Trying to get better at estimating project timelines. How do you break down time allocation across different audit phases? Data gathering, analysis, utility research, report writing, etc.?
Time tracking for audit phases
Good point Earl. I always pad my estimates by 25% for unknowns. Also track actual time vs estimates to improve future bidding. ComEd audits consistently take longer due to their complex tariff structures.
Aaron - for a typical commercial audit I budget roughly: 20% data gathering, 40% analysis, 15% utility research/calls, 20% report writing, 5% client meetings. Complex manufacturing sites need more analysis time, simple offices need more utility research usually.
Those percentages look about right Rachel. I'd add that utility research can expand dramatically if you hit billing errors or need to get historical data corrected. Had one audit where utility calls took 40% of total time due to a complex demand billing issue.