So lets get back on topic. The poster said nothing about cement. He did however say "The conduits will only be 10'- 12' long. Cables will be on j-hooks and cable tray the rest of the way to the closets."

This leads me to believe that they will only be in the walls with single gang boxes. The max you will fit ever in a single gang box is 6 cables with jacks. Atleast without damage or crimping anyway.

An increase by 16,000 is ill advised and could loose you the bid.