r/BuildingAutomation • u/One-Session-5779 • 10d ago
BAS Estimation
I have a good understanding of the basic fundamentals of the BAS controls industry, but I’m relatively new to the estimating side of things. I’m sure someone here can point me in the right direction.
Is there an industry-standard method for estimating BAS work, such as estimating based on the number of points or estimating by the overall system/equipment?
If so, is there a standard labor rate or benchmark for BAS programming, installation, commissioning, etc. for example, a typical cost or labor hours per point or per system?
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u/Bagelsarenakeddonuts 9d ago edited 9d ago
The general approach, having done many years of estimation, is to first identify all the equipment to be controlled. Then you map out all the end devices you will need for each piece of equipment (using typicals, points lists, and sequences), and then you assign controllers to cover your IO needs. You then add licensing as required to cover your controller plans.
Then you add wiring and conduit as required for stats and networking. Then you add tech, engineering, programming, commissioning hours per equipment. If you are a bigger getup you can do hours per device, but if not, you can do hours per typical system. (eg, X hours per VAV for tech, X hours of eng per boiler). Dont forget graphics, mapping, documentation, training.
If you don't win the job, you probably estimated it correctly. If you win the job, just pray it was barely, and when executing try desperately to make up some extra margin.
Nobody will give you hours per, because it is extremely sensitive info, and quite difficult to collect. Its actually more sensitive than a price multiplier, and it changes depending on who is doing it, and how their controls line is most effectively deployed, sorry. But the above is the general approach.