Cost Estimating Services: Accurate, Bid-Ready Estimates in 24–72 Hours
Build Plans And Estimates delivers professional cost estimating services for contractors, builders and developers: a complete, line-item construction cost estimate built directly from your plans and specs. Every package includes quantity takeoffs organized by CSI MasterFormat division, material, labor and equipment pricing, subcontractor allowances, overhead, profit and contingency, delivered as Excel and PDF in 24–72 hours, starting at $149.
Get a Free Quote →What Is Included in Our Cost Estimate Takeoff
Our construction cost estimating services follow CSI MasterFormat, so every number traces back to a division, a quantity and a unit cost. Here is what a typical takeoff contains:
| CSI Division | Typical Line Items |
|---|---|
| 03 – Concrete | Footings, slabs, rebar, formwork (CY, SF, LB) |
| 05 – Metals | Structural steel, joists, metal decking, misc. metals |
| 06 – Wood & Plastics | Framing, sheathing, blocking, millwork & casework. See our lumber takeoff service |
| 07 – Thermal & Moisture | Roofing, waterproofing, insulation, sealants, fireproofing |
| 08 – Openings | Doors, frames, hardware, storefront, glazing |
| 09 – Finishes | Drywall, ceilings, flooring, tile, paint |
| 21–23 – Fire, Plumbing, HVAC | Sprinklers, fixtures, piping, ductwork, equipment |
| 26 – Electrical | Power, lighting, devices, panels. See electrical estimating |
| 31–32 – Earthwork & Site | Excavation, paving, utilities, landscaping |
Assumptions
- Pricing based on current regional material and labor rates
- Quantities taken from the latest plan set and addenda
- Standard working hours and normal site access
- Waste factors applied per material (typically 5–10%)
Exclusions
- Permits, impact fees and utility connection charges
- Owner-supplied equipment and furnishings
- Hazardous material abatement and rock excavation
- Financing, legal and design fees
Every estimate also lists general conditions, bonds and insurance, overhead and profit, and contingency as separate lines, so you can adjust markups before you bid.
Software and Cost Databases We Use
Accurate cost estimating services depend on precise takeoffs and current pricing. Our team combines industry-standard tools with live market data:
Takeoff Software
Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift and On-Screen Takeoff for fast, auditable digital quantity takeoffs from PDF and CAD plans.
Estimating Platforms
Sage Estimating, ProEst and custom Excel models that keep every line item, assumption and markup transparent.
Cost Databases
RSMeans data from Gordian, regional labor rates and current supplier quotes, adjusted by location factor and project size.
You receive the Excel file, so your team can edit quantities, swap vendors and reuse the estimate for bid day.
Download a Sample Cost Estimate (PDF)
See exactly what you will receive. This client-safe example covers a 12,000 SF retail tenant improvement, with CSI division totals, assumptions, exclusions and markups. All project details are fictional.
⬇ Download Sample Estimate (PDF)Turnaround Time and Pricing
Turnaround
24–72 hrs
Small trade packages ship within 24 hours. Full commercial estimates typically take 48–72 hours. Rush delivery is available.
Price Range
From $250
Single-trade takeoffs start at $250. Full-project cost estimates are quoted by plan size and complexity, usually well under 0.5% of project value.
Your exact price depends on drawing count, trades and deadline. Request a free quote and we will confirm a fixed price before any work starts.
Our 4-Step Estimating Process
Send Plans
Email or upload your drawings, specs and addenda in PDF or CAD. Tell us your bid date.
Get a Quote
We review the scope and return a fixed price and delivery date, usually within hours.
We Estimate
Our estimators perform the takeoff, apply pricing and build your line-item estimate.
Delivery
Receive Excel and PDF files, plus a free review call and one round of revisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete cost estimate includes a quantity takeoff by CSI division, material, labor and equipment pricing, subcontractor allowances, general conditions, overhead, profit and contingency, plus a list of assumptions and exclusions.
Our estimates are built from your actual plans and current regional pricing, and are typically within 3–5% of final bid pricing when drawings are complete. Accuracy depends on plan quality and scope clarity.
Most single-trade takeoffs are delivered in 24 hours and full commercial estimates in 48–72 hours. Rush service is available for tight bid dates.
Single-trade takeoffs start at $149. Full-project estimates are priced by plan size and complexity. Request a free quote for a fixed price.
You receive an editable Excel workbook and a client-ready PDF, so you can adjust quantities, vendors and markups before bid day.
We need drawings and specifications in PDF or CAD, any addenda, the project location and your bid due date.
Ready for Accurate Cost Estimating Services?
Send us your plans today and get a fixed-price quote fast. Win more bids with estimates you can trust.
Get Your Free Quote →
