Sample Construction Estimates and Takeoffs
- Excel estimates by CSI division
- Color-coded takeoff drawings
- Clarifications & exclusions
- Residential, commercial & trade samples
Send Your Plans for a Fixed-Price Quote
- Upload plans, specs & addenda
- Approve your fixed quote
- Receive your estimate in 24–48 hrs
What a Professional Estimate Should Look Like
Not all estimates are equal. A single total on a page tells you nothing about what was included, how quantities were measured or which prices were used. A professional estimate shows its work: quantities you can check, unit costs you can compare and assumptions you can challenge.
Our samples show the format we deliver on every project: a summary by CSI division, detailed line items with quantities and units, labor and material breakdowns, marked-up drawings and a clear list of clarifications and exclusions. Request any sample below, or read how each estimate is built in our estimating process.
What’s included in a sample estimate?
Request a Sample Estimate
Residential Estimate Sample
Single-family home estimate by CSI division with lumber list, allowances and draw schedule.
Commercial Bid Estimate Sample
Multi-division commercial estimate with general conditions, alternates and scope letter.
Quantity Takeoff Sample
Takeoff-only deliverable with quantities by area and color-coded drawings.
Trade Estimate Sample
Single-trade estimate — such as electrical or drywall — formatted for a GC bid.
Conceptual Estimate Sample
UniFormat systems-based budget with ranges, contingency and escalation.
Xactimate Estimate Sample
Insurance restoration estimate with sketch and photo-referenced line items.
How Line Items Are Organized
| CSI section | Description | Quantity | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 30 00 | Footings — 3,000 psi concrete | 42 | CY | Material + labor + pump |
| 03 20 00 | Footing reinforcing — #5 bars | 1.8 | TON | Includes laps and chairs |
| 06 10 00 | Exterior wall framing — 2×6 @ 16" o.c. | 1,960 | SF | Includes plates and headers |
| 07 31 00 | Architectural shingles | 38 | SQ | Waste stated separately |
| 09 21 16 | Gypsum board — 5/8" Type X | 8,400 | SF | Two layers at rated walls |
| 26 05 19 | Branch wiring — 12 AWG | 6,200 | LF | In EMT per specifications |
Illustrative format only — actual estimates include material, labor and equipment pricing columns and project-specific quantities.
The Anatomy of Our Estimates
Summary sheet
Detail sheets
Takeoff drawings
Clarifications & exclusions
Services Behind These Samples
Related services
Related trade estimates
Sample Estimate FAQs
Why aren’t samples available for instant download?
Our samples are based on real project formats, so we share them on request to protect client confidentiality.
Will my estimate look exactly like the sample?
The structure is the same; the detail and organization are tailored to your project, trade and any format you request.
Can you match my company’s format?
Yes. Send your template, bid form or cost codes and we will organize the estimate to match.
Do samples include pricing?
Samples show the full pricing format. Pricing in samples is illustrative and should not be used for your project.
Do you provide native Excel files?
Yes. Estimates are delivered as Excel workbooks with PDF takeoff drawings.
Can I see an Xactimate sample?
Yes. Ask for the Xactimate sample when you contact us.