How we estimate commercial projects
Commercial estimates are typically organised by CSI MasterFormat division (US and Canada) or by NRM element and trade package (UK), so they can be compared directly against subcontractor bids or a cost plan.
We work from the drawing set and specifications you provide and list scope by division. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing scope is identified on request so it can be coordinated with your MEP pricing.
Typical projects
- Office buildings and medical office
- Retail and restaurant buildings
- Hotels and hospitality
- Mixed-use developments
- Core-and-shell and base building work
- Division-by-division or package-by-package breakdowns
What to send us
- Full or partial drawing set (architectural, structural, civil)
- Project specifications or outline specification
- Bid documents and addenda
- Preferred breakdown format, if you have one
What you receive
- Estimate organised by CSI division or NRM element
- Quantity takeoffs per trade
- Summary sheet with general conditions as a separate line
- Assumptions, clarifications and exclusions
The exact contents and format are agreed when we quote the estimate.
Units of measure
- United States and Canada
- Trade-specific units by division
- United Kingdom (and metric projects)
- Trade-specific units by element
