FAQs
Below are answers to the construction estimating FAQs we hear most covering pricing, turnaround times, and how our process works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms, payment policies, and privacy details for our estimating and takeoff services, plus answers to the questions we hear most.
General Estimating FAQs
What types of estimates do you provide?
We specialize in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, covering new construction, remodeling, renovation, skyscrapers, multifamily developments, retail, wastewater treatment plants, cogeneration plants, warehouses, and highways and bridges. We work with General Contractors, Subcontractors, Architects, Real Estate Developers, Owners, Lenders, Appraisers, and more.
Which trades do you cover?
We handle every CSI division and trade in construction, including Civil, Structural, Drywall, Framing, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing, Flooring, Structural & Miscellaneous Steel, Thermal & Moisture Protection, Fire Suppression, Sitework, and Lumber takeoffs and detailed estimates.
How do you price out projects?
We use industry-standard cost databases like RS Means and Craftsman's National Cost Estimator, both updated with zip-code-based pricing multiple times a year, keeping every bid competitive and accurate.
Would you ever reuse the same estimate for a different client?
No, never. Confidentiality is a core part of how we operate. Reusing or sharing client information would breach trust and damage long-term business relationships, and that's not something we're willing to do. We also offer consultancy on staying competitive and improving your bid-hit ratio.
What if I don't have finalized plans for my project?
That's not a problem. We can build an estimate from whatever details and specifications you're able to share. Our estimators draw on historical project data to prepare a defensible preliminary estimate, even without complete drawings.
Can you estimate a project if the drawings aren't finished yet?
Yes. We regularly work with architects, developers, and design and engineering firms during early planning and design stages. If you have preliminary drawings or specifications, we can build an accurate estimate to support procurement, supplier communication, or early design decisions.
How accurate are your estimates?
Our estimators include engineers, trade specialists, field superintendents, and project managers, giving every estimate real, practical grounding. Pricing is based on zip-code-specific data that accounts for inflation, material shortages, import/export tariffs, and other market factors that can shift costs.
Our Payment Policies
How do I get started with your estimating services?
Send us your plans, project details, and specifications. Our estimators will review everything and follow up with a quote and proposed turnaround time. Once you accept the quote, we'll send an invoice, and work begins as soon as payment is received, with delivery within the agreed timeframe.
How much does a material takeoff or estimate cost?
Pricing depends on each project's specific scope and size. Upload your plans and we'll review them and follow up with a quote. Quotes are always negotiable, we encourage clients to share their plans first, get a quote, and work out final pricing from there.
Do you offer hourly rates?
We typically price on a per-project basis, though we're happy to work out an hourly rate once we understand your project's details. This structure works well for busy contractors, and can save significantly compared to the cost of an in-house estimator.
How can I pay for your services?
We send invoices through QuickBooks or PayPal, whichever you're more comfortable with. We accept credit cards, along with secure payment links sent directly to your email.
Do you charge separately for revisions, drawing changes, or bid filing?
Minor revisions and drawing changes typically aren't charged separately. Larger addendums may carry a modest additional charge, and bid filing is billed separately from the estimate itself.
Do you offer monthly packages or long-term arrangements?
Yes, we believe in building long-term relationships and offer monthly estimating packages designed to reduce costs compared to maintaining an in-house estimator. See our Pricing page for details.
Are monthly packages binding?
No. There are no binding agreements or automatic recurring charges tied to our monthly packages.
Our Privacy Policies
What personal information do you collect from website visitors and chat users?
When we ask for information like your name, email, or phone number, whether through web chat, a form, or a phone call, it's used to provide you with relevant information about our services or to work out pricing on a quote. This information is never used for unsolicited calls or emails.
When is information collected, and how is it used?
Information shared through website chat, contact forms, or phone calls is collected solely to help us provide you with better, more relevant service.
How do you protect my information?
Your information is used to support better customer service. We use malware scanning and SSL certificates to protect our site, and we never ask for credit card information directly. Invoicing runs through secure QuickBooks, which doesn't disclose client information to third parties.
Do you share my information with third parties?
No. We do not disclose client information to third parties, and we have no relationships with outside parties who request or require that data.
How do you comply with the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)?
Our privacy policy is published on our website and outlines what information we collect and how it's used. Visitors can browse our site anonymously, and sharing personal information is always optional, never a requirement.
Do you comply with COPPA and the CAN-SPAM Act?
Our marketing is never directed at children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect personal information from minors. In line with CAN-SPAM requirements, our audience can opt in or out of communications at any time.
Do you follow fair information practices?
Yes. We do not breach personal, commercial, or bid information between any parties involved in a project, and we hold this standard firmly across our entire organization.
We're Happy to Help
Reach out directly and our team will get back to you with the details you need.
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