Sample Construction Cost Estimate: What It Includes

A construction cost estimate is a priced breakdown of the work a project needs. A sample estimate shows how that breakdown is organized, so you can check what is included before you bid or budget. This guide explains the parts of a typical estimate and what to look for when you review one.

What a Construction Cost Estimate Includes

• Project information: project name, location, drawing set and date
• Scope of work and exclusions, so both sides know what is priced
• Quantities by trade, measured from the drawings
• Labor, material and equipment costs for each item
• A summary by trade, with totals and any allowances or contingencies

How Quantities and Costs Fit Together

Quantities come first. An estimator measures each item on the drawings, such as walls, footings, doors or roof area. Each quantity is then priced with labor, material and equipment costs. A clear estimate shows both steps, so you can trace any total back to the drawing it came from. See how we do it in our quantity takeoff services.

How an Estimate Is Organized

Most commercial estimates follow CSI MasterFormat, which groups work into divisions such as Division 03 Concrete, Division 09 Finishes and Division 26 Electrical. Many subcontractors and homebuilders prefer a trade-wise layout instead, with one section per trade package. A good sample shows which format was used and why.

Types of Construction Cost Estimates

• Conceptual estimate: a rough, early figure based on limited information, often called an order-of-magnitude estimate
• Budget or preliminary estimate: a more detailed figure based on schematic drawings
• Detailed or bid estimate: a full quantity takeoff and priced breakdown, based on complete drawings and specifications

What to Check in a Sample Estimate

• Are all drawing sheets and addenda listed?
• Are exclusions written clearly?
• Do the quantities match the drawings?
• Are labor, material and equipment costs shown separately?
• Are general conditions, overhead, profit and contingency shown on their own lines?

Get a Sample From Nextron Estimating

We can email you a sample estimate, so you can review our format before you hire us. Contact us with your project type. For full estimates, see our commercial construction cost estimating and residential construction cost estimating.

Frequently Asked Questions