The specific challenges of the trade in Quebec
A Quebec electrical bid is more complex than a simple price list. It must integrate:
- CCQ hourly rates (journeyman, apprentice by level) — updated every year
- CMEQ compliance — applicable working conditions, premiums and allowances
- The Quebec Construction Code — electrical section, especially for commercial and industrial projects
- Materials — wiring, panels, breakers, fixtures, conduit — with prices that move with the copper market
- The RBQ licence — subclass 15 (electricity) or 16 (fire alarm) depending on the work
Most master electricians spend 3 to 5 hours preparing a complex bid manually. At 5 to 10 bids a week, that is 15 to 50 hours lost — time that should be on the jobsite.
What a professional bid must contain
Based on industry best practices and what Quebec clients and general contractors expect:
| Element | Residential | Commercial / Institutional |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed materials list | Recommended | Mandatory |
| CCQ labour hours | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| RBQ licence number | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Bid validity period | 30 days | 30–60 days |
| CCQ attestation | If applicable | Mandatory for SEAO |
| Electrical load plan | Optional | Often required |
How SubmitX works for your trade
Describe the project in plain language
"Complete electrical renovation of a 12-unit building in Laval — 200A panel, new distribution, LED lighting" — the AI understands and structures the project.
The AI computes CCQ costs automatically
Hours per task × 2026 CCQ hourly rate plus social benefits — fully loaded labour cost, employer contributions included.
An up-to-date materials catalogue
Access to the Quebec BOM price base (5,900+ items) with current copper prices. No surprises at billing time.
One-click professional PDF export
Your RBQ number, company info, logo and terms included automatically. Send to the client right from the app.
💡 Real case: a Montreal master electrician (residential and light commercial) cut his average bid time from 4 hours to 18 minutes after 2 weeks on SubmitX.
SubmitX vs Excel vs generic software
| Criterion | Excel / paper | Generic software | SubmitX ERP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time per bid | 3–5 h | 1–2 h | 10–20 min |
| 2026 CCQ rates built in | Manual | No | Automatic |
| Quebec BOM catalogue | No | No | 5,900+ items |
| SEAO monitoring | No | No | Built in |
| Mobile on the jobsite | Limited | Partial | Full app |
| RBQ/CCQ compliance | Manual | No | Automatic |
Pricing and return on investment
SubmitX starts at $99/month CAD. For an electrician who wins one extra contract per month thanks to faster, more professional bids — at an average value of $15,000 — the ROI is 151× in a single month.
Counting only the time saved: 20 hours/month × $75/h loaded labour cost = $1,500 saved per month for a $99 subscription.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best electrical estimating software in Quebec?
SubmitX is built for Quebec electricians: automatic 2026 CCQ rates, CMEQ compliance, 5,900+ item Quebec materials base and AI bid generation in 2 minutes. From $99/month, free trial without a credit card.
Does it handle CCQ payroll for electricians?
Yes. SubmitX computes CCQ payroll by classification (journeyman, apprentice), files CCQ monthly reports and produces T4s — for every construction trade including electricians.
Can it read my electrical plans?
Yes. The AI electrical analyzer reads PDF plans, identifies circuits, panels and equipment, and produces a complete materials and labour takeoff automatically.
Try SubmitX free for 7 days
Create your first bid in under 20 minutes — no credit card required.
Start the free trial