Question 1

What is construction estimating?

Accepted Answer

Construction estimating is the process of calculating the total cost of a construction project, including materials, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit. Accurate estimates are essential for winning bids, securing financing, and controlling project costs.

Question 2

What types of estimates do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide conceptual estimates, schematic design estimates, design development estimates, construction document estimates, GMP estimates, bid estimates, and change order estimates. We also prepare RSMeans cost reports, DOB cost reports, and Independent Government Estimates (IGEs).

Question 3

What is the difference between a budget estimate and a bid estimate?

Accepted Answer

A budget estimate is prepared early in the design process to establish project feasibility and funding requirements. A bid estimate is a detailed, final cost breakdown prepared from completed construction documents and used to submit a competitive bid.

Question 4

Do you provide estimates for all project types?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We estimate commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, government, infrastructure, residential, multifamily, hospitality, retail, and data center projects. We cover all project types and all CSI divisions.

Question 5

How accurate are your estimates?

Accepted Answer

Our estimates consistently achieve accuracy within 2-5% of final contract awards, depending on the completeness of design documents. We document all assumptions and exclusions so clients understand exactly what is and is not included.

Question 6

Do you provide estimates for renovation projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We estimate renovation, tenant improvement, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse projects. We account for existing conditions, phasing requirements, and the additional complexity of working in occupied buildings.

Question 7

What is a quantity takeoff?

Accepted Answer

A quantity takeoff (QTO) is the process of measuring and quantifying all materials required for a construction project directly from the construction drawings. Takeoffs are the foundation of accurate cost estimates.

Question 8

What software do you use for takeoffs?

Accepted Answer

We use PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, and On-Screen Takeoff for digital quantity takeoffs. We can work with PDF drawings, CAD files, Revit models, and paper plans.

Question 9

Do you provide takeoffs for all trades?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide takeoffs for all trades including civil, structural, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, roofing, drywall, flooring, painting, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and low voltage.

Question 10

What format do you deliver takeoffs in?

Accepted Answer

We deliver takeoffs in Excel, PDF, or your preferred estimating software format. All takeoffs include quantity summaries, unit of measure, and references to drawing sheets and details.

Question 11

Can you perform takeoffs from Revit BIM models?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can extract quantities directly from Revit models and other BIM platforms. BIM-based takeoffs improve accuracy and reduce the time required for quantity verification.

Question 12

How long does it take to receive an estimate?

Accepted Answer

Standard turnaround is 48-72 hours for most estimates. Complex projects or large scopes may require 5-7 business days. Rush delivery is available for urgent bid deadlines — contact us to discuss your timeline.

Question 13

What do you need to start an estimate?

Accepted Answer

We need construction drawings (PDF or CAD), project specifications, and a description of the project scope. For preliminary estimates, conceptual drawings or a project narrative may be sufficient.

Question 14

How do I submit my plans?

Accepted Answer

You can email plans to our team, share via Dropbox, Google Drive, or any file sharing platform, or upload directly through our contact form. All project documents are kept strictly confidential.

Question 15

Do you offer rush estimating services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer rush estimating services for bids due in less than 24 hours. Rush fees apply. Contact us immediately to discuss availability and pricing for emergency bid requests.

Question 16

What happens after I submit my project?

Accepted Answer

After receiving your project documents, we review the scope, confirm the timeline, and assign an estimator. We will contact you within 2 hours to confirm receipt and discuss any questions about the scope.

Question 17

How much does an estimate cost?

Accepted Answer

Estimating fees are based on project size, complexity, and scope of services. We provide a fixed-fee quote before starting any work. Contact us with your project details for a fee proposal.

Question 18

Do you charge for a fee proposal?

Accepted Answer

No. Fee proposals are provided at no charge. Contact us with your project scope and we will provide a fixed-fee quote within 24 hours.

Question 19

Is my project information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All project information, drawings, specifications, and cost data are kept strictly confidential. We do not share client information with any third parties. We are happy to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) upon request.

Question 20

Do you sign NDAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We routinely execute Non-Disclosure Agreements for clients who require them. Contact us to request an NDA before submitting project documents.

Question 21

Do you offer retainer or subscription pricing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For clients with ongoing estimating needs, we offer monthly retainer arrangements that provide priority service and reduced per-project fees. Contact us to discuss retainer options.

Question 22

What is an Independent Government Estimate (IGE)?

Accepted Answer

An Independent Government Estimate (IGE) is a cost estimate prepared by the government or an independent third party to establish the fair and reasonable price for a construction contract. IGEs are required by FAR for most federal construction procurements.

Question 23

Are your IGEs FAR-compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All IGEs are prepared in accordance with FAR Part 36 and applicable agency-specific requirements. Our estimates are fully documented and ready for agency review and audit.

Question 24

Do you have experience with MILCON projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have experience with Military Construction (MILCON) projects for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. We understand UFGS specifications, UFC design criteria, and DoD cost reporting requirements.

Question 25

Can you prepare estimates for USACE projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare estimates for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects including civil works, military construction, and environmental remediation projects.

Question 26

What is RSMeans?

Accepted Answer

RSMeans is the industry-standard construction cost database published by Gordian. It provides unit cost data for thousands of construction tasks, including labor, material, and equipment costs, adjusted for location and market conditions.

Question 27

When is an RSMeans cost report needed?

Accepted Answer

RSMeans cost reports are commonly required for construction loan applications, insurance replacement cost assessments, permit applications, feasibility studies, and budget validation for owners and developers.

Question 28

What is a DOB cost report?

Accepted Answer

A DOB (Department of Buildings) cost report is a construction cost estimate prepared for submission to a local building department as part of a permit application. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Question 29

How quickly can you deliver a cost report?

Accepted Answer

Standard cost reports are delivered in 3-5 business days. Rush delivery is available for time-sensitive permit applications or loan closings.

Question 30

What estimating software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, RSMeans Data Online, Sage Estimating, and Advanced Excel for estimating and takeoffs. We also use Procore, Primavera P6, AutoCAD, Revit, BuildingConnected, and ConstructConnect.

Question 31

Can you work with our estimating software?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. We can export estimates in Excel, CSV, or other formats compatible with most estimating platforms. Contact us to discuss your specific software requirements.

Question 32

Do you use BIM for estimating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can perform model-based quantity takeoffs from Revit, Navisworks, and other BIM platforms. BIM-based estimating improves accuracy and enables faster quantity extraction for large, complex projects.

Frequently Asked
Questions

General Estimating

Quantity Takeoffs

Turnaround & Process

Pricing & Confidentiality

Federal & Government

RSMeans & Cost Reports

Software & Technology

Still Have Questions?

Frequently AskedQuestions