Hire low-voltage estimators

Cabling, AV, security, and controls bids

State which systems the estimator prices and how many bids they carry. Include the project sizes and building types. Explain whether they develop the full estimate, produce takeoffs, prepare proposals, or coordinate specialist pricing.

For cabling, identify pathways, installation, termination, testing, and records. For AV and security, include the configuration, programming, customer instruction, and integration work in the package. Controls bids need the assigned installation, point checks, software, and equipment coordination accounted for.

Don't require expertise in every system if your company uses specialists for part of the estimate. Name those people and the estimator's responsibility for obtaining their input.

Equipment and installation scope

Give the candidate a fictional scope with an equipment schedule and an incomplete service requirement. Ask what they need to clarify before pricing it. Who owns programming, tests, network changes, customer training, and the final files?

Discuss a real bid where a scope gap was caught during review. What changed in the estimate and proposal? How did the estimator document the answer so the project team could use it after award?

Use permitted samples or fictional data. You don't need a previous employer's customer prices to understand the candidate's approach.

Labor and supplier quotes

Ask how they build labor assumptions for your type of installation. Discuss access, work windows, pathways, existing conditions, and return visits. What completed-job information helps them improve the next estimate?

Have them explain how they compare a supplier or subcontractor quote with the requirement. Which exclusions, delivery dates, and compatibility questions need attention? Who approves a substitution?

For a senior hire, ask about reviewing another estimator's work and managing the bid calendar. A busy queue still needs a clear review owner and time to resolve open questions.

Handoff to the project manager

Ask what goes to the project manager: labor assumptions, materials, vendor information, scope decisions, and outstanding questions. How do field findings get back to estimating?

If the role also handles change pricing, explain how it receives the actual work details and who approves the final proposal. State whether sales and customer follow-up are part of the job.

Pay, workload, and support

Include systems, bid responsibility, experience, software, reviewer, specialist support, site visits, reporting line, location, hours, pay range, benefits, and confirmed incentive terms.

Post the low-voltage estimator opening. For power and building electrical bids, use electrical estimators.