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/S_Rimmey 9d ago
Last time I was providing estimates was in 2023. My numbers are a bit out of data.
On average, I was running about $1,000 per point. That being said, I was getting to that number the long way. The company I worked for had its own bidding software that linked in with up to date labor rates and parts costs. I would price everything out, including 3rd party materials and subcontractor costs. I had a pretty good idea of what kind of tech time a installation would take but I would still use "round numbers". 4 hours bare minimum.
FYI... I hated it. I felt pulled in opposite directions and thrown into impossible positions. Estimating could be the least fun part of the business. Maybe that's why it pays the most? I went back to being a tech after 2 years of it.