Site Lighting: what bids leave out
Site lighting bids can split the job in strange places. One bidder carries the poles, fixtures, concrete pole bases, trenching, conduit, wire and controls. Another quotes poles and fixtures only, assumes the concrete sub pours the bases, and leaves trenching and patching to the site contractor. Put every bid on the same scope before you compare.
Level your site lighting bids with this checklist →
Standard scope checklist
Send this to every bidder and ask them to mark each line Included, Excluded or give an Add $. Silence is not inclusion.
Sending it out? Use the free scope letter template to ask every bidder for line-item scope, inclusions, exclusions and alternates. Terms to know: exclusion, by others.
| # | Scope item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fixture schedule: count, type and mounting height |
| 2 | Poles: height, material and finish |
| 3 | Concrete pole bases: design, excavation, rebar and anchor bolts |
| 4 | Building-mounted fixtures (if in scope) |
| 5 | Photometric plan and lighting levels (check local code/AHJ) |
| 6 | Trenching, conduit and backfill |
| 7 | Boring under existing paving or drives |
| 8 | Wire, pull boxes and grounding |
| 9 | Circuits and breakers from the panel |
| 10 | Controls: photocells, timers or lighting control system |
| 11 | Light trespass and shielding requirements (check local code/AHJ) |
| 12 | Utility coordination for any separate service |
| 13 | Removal or relocation of existing poles |
| 14 | Saw-cut and patch paving and curbs |
| 15 | Restoration of landscaped areas |
| 16 | Pole protection (bollards or raised bases) in parking areas |
| 17 | Lifts and cranes for setting poles |
| 18 | Aiming and night-time adjustment |
| 19 | Permits and inspections |
| 20 | Fixture and pole lead times |
| 21 | Warranty on fixtures and drivers |
| 22 | Sales tax, bond and prevailing wage |
Common exclusions and how they are worded
| Exclusion | Typical wording | Why it matters | Typical cost to cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pole bases |
| Pole bases need design, excavation, rebar and anchor bolts set to the pole's template. They often fall between electrical, concrete and site bids. | TBD |
| Trenching & boring |
| Trenching is a big part of site lighting cost, and boring under existing paving costs more. Make sure one bid carries all of it. | TBD |
| Paving & landscape repair |
| Trenches through existing paving and lawn need patching. If nobody carries it, it lands on the owner at the end. | TBD |
| Controls |
| Some jurisdictions and owners want timers, dimming or a control system. A bid with a simple photocell isn't comparable to one with full controls. | TBD |
| Photometrics |
| If the plans don't include a photometric layout, someone has to show the light levels work. Ask who provides it and whether the AHJ requires it. | TBD |
| Existing poles |
| Old poles and bases may need removal or relocation. Breaking out old bases takes time and equipment. | TBD |
| Fixture substitutions |
| Swapped fixtures may give less light or a different look. Compare the fixture models, not just the count. | TBD |
| Pole protection |
| Poles in parking areas get hit. Raised bases or bollards protect them, but only if somebody priced them. | TBD |
| Permits & utility fees |
| Permits, inspections and any separate utility service carry fees. Decide who pays them before award. | TBD |
“Typical cost to cover” is TBD. We will publish ranges only once we have real, sourced data. Until then, use your own estimate or a confirmed add price from a bidder.
Questions to ask bidders
- Does your price include the pole bases, including excavation, rebar and anchor bolts?
- Is all trenching, boring, conduit and backfill included?
- Who saw-cuts and patches paving and restores landscaped areas?
- What controls did you price: photocell, timers or a control system?
- Who provides the photometric layout, if one is needed?
- Are removal or relocation of existing poles and bases included?
- Are the fixtures you priced the exact models specified? If not, what changes?
- Are bollards or raised bases included for poles in parking areas?
Bid-ready site lighting contractors
Contractors who agree to price against the standard checklist above, with exclusions spelled out line by line. Listings are not live yet.
Featured listing
Your company · City, ST
Bids on the BidGaps checklist
Featured listing
Your company · City, ST
Bids on the BidGaps checklist