Construction estimating
Estimate types by design stage
Estimates are usually classified by how much of the project is defined. In the US and Canada this is often described using AACE International's estimate classes; in the UK, RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM 1) sets out order-of-cost estimates and cost plans by stage.
| Estimate type | Typical use | Prepared from | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conceptual or order-of-magnitude | Feasibility, site selection, early budgets | Program, gross area, building type, location | A cost range built from area-based or system-level pricing, with the assumptions written down. |
| Preliminary or budget | Schematic design or design development | Partial drawings, outline specification | Element or system-level quantities with allowances for undeveloped scope. |
| Detailed or bid | Construction documents, tendering, bid day | Complete drawings, specifications, addenda | Line-item quantities and pricing by trade, CSI division or NRM element. |
| Trade takeoff | Subcontractor or supplier bidding | The drawings and specification sections for one trade | Quantities for your scope only, in the units you price in. |
Formats and units by market
- United States
- Detailed estimates are commonly organised by CSI MasterFormat division and measured in imperial units: cubic yards, square feet, linear feet, board feet and tons.
- Canada
- MasterFormat is also widely used. Drawings may be imperial or metric depending on the project, so we confirm the unit system before measuring.
- United Kingdom
- Measurement typically follows RICS NRM: NRM 1 for cost planning and NRM 2 for detailed measurement for building works. Quantities are metric: m³, m², m and tonnes.
If you need a particular template or breakdown — for example matching an owner's bid form or your own estimating spreadsheet — tell us in the request.
What affects the price of an estimate
- Size and complexity of the building
- Number of trades or divisions to be priced
- How complete and consistent the drawings are
- Whether you need quantities only, or quantities with pricing
- The deadline
We quote each estimate individually after reviewing the documents. There is no fixed price list.
How a request works
Step 1
Send the request
Use the estimate request form to tell us the project type, location, trades and deadline.
Step 2
Review and quote
We look at the documents, ask about anything unclear, and confirm the scope, format, price and delivery date of the estimate before work starts.
Step 3
Takeoff and pricing
Quantities are measured from the drawings and priced for the project location. Assumptions, exclusions and the pricing basis are written into the estimate.
Step 4
Delivery and questions
You receive the estimate in the agreed format. Questions and revisions are handled as agreed in the quote.
Estimates by trade and project type
Have drawings ready?
Send the plans, specifications and the scope you need priced. We review the documents and reply with any questions and a quote for the estimate.