Before any actual estimating begins, you should first become familiar with the job. This is accomplished by first reviewing the architectural, mechanical, and electrical drawings. Once reviewed, you can then determine:
What the job “looks like” by drawing a mental picture from the plans.
If there is any electrical work that must be estimated on drawings other than the electrical sheets.
This review will take only a few minutes. Unfortunately, you will not always be blessed with a full set of drawings. Try to obtain structural information and any unusual heights or elevations such as those incurred when building churches, athletic facilities and plants.