Question 1

What is a construction cost estimate?

Accepted Answer

It is a priced, itemised forecast of the labor, material and equipment needed to build your project, organised by trade so you can bid or budget with confidence.

Question 2

How fast can I get my estimate?

Accepted Answer

Most residential estimates are delivered in 24 – 48 hours. Larger commercial and industrial packages typically take 3 – 5 working days.

Question 3

What do you need from me to start?

Accepted Answer

Architectural and structural drawings in PDF or CAD, any specifications or addenda, your location and your bid due date.

Question 4

What file formats do you accept?

Accepted Answer

PDF, DWG, RVT, and image scans. We can work from hand sketches for conceptual budgets.

Question 5

What will I receive?

Accepted Answer

An Excel estimate workbook, a PDF summary, marked-up plans showing what was counted and, on Standard and Premium, a full BOQ.

Question 6

How is pricing calculated?

Accepted Answer

By project size, trade count, drawing quality and turnaround. Plans start at $150 and every quote is fixed before work begins.

Question 7

Do you offer discounts for repeat work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Monthly bid-support subscriptions reduce the per-project fee significantly for contractors bidding regularly.

Question 8

Which regions do you serve?

Accepted Answer

The USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Europe, the GCC, Australia and New Zealand.

Question 9

Do you use local pricing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We apply regional labor and material rates from RSMeans and live supplier data for your zip or postcode.

Question 10

Are your estimates accurate?

Accepted Answer

Our completed estimates typically land within 3 – 5% of the awarded contract value when drawings are complete.

Question 11

Do you sign NDAs?

Accepted Answer

Always. An NDA is executed before drawings are opened, and your files are never reused.

Question 12

Who prepares my estimate?

Accepted Answer

Certified estimators with sector experience, supervised by a senior reviewer who audits before delivery.

Question 13

Can you price only one trade?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Single-trade takeoffs — concrete, drywall, electrical and so on — are a large part of our work.

Question 14

Do you help with bid preparation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare bid forms, vendor comparison sheets and scope letters alongside the estimate.

Question 15

Can you help with change orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We price change orders and prepare backup documentation for claims and disputes.

Question 16

Do you provide design services too?

Accepted Answer

Yes — architectural, Mediterranean-style, interior, structural, HVAC and MEP design under one roof.

Question 17

Can design and estimating be combined?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is usually cheaper. Designing with a live cost model avoids expensive redesign.

Question 18

Do you produce permit drawings?

Accepted Answer

We produce permit-ready sets. Stamping is arranged through a licensed engineer in your jurisdiction.

Question 19

What software do you work in?

Accepted Answer

Planswift, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, ETABS, STAAD, HAP and Excel.

Question 20

Can I request revisions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every plan includes a revision window, and Premium includes unlimited in-scope revisions.

Question 21

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Card, bank transfer, PayPal or Wise. Invoices are issued on delivery for account clients.

Question 22

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

For first-time clients we ask for 50% up front on projects above $1,000. Smaller jobs are billed on delivery.

Question 23

Can you meet a same-day deadline?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, on rush terms. Send the drawings and we will confirm feasibility within the hour.

Question 24

Do you work with homeowners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Homeowners use us for renovation budgets and for checking contractor quotes.

Question 25

Can you support a lender or insurance submission?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare cost reports formatted for lender draws, appraisals and insurance replacement values.

Question 26

Do you provide LEED or sustainability costing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, including premium-cost comparisons for sustainable materials and systems.

Question 27

What if my drawings are incomplete?

Accepted Answer

We will list assumptions and exclusions clearly so the estimate remains usable and defensible.

Question 28

Do you offer a sample report?

Accepted Answer

Yes — request one through the contact form and we will send a redacted sample for your sector.

Question 29

Is there a minimum project size?

Accepted Answer

No minimum. Small single-trade takeoffs are welcome.

Question 30

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Send your drawings through the quote form. You will have a fixed price and schedule the same day.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to price your next project?