Direct Job Expenses (DJE) in electrical estimates

Most jobs have some unique expenses. Your electrical estimating software should prompt you for these and they must be included in your proposal to be profitable. Check with the city or county that you are working in for the following:

• Do they require a license for you to work in their jurisdiction?

• Is a forklift needed to move the switchgear from the (job site) drop-off point to the electrical room?

• Is there core drilling required for conduit penetrations thru concrete walls or floors?

• Is drug testing a requirement for personal that you have working on the job?

• Is scaffolding or man lifts required?

Calculate your direct job expenses, as much as possible, in advance of the final bid time. Below is a list of common direct job expenses you may see in most jobs. Make sure that you include ALL DJE so you do not have to go “out of pocket” for them.

• Asphalt saw cut/removal
• Asphalt patch
• Computers/copier/fax
• Concrete saw cut/removal
• Concrete patch
• Core drilling
• Crane
• Drinking water
• Drug testing
• Electric energy cost
• Engineering
• Estimating
• Forklift
• Ground fault testing
• Job site office
• License (City or county fees)
• Man lift
• Office furniture costs
• Other tests (Coordination study, ground certs, etc.)
• Permits
• Project Management
• Safety training
• Scaffolds
• Shoring of trenches
• Special rental tools
• Steel (trench) plates
• Storage containers
• Telephone costs
• Temp. power equipment
• Trenching self-performed
• Truck & tool charge
• Utility company fees/tests
• Vaults/manholes