How do I bid electrical work on new construction as a sub?

Reference the plans, spec the materials, break out phases, list exclusions, state your bond/insurance, and tie your payment draws to the rough-in inspection and final inspection milestones. GCs award to subs who make their job easier — not just the lowest number.

What electrical items are most often left out of construction bids?

Temporary power, grounding electrode system, panel labeling, as-built drawings, commissioning and load testing, and permit resubmittal fees. Review the specification division 26 exclusions list carefully before submitting any commercial bid.

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Electrical Construction Bid Templates

Electrical bids for commercial projects, new construction, and tenant improvements need to meet a higher documentation standard than residential service calls. GCs and project managers reviewing electrical bids want to see reference to the electrical drawings, a phase-based scope breakdown, material specifications, and your bond and insurance capacity. A professional electrical bid wins on trust as much as price.

What an electrical construction bid must include

Your electrical construction bid should reference: the applicable electrical drawings by sheet number and revision; the specification sections governing your work; a phase-by-phase scope breakdown (rough-in, rough inspection, trim-out, device installation, final inspection); material specifications (panel brand, wire gauge, conduit type, device grade); your bond and insurance limits; permit responsibility (who pulls, who coordinates inspections, who pays for re-inspections); payment draw schedule tied to phase completion; and an exclusions list (temporary power, lighting controls, fire alarm, low-voltage — unless explicitly included).

Electrical construction bid tips

Reference drawing sheet numbers and revision dates — scope is tied to documents
List all exclusions: low-voltage, fire alarm, generator, temporary power
Specify your bond capacity and insurance limits — GCs check before shortlisting
Tie payment draws to inspection milestones, not calendar dates
Include your license number and qualifying electrician's name on commercial bids

Typical projects

New residential construction
Commercial tenant improvement
Industrial facility wiring
Data center and server room
Medical office electrical

Pricing context

Commercial electrical: $3–$6/sq ft rough-in for office TI; higher for industrial or medical. New residential: $8,000–$20,000+ depending on size and spec. Always separate materials, labor, and permit costs — GCs use the breakdown for value engineering.

Frequently asked questions

How do I bid electrical work on new construction as a sub?: Reference the plans, spec the materials, break out phases, list exclusions, state your bond/insurance, and tie your payment draws to the rough-in inspection and final inspection milestones. GCs award to subs who make their job easier — not just the lowest number.
What electrical items are most often left out of construction bids?: Temporary power, grounding electrode system, panel labeling, as-built drawings, commissioning and load testing, and permit resubmittal fees. Review the specification division 26 exclusions list carefully before submitting any commercial bid.

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