Construction Estimating FAQs
- General & pricing questions
- Process & turnaround
- Accuracy & cost data
- Residential, commercial & trades
Send Your Plans for a Fixed-Price Quote
- Upload plans, specs & addenda
- Approve your fixed quote
- Receive your estimate in 24–48 hrs
General Questions
What does Ohio Cost Estimating do?
We prepare construction cost estimates, quantity takeoffs and related preconstruction services for contractors, developers, owners and homeowners across Ohio. See all services.
Where are you located?
Our office is at 101 Normandy Ave, Columbus, OH 43215. We serve all 88 Ohio counties.
Are you a contractor?
No. We are an independent estimating firm. We don’t bid or build, which keeps our estimates objective.
Who uses your services?
General contractors, subcontractors, developers, owners, architects, lenders, insurance professionals and homeowners.
Do you work outside Ohio?
Ohio is our focus. We can discuss projects just across the state line for Ohio-based clients.
Quotes, Pricing & Payment Questions
How much does an estimate cost?
Fees depend on project size, trades, complexity and turnaround. You receive a fixed quote before work starts. See pricing.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Quotes are free and carry no obligation.
Do you charge by the hour?
No. All estimates are quoted as a fixed fee.
Do you offer monthly estimating support?
Yes. Contractors who bid regularly can arrange monthly support.
Process & Turnaround Questions
How fast can I get an estimate?
Most residential and single-trade estimates are delivered within 24–48 hours; commercial and industrial estimates typically take three to five business days.
What do I need to send?
Plans, specifications, addenda, project location, scope or trades to price and your bid date.
Do you offer rush service?
Yes, when capacity allows. Ask when you request a quote.
Do you update estimates for addenda?
Yes. Addenda updates are handled as described in your quote, with a change log.
Who reviews my estimate?
Every estimate is reviewed by a second estimator before delivery. See our process.
Accuracy & Cost Data Questions
How accurate are your estimates?
Accuracy depends on design completeness. We classify each estimate using AACE International guidance and state its expected range and assumptions.
Where do your prices come from?
Current Ohio supplier and subcontractor pricing, recent project data and published cost databases, adjusted for location and conditions. See our methodology.
Do you use prevailing wage rates?
Yes, for public improvements covered by Ohio’s prevailing wage law, using rates for the project county and trade.
Do you include contingency?
Contingency is shown as a separate line so it can be adjusted or removed.
Residential Questions
Do you estimate for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners use our residential estimates to budget, compare bids and support construction loans.
Can you estimate a remodel?
Yes. Remodel estimates include demolition, protection and tie-in work.
Do you provide lumber lists?
Yes. Our framing takeoffs include supplier-ready lumber lists.
Commercial & Industrial Questions
Do you estimate public bids?
Yes, including prevailing wage, bonds, alternates and unit prices.
Do you estimate data centers and plants?
Yes. See our industrial estimating service.
Trades Questions
Can I order just one trade?
Yes. All 24 trades are available individually.
Do you match subcontractor bid formats?
Yes. Send your template and we will match it.
Insurance & Xactimate Questions
Do you work for insurance carriers?
We work primarily for contractors, public adjusters and property owners.
Confidentiality Questions
Are my plans kept confidential?
Yes. Documents are used only for your estimate. See our privacy policy.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes, on request.