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Trade Estimating

Trade Estimating Services for 24 Construction Trades

Trade-specific takeoffs and estimates for Ohio subcontractors, suppliers and general contractors — organized by CSI MasterFormat division and priced with current Ohio labor and material costs.
Free, No-Obligation Quote

Send Your Plans for a Fixed-Price Quote

Email your drawings or share a Dropbox / Google Drive link. We reply with a fixed fee and a delivery date before any work begins.
Why Outsource

Why Ohio Subcontractors Outsource Trade Estimating

Subcontractors win work one bid at a time, but every bid takes hours of takeoff before pricing can even begin. When bids stack up, owners and project managers end up measuring plans at night — or passing on work they could have won. Outsourcing the takeoff and estimate lets your team focus on pricing strategy, relationships and running jobs.

Our trade estimators specialize by discipline, so a drywall estimate is prepared by someone who knows wall-type legends and finish levels, and an electrical estimate by someone fluent in one-line diagrams and labor units. Every trade estimate follows its CSI MasterFormat division, making it easy for general contractors to compare against other bidders.

Need the whole building? Combine trades into a coordinated MEP estimate or a full bid estimate.

Quick Answer

What is a trade estimate?

A trade estimate measures and prices the scope of one construction trade — such as concrete, roofing or electrical — including materials, labor, equipment and the trade’s specific requirements, organized by its CSI division so it can be bid to a general contractor or owner.
Trade Group

Sitework & Concrete Estimating

Site preparation, foundations and heavy structure.

Earthwork Estimating Services

Cut/fill, grading, site utilities, stormwater and erosion control.

Demolition Estimating Services

Full and selective demolition with hauling, disposal and recycling.

Asphalt Paving Estimating Services

Pavement sections, overlays, milling, patching and striping.

Landscaping Estimating Services

Plants, seed, sod, irrigation, hardscape and retaining walls.

Concrete Estimating Services

Footings, walls, slabs, tilt-up and flatwork with rebar and forming.

Masonry Estimating Services

Brick, block, stone and veneer with grout, ties and flashing.

Trade Group

Structure & Envelope Estimating

The frame and the weather-tight shell.

Structural Steel Estimating Services

Tonnage, joists, deck and miscellaneous metals with erection.

Framing Estimating Services

Complete lumber lists, trusses, sheathing and hardware.

Roofing Estimating Services

Shingle, metal and membrane roofs with accessories and tear-off.

Siding Estimating Services

Vinyl, fiber cement and wood siding with trim, soffit and fascia.

Insulation Estimating Services

Insulation, air barriers, waterproofing, sealants and firestopping.

Glazing Estimating Services

Curtain wall, storefront, entrances and interior glass.

Trade Group

Interiors & Openings Estimating

Doors, walls, ceilings, finishes and fire protection.

Doors and Windows Estimating Services

Doors, frames, hardware sets and window packages.

Drywall Estimating Services

Metal studs, gypsum board, rated assemblies, finishes and ceilings.

Painting Estimating Services

Interior, exterior and high-performance coatings and wallcoverings.

Flooring Estimating Services

Carpet, LVT, tile, wood and resinous floors with prep and base.

Millwork Estimating Services

Trim, cabinets, casework and custom architectural woodwork.

Fire Protection Estimating Services

Wet, dry, preaction and ESFR sprinkler systems and fire pumps.

Trade Group

MEP Systems Estimating

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology systems.

Plumbing Estimating Services

Underground and above-ground piping, fixtures, water heaters and gas.

HVAC Estimating Services

Equipment, ductwork, air devices, exhaust and controls.

Mechanical Estimating Services

Hydronic, steam and process piping with central plant equipment.

Electrical Estimating Services

Service, distribution, lighting, devices and generators.

Low Voltage Estimating Services

Structured cabling, fire alarm, security, access control and AV.

MEP Estimating Services

Coordinated mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection.

Quick Reference

Trades by CSI Division and Takeoff Units

Every trade estimate is organized by its CSI MasterFormat division and measured in the units suppliers and crews use.
TradeCSI divisionTypical takeoff units
Concrete EstimatingDivision 03CY, tons of rebar, SF of forms
Masonry EstimatingDivision 04Units, SF of wall
Structural Steel EstimatingDivision 05Tons, pieces, SF of deck
Framing EstimatingDivision 06Pieces, board feet, sheets
Millwork EstimatingDivisions 06 & 12LF of trim, EA cabinets
Roofing EstimatingDivision 07Squares, LF of flashing
Siding EstimatingDivision 07Squares, LF of trim
Insulation EstimatingDivision 07SF by R-value, LF of sealant
Doors and Windows EstimatingDivision 08EA openings, hardware sets
Glazing EstimatingDivision 08SF of glass, LF of frame
Drywall EstimatingDivision 09SF of board, LF of studs
Painting EstimatingDivision 09SF of surface, gallons
Flooring EstimatingDivision 09SF / SY, LF of base
Fire Protection EstimatingDivision 21Heads, LF of pipe
Plumbing EstimatingDivision 22Fixtures, LF of pipe
HVAC EstimatingDivision 23Lbs of duct, EA equipment
Mechanical EstimatingDivisions 22–23LF of pipe by size, EA equipment
Electrical EstimatingDivision 26Devices, LF of conduit & wire
Low Voltage EstimatingDivisions 27–28Drops, devices
MEP EstimatingDivisions 21–28By system
Earthwork EstimatingDivisions 31 & 33CY of cut/fill, LF of utilities
Asphalt Paving EstimatingDivision 32Tons, SY
Landscaping EstimatingDivision 32EA plants, SF / SY
Demolition EstimatingDivision 02SF / CF, tons of debris
How It Works

How the Estimating Process Works

Trade estimates follow the same five steps as every project, starting with a fixed quote. See our full estimating process.
01

Send Your Plans

Upload drawings, specs and addenda or share a link, and tell us the scope, bid date and format you need.
02

Fixed Quote

We review the documents and reply with a fixed fee and delivery date before any work starts.
03

Takeoff & Pricing

Quantities are measured digitally and priced with current Ohio labor, material and equipment costs.
04

Quality Review

A second estimator checks quantities, unit costs, math and scope gaps before release.
05

Delivery & Support

You receive the Excel estimate and marked-up takeoffs, plus updates for addenda and answers to questions.
FAQs

Trade Estimating FAQs

Common questions from subcontractors and suppliers.

Yes. Every trade is available on its own, from a single-trade takeoff to a complete priced estimate.

Both. Choose a quantity takeoff if you apply your own pricing, or a full trade estimate with material and labor.

Most single-trade estimates are delivered within 24–48 hours of receiving complete plans; large commercial and industrial packages take three to five business days.

Yes. Send a sample of your bid form or estimating template, and we will organize the estimate to match.

Yes. Framing, roofing, siding, concrete, drywall, MEP and other residential trades are available, or order a full residential estimate.

Yes. We serve trade contractors in all 88 Ohio counties. See our service areas.

Start Your Estimate

Send Your Plans for a Trade Estimate

Tell us the trade and bid date — we’ll reply with a fixed quote and delivery time.
ask@ohiocostestimating.com  ·  101 Normandy Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
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