you can always hire a professional to do so.
3) Type of Material Selected
One of the most common cost-impacting factors is the type of material that you have selected. If you go for standard materials, the cost will be less. On the other hand, if you want to go for high-end premium material that is going to be costly.
To make the right choice, you can browse through the internet to learn about various types of materials and their characteristics.
4) Labor and Equipment Expenses
Commercial Electrical Installations require labour and equipment. Labour cost depends on the following factors.
- Amount of workers needed
- Time taken to complete the project
- Size and complexity of the project
- Skill of the worker
- Indirect expenses related to labour such as overtime pay, insurance, etc.
Equipment refers to the machinery required to install the electronic components. In some cases, you may have to purchase them. Heavy equipment may need to be rented out so do consider the rental cost as well.
5) Rework
Any mistakes or mishaps during the construction project will increase the cost and time. Rework can result in extra expenses. The more mistakes there are in the construction process the more it will cost you.
So what can you do to minimize it?
- Plan thoroughly and account for every detail. Because any changes in project planning during construction will increase costs.
- Hire Electrical Estimating Professional for a comprehensive budget. Bidding Estimate is a widely used electrical estimating service among contractors and subcontractors.
- Develop measurable goals and objectives.
- Hire experienced labour to avoid any electrical damage or mistakes.
- Get approvals from all the stakeholders before starting construction.
6) Location
The location of your building is also going to impact the cost. Material and labour prices can vary from place to place. Even regional prices may not be the same. When professional estimators are creating a budget, they use real-time pricing guides.
Moreover, transportation costs can increase if you are located somewhere far away. If you are procuring materials from far away then it will cost you more fuel.
7) Site Condition and Accessibility
The cost of Commercial Electrical Installations is affected by the condition of your construction site. When you begin construction, the land needs to be smooth. If there are a lot of rocks and plants, they need to be cleared out which will cost extra.
Other than that, accessibility also matters in electrical installation. If the area is easy to reach, and no special equipment is required to get through then it will cost you less. On the other hand, difficult-to-access areas will increase your expenses.
Conclusion
Commercial Electrical Installations are tough work. But with proper planning one can streamline the construction process. The key to a successful and profitable project is creating an accurate budget.
When you have a budget in your hand you can easily manage your finances and effectively allocate resources. It helps to smooth out the process of construction by eradicating any obstacles.