What should I ask at an electrical pre-bid meeting or site visit?
Ask the questions that change your price and that the documents leave open: the utility work and who pays for it, existing conditions, shutdowns and phasing, temporary power, owner-furnished equipment, and the schedule. Then send each question in writing as an RFI, because only an answer issued in an addendum binds every bidder.
Utility: who supplies the transformer, the primary and secondary conduit and the metering, and who pays the utility's charges?
Existing conditions: are there record drawings, and which panels and circuits are to remain?
Shutdowns: how much notice, how long, and at what hours?
Temporary power and lighting: who provides it, for how long, and who pays for the energy?
Owner-furnished equipment: what is it, when does it arrive, and who receives and stores it?
Schedule: the phasing, the substantial completion date, and any liquidated damages.
Access: hoisting, laydown space, parking and security clearances.
Get the answers in writing
Answers given out loud at a pre-bid meeting usually don't change the documents. Note what was said, then send each question as an RFI so the answer comes back in an addendum that every bidder prices. Before you submit, check that the addenda answered what you asked.
Questions estimators ask
Are answers at a pre-bid meeting binding?
Usually not, unless they're issued in an addendum. Check the instructions to bidders: most say only written addenda change the documents.
Is the pre-bid meeting mandatory?
Sometimes. A mandatory meeting is stated in the instructions to bidders, and missing it can disqualify your bid. Check before you skip one.
Can Bidprobe help me prepare?
Yes. Run the review before the meeting: it lists the scope gaps and the RFIs worth sending, each tied to the sheet or spec section it came from, so you walk in with your questions ready.
Walk in with your questions ready.
One free bid check on every new account, no card required. Most checks come back in 5 to 15 minutes.