Our Construction Estimating Process
- Fixed quote before any work
- Digital, auditable takeoffs
- Two-step quality review
- Revisions for addenda
Send Your Plans for a Fixed-Price Quote
- Upload plans, specs & addenda
- Approve your fixed quote
- Receive your estimate in 24–48 hrs
A Process Built for Accuracy and Speed
Fast estimates are only useful if they are right. Our process is designed so speed never comes from skipping steps: every project goes through a scope review, a fixed quote, a measured digital takeoff, pricing from current Ohio data, an independent review by a second estimator and a documented delivery.
The same process applies whether you need a single-trade quantity takeoff for tomorrow’s bid or a multi-milestone preconstruction program for a hospital. What changes is the level of detail and the schedule — both of which are agreed in writing before we start.
Below you’ll find each step in detail, what we need from you, typical turnaround times and how we handle revisions. For how we source prices, see our cost data and methodology.
How long does the estimating process take?
The 7 Steps of Every Estimate
1. Send your plans
2. Scope review
3. Fixed quote
4. Digital takeoff
5. Ohio pricing
6. Quality review
7. Delivery & support
What We Need From You
The more complete the documents, the more precise the estimate. Missing items don’t stop us — we state assumptions and allowances clearly — but they do widen the range of possible outcomes.
If you have a preferred estimate format, bid form or cost-code structure, send it with your plans and we will organize the estimate to match. For public bids, include the bid form and any prevailing wage requirements.
Checklist
- Complete drawings (PDF or CAD)
- Specifications / project manual
- All addenda issued to date
- Project address or city
- Trades or scope to price
- Bid date and required format
- Geotechnical report (if available)
- Your bid form or template (optional)
Typical Turnaround Times
| Project type | Typical turnaround | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential estimate | 24–48 hours | Single-family homes, additions and remodels |
| Single-trade takeoff or estimate | 24–48 hours | Most trades and project sizes |
| Commercial estimate | 3–5 business days | Depends on size and number of divisions |
| Industrial estimate | 3–5+ business days | Large sites and process scopes take longer |
| Conceptual / feasibility estimate | 2–4 business days | Depends on number of scenarios |
| Xactimate estimate | 24–48 hours | After photos and measurements are received |
| Rush service | By arrangement | Subject to availability; ask when you request a quote |
How We Check Every Estimate
Quantity check
Pricing check
Scope check
Math and presentation
Revisions, Addenda and Support
Delivery isn’t the end of the job. If addenda are issued before your bid date, we update the estimate and show what changed. If you have questions about a quantity or assumption, the estimator who prepared it answers.
Corrections to our own errors are always free. Updates for addenda are handled as described in your quote, and significant redesigns are quoted separately before we begin.
Our commitments
- Free corrections of our errors
- Addenda updates with a change log
- Direct access to your estimator
- Confidential handling of all documents
- NDA available on request
Process FAQs
Can I talk to the estimator?
Yes. The estimator who prepares your estimate is available for questions during and after the work.
What if my plans are incomplete?
We estimate what is shown and list assumptions and allowances for missing information, so you can see exactly where risk remains.
Do you work weekends for bid deadlines?
When capacity allows, rush and weekend work can be arranged. Ask when you request a quote.
How do you keep my documents secure?
Documents are used only for your estimate and shared with no one else. See our privacy policy.
Can you follow our estimating template?
Yes. Send your template or cost codes and we will organize the estimate to match.