Construction Estimate Pricing
Every project gets a clear, fixed quote before we start, usually within one business day. Here is how our pricing works and what affects the cost.
How Our Pricing Works
We do not use a one-size price list, because a one-page tenant improvement and a 200-sheet hospital are very different jobs. Instead, every project gets its own quote.
Send your drawings, the scope you need and your bid date. We review the documents and send a fixed quote with the turnaround time, usually within one business day. You decide whether to go ahead. Nothing starts and nothing is charged until you approve the quote.
What Affects the Price of an Estimate
Project Size
The number of sheets, the building area and how many floors or buildings are included.
Number of Trades
One trade, a few trades or a full estimate across every CSI division.
Level of Detail
A budget estimate from early drawings or a detailed bid estimate from construction documents.
Drawing Quality
Clear, complete, scaled drawings take less time than scans or partial sets.
Turnaround
Standard delivery is 1 to 2 days. Urgent requests are possible based on your requirements.
Format
Our standard Excel format, or your own template and item codes.
Services We Quote
Trade Estimates
Quantities and pricing for one trade, such as electrical, HVAC, concrete or drywall.
Learn more →Full Project Estimates
Every CSI division for general contractors, developers and owners.
Learn more →Residential Estimates
Homes, additions and remodels for builders and remodelers.
Learn more →Quantity Takeoffs
Measured quantities only, so you can apply your own prices.
Learn more →BIM and Drafting
Revit models, MEP and structural design, drafting and PDF to CAD, quoted by scope.
Learn more →What Is Included in Every Quote
- A fixed price for the agreed scope
- The turnaround time and delivery date
- The format: CSI divisions, trade by trade or your template
- Excel workbook and PDF summary
- Answers to your questions about the delivered estimate
Why Contractors Outsource Estimating
A full-time estimator is a fixed cost every month, even when bid volume drops. Outsourcing lets you pay per project, bid more work during busy periods and get a second set of numbers on large or unfamiliar jobs. We work as an outsourced estimating team for contractors, builders and developers in every state, province, city and town in the USA and Canada.
See What You Get First
Not sure what an estimate looks like? View our sample estimates in PDF and Excel before you send your drawings.
Send your drawings. Get a fixed quote, usually within one business day.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a construction estimate cost?
It depends on the project size, the number of trades, the drawing quality, the level of detail and your deadline. Send your drawings and we will send a fixed quote before we start.
Do you offer free estimates?
No. Each project is quoted based on its scope and deadline. You receive a quote first and decide before any work starts.
How fast will I get a quote?
Usually within one business day after we receive your drawings and scope.
Is a trade estimate cheaper than a full project estimate?
Usually yes, because only one trade is measured and priced. A full estimate covers every CSI division.
Is a quantity takeoff cheaper than a priced estimate?
Usually yes. A takeoff gives quantities only, while a priced estimate adds labor, material and equipment costs.
Do urgent estimates cost more?
Urgent turnaround is possible based on your requirements. Rush work may change the quote, and we confirm it before we start.
Do you charge for addenda and revisions?
Small clarifications are part of the job. New addenda or design changes that add scope are quoted before we update the estimate.
Do you offer monthly or volume pricing?
Contractors who send regular bids can ask about ongoing pricing for repeat work.
How are BIM and drafting services priced?
By scope: the number of sheets, the size of the building, the level of detail and the deadline. We quote each project before we start.
What do I need to send for a quote?
Your drawings or a link to them, the trades or scope you need, the project location and your bid date.