Preliminary Estimating Services
Confused about where your project budget stands? We offer precise preliminary estimates that contain a breakdown of all costs and quantities.
18+ Years
Industry Experience
8-20 Hours
Quick Turnaround
Local Pricing
ZIP Code Accurate
Expert Team
Certified Estimators
Preliminary Estimating Services | Accurate From Day One!
Do you have incomplete plans or need to check if the project is within the budget? Look no further than our accurate preliminary estimating services.
The purpose of a conceptual cost estimate is to give you a clear idea of the overall project costs and whether the project is feasible or not.
1800 Estimating has years of expertise in providing preliminary estimates for different project scopes. Our preliminary takeoffs and estimates help you prepare strong bid proposals and boost chances of winning.
#1 Estimating Company
Types of Preliminary Estimates for Every Project Phase
ROM Estimates
Our ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) estimate helps answer the question “Is this project worth the investment?” When little more than a concept exists, we provide dependable ROM estimates. These estimates are typically based on historical data or similar projects. While not highly detailed, they give you a realistic idea of whether or not a project is feasible. The accuracy range of our ROM estimate is between -50% to +50%.
Budget Estimates
1800 Estimating offers precise budget estimating services during the planning phase of the construction project. Our team analyzes the plans and blueprints and uses data from past projects. Thus, creating budget estimates that contain detailed line items for labor and material prices. Moreover, budget estimates have an accuracy range from -10% to +25%.
Ballpark Estimates
These estimates are best suited for clients who need a quick cost assumption without extensive details. Ballpark estimates are often prepared in the middle stages of design. They are useful when comparing multiple design options or assessing the impact of scope changes. Our ballpark estimate’s accuracy falls within 20% of the actual cost.
Definitive Estimates
As the project comes to the final design phase, we prepare definitive estimates with the highest level of accuracy. These cost estimates are made by reviewing complete drawings, detailed blueprint takeoffs, and updated pricing for every material. It offers accuracy within a range of -5% to +1 (619) 912-93905%.
Here’s What You Get in Your Preliminary or Conceptual Estimate
Serving Various Clients
General Contractors
Lenders
Builders
Appraisers
Subcontractors
Real Estate Developers
Architects
Investors
Vendors
Homeowners
Construction Companies
Top Reasons To Choose Our Preliminary Cost Estimation Services
Outsourcing preliminary estimation services to our seasoned team can be beneficial for your business. With us, you gain access to our freelance preliminary estimators and can pay project-wise or on an hourly basis. This approach removes the need for you to hire a full-time estimating crew. A few more major advantages of using our conceptual estimating services are listed below.
Experienced Estimators
Our preliminary estimators are certified by the AACE (American Association of Cost Engineers) and AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors). So, you receive 100% reliable estimates for your projects.
Improved Bid-Win Rate
One of the biggest challenges for busy clients like yourself is not winning bid proposals due to inaccurate or overpriced estimates. With us, you can increase your chances of winning bids by 97%!
ZIP Code-Based Costs
The prices of labor and materials change from state to state. To handle pricing fluctuations, we use cost databases and pricing tools like RSMeans. These make sure you get local material and labor prices.
Cutting-Edge Software
Many companies still perform the takeoff process manually, which increases the chances for error. So, our team uses modern software like Planswift and Bluebeam to create takeoffs and estimates with complete accuracy.
Affordable Prices
Hiring an in-house estimating team is not feasible for small contractors and startup companies. With us, you get precise preliminary estimates and save up to 60% on overhead costs.
Expertise in All CSI Trades
Our preliminary cost estimation covers all CSI divisions, so every aspect of your project is accounted for. These include concrete, masonry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, roofing, metals, insulation, and more.
Get Quick Preliminary Construction Takeoff Services!
Why stress over initial quantities? Outsource to our professional team and get an accurate takeoff, allowing you to focus on winning the project!
Our Preliminary Estimation Methods and Units Explained
|
Project Type |
Method |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Per Square Foot |
Estimates the cost for each square foot of building area. We consider materials, labour, overhead costs, etc. |
|
|
Per Resident |
Our team calculates the cost based on occupancy limit, amenities, and other factors. |
|
|
Houses and Buildings |
Per Cubic Foot |
We include the volume of enclosed space (walls, floors, ceilings) in our takeoffs. |
|
Per Room |
Accounts for differences in size, function, and finishes for each room. |
|
|
Per Kilometer |
The costs are estimated by the route length, with evaluation per kilometer. |
|
|
Roads and Highways |
Thickness of Levels |
Pavement layer thickness including base, sub-base, and surface treatments determine the preliminary costs. |
|
Relation to Materials |
Expenses vary with the type and quality of materials like concrete, lumber, gravel, steel, and asphalt. |
|
|
Irrigation Infrastructure |
Per Kilometer |
Estimates based on length, width, depth, and lining materials of the irrigation channel. |
|
Per Hectare |
In some cases, the cost is measured by the area of land served by the channel. |
Preliminary Estimation Case Studies
Luxury Townhouse
Project Value
$6.5M
$1.6M
Total Savings
24%
Cost Reduction
A real estate developer approached us to prepare a preliminary estimate for a $6.5M townhouse development. The challenge was to deliver accurate numbers within a short time. Our team gave conceptual and preliminary estimates using incomplete drawings. In the end, the client won the bid and saved nearly $1.6M, about 24% on total costs.
5-Star Hotel
Project Value
$35M
5.4M
Total Savings
12%
Cost Reduction
To prepare a winning bid proposal for a 5-star hotel worth $35M, a contractor needed preliminary estimating services. We delivered a preliminary takeoff that covered concrete quantities, HVAC systems, and finishes. With our work, the contractor avoided potential overruns of 12% (about $5.4M), submitted a competitive proposal, and won the bid.
Our Process
Reliable Estimation Process
1
Send Plans
Submit the drawings and specifications of your construction project to our team via plans@1800estimating.com in PDF form.
2
Obtain Quote
Once we review the project plans, you will get a free quote. It will include the delivery time and the service costs.
3
Pay Invoice
We will send you an invoice after you approve the quote. Payments are accepted using bank transfers, PayPal, and credit/debit cards.
4
Precise Estimates
You will receive accurate preliminary takeoffs and estimates organized according to the CSI MasterFormat.
Preliminary Estimating Support Across All States
Our preliminary estimation services are available in all 50 states of the USA. These include:
Technology
Using Top-of-the-Line Software
Preliminary Estimation Portfolio
The Ivy International School
Address: 9511 N FM 620, Austin, Texas
Scope of Work: Extensive Material Takeoff For All CSI Trades
Star Tower Condominiums
Address: 260 S Osceola Ave, Orlando, Florida
Scope of Work: Complete Preliminary Estimate Provided For Project Feasibility.
Client Success Stories
Words From Happy Customers
Frequently Asked Questions
