FAQs
Questions & Answers
Everything you might want to know.
When should an estimator be brought into a construction project?+
As early as possible. The sooner an estimator reviews the drawings, the more time there is to flag scope gaps, request RFI clarifications, and surface buy-out risks before they become budget surprises during construction.
What are the most common mistakes in construction cost estimation?+
Missing scope items on the drawings, using outdated regional pricing, ignoring general conditions and overhead, and skipping a proper waste factor. Our workflow builds each of these into a checklist before the estimate is released.
How do you build a construction cost estimate?+
We digitize the drawings in Planswift or Bluebeam, quantify every trade line by line, apply zip-code accurate unit pricing from RSMeans and current market data, then package the deliverable as a bid-ready Excel.
Why is accuracy so important in cost estimation?+
An under-bid project drains your margins for months and an over-bid one is handed to your competitor. Accurate estimates protect both your win rate and your profit.
What is your close rate? How often do your estimates win the bid?+
Our clients report an approximate 90% bid hit ratio on the packages we prepare, provided the bid is submitted competitively and on time.
Do you offer pre-bid and post-bid meetings?+
Yes. Plan review, pre-bid strategy calls, and post-bid buyout support are all included at no additional cost within the first week after delivery.
What is a construction cost estimate, exactly?+
A structured document — usually an Excel workbook — that lists every material and labor quantity required to build a project, priced at current regional rates, so a contractor can submit a competitive fixed-price bid.
What estimating software do you use?+
Planswift, Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, RSMeans, Xactimate, FastPIPE, FastDUCT, Stack, Sage Estimating, PrebuiltML, Clear Estimates and Estimator 360.
In which countries do you operate?+
We are US-based and cover the entire United States and Canada. We also serve select international clients on a case-by-case basis.
What is your average turnaround time?+
24 to 48 hours for most trades. Rush projects can be delivered within 12 hours when scheduled in advance.
Do you charge to review plans before placing an order?+
No. Plan review and quote is always free — we only bill once you accept the fixed quote and turnaround time.
How much does an estimate cost?+
Our average estimate ranges between $150–$200 depending on scope, up to 60% less than hiring an in-house estimator.
What do you need from us to start a takeoff?+
PDF drawings (architectural and structural at a minimum), any specifications you have, and your target bid date. We will confirm scope and turnaround before we start.
What is included in your material takeoffs?+
Itemized quantities by trade, unit pricing where requested, waste factors, exclusions and assumptions, and a summary sheet suitable for direct submission.
Are construction estimating services worth it?+
Yes. Outsourced estimating lets contractors bid more projects with higher accuracy while saving on in-house overhead.
