Description

Basic Estimating

Small mistakes in an estimate can have a huge impact on your bid's bottom line. This course provides the tools you need to build estimates that are both comprehensive and competitive. You'll walk through the full estimating process — from developing material lists and applying labor unit data, to material takeoff and the application of direct job costs, overhead, and profit.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

• Identify common mistakes made when estimating electrical construction projects — and how to avoid them
• Describe the parts of an estimate
• Explain why establishing the true cost of a project matters
• Develop an estimate that supports job management
• Use labor units to competitively bid projects
• Explain the difference between a competitive bid and simply a low bid

Who should attend: Individuals new to estimating, or those looking to sharpen their existing skills.

Prerequisite: A working understanding of electrical construction and the application of electrical materials, plus completion of NECA's Introduction to the Manual of Labor Units online course (included with registration).

Duration: 3 days | Continuing Education Hours: 18

Speaker: Matt Firestone

Daily Agenda

• 7:30 AM – Breakfast Served
• 8:00 AM – Seminar Begins
• 12:00 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – Seminar Continues
• 4:00 PM – End of Day

Cost

• WI Chapter NECA Member — $995
• Non-Member — $1,195

If eligible, the $99 educational subsidy will be applied for Wisconsin Chapter members. This will be reimbursed via check after the seminar.

Location: Holiday Inn Stevens Point Hotel & Convention Center
1001 Amber Ave
Stevens Point, WI 54482

Hotel Room Block
A hotel room block is reserved for August 23–26, 2026, so you can arrive the night before the course begins.
Rate: $119.00 Standard Rate
If you'd like to reserve a room for this event, please book here: Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Stevens Point
If making reservations over the phone, please call 715-344-0200 and press #1. When making reservations, we ask that you please reference the group name for NECA Training or the Group Block Code: ECA
The room block will expire on 8/10/2026.

Cancellation Policy
There is no charge for cancellations made by 8/11/2026. A 50% charge applies for cancellations made between 8/12/2026 and 8/19/2026. Cancellations made between 8/20/2026 and 8/24/2026, as well as no-shows, will be charged the full registration price — $995 for Wisconsin Chapter NECA members, $1,195 for non-members. Attendee substitutions are welcome at any time.

Code of Conduct
By attending this event, you agree to abide by all National Electrical Contractors Association Code of Conduct rules, etiquette, and privacy guidelines, as well as the NECA & ELECTRI International Events Code of Conduct.