AACE- and ASPE-certified estimators
Construction Estimating Services for Accurate, Bid-Ready Pricing
Every bid starts with one question: what will it actually cost? Send your drawings and get a CSI-coded takeoff and cost estimate in 24-48 hours from AACE- and ASPE-certified estimators.
20 years of estimating experience
98% bid hit percentage
24-48hr delivery
$120 small-scope estimates start
Have a Bid Coming Up? Send Us the Plans
We’ll measure the scope, organize the quantities, and prepare a detailed estimate you can use to bid.
Certified Construction Estimators With 20 Years on Live Bids
Losing time on takeoffs, chasing quantities, or second-guessing your bid can cost you more than an estimating fee. At Capacity Estimating, our team will relieve you of all that burden with our precise, bid-ready construction estimating services carried out by professional estimators familiar with residential, commercial and industrial construction projects.
With 20 years of estimating experience, certification from AACE International and ASPE, a proven bid hit percentage of 98% and estimated delivery of 24-48 hours, we provide everything you need to bid. Small-scope estimates start at $120.
So if you have been looking for the best construction estimating services, allow us to demonstrate our expertise. Let us handle your takeoff and estimates so you can bid more projects without expanding your payroll.
Why Clients Pick Our Outsource Estimating Services
Time to review the numbers before deadline:
We provide estimates with time for review so that on bid day you do not see the numbers for the first time.
Errors found in advance:
Any discrepancies between the drawings and the specifications are discovered in advance, not after winning the contract.
Capacity when you need it:
Outsource the overflow during the bidding week and keep your own people at work on the projects already won.
Cost that follows your volume:
There is no payroll cost of the estimator when the quarter is slow, since the cost varies with the volume of the bids sent.
Software We Use
A good estimate requires good measurements and current cost data. Our construction cost estimators employ takeoff software that makes our quantities verifiable, and we make sure we provide you with cost databases appropriate to your geographical location.
Measurement
Bluebeam Revu
PDF plan marking and measuring
Takeoff
Stack
Unit prices and city cost indexes based on location
Estimating
Microsoft Excel
Estimate forms and summaries
Mechanical
FastPIPE & FastDUCT
Pipe and duct takeoff
Takeoff
PlanSwift
Area, length and count takeoff
Cost Data
RSMeans Data (Gordian)
Unit prices and city cost indexes based on location
Estimating
Trimbled Accubid & Sage Estimating
Electrical, mechanical and general estimating libraries
Restoration
Bluebeam Revu
Restoration and insurance scope estimates
Construction Estimating Services Price: Transparent Pricing Starting from $120
A good estimate requires good measurements and current cost data. Our construction cost estimators employ takeoff software that makes our quantities verifiable, and we make sure we provide you with cost databases appropriate to your geographical location.
Estimate quote
You approve the price before we start
Small
Single-trade takeoff, small remodel, addition, small repair scope
From $120
Medium
Multi-trade residential, tenant improvement, small commercial build-out
Quoted after plan review
Large
Multifamily, commercial ground up, industrial, public bid packages
Quoted after plan review
Rush
Single-trade takeoff, small remodel, addition, sma
Rush fee shown in your quote
Determining Factors in Pricing: Number of plan sheets, number of trades, level of completeness of the drawings, deadline, and format. Larger, multiple-trade projects may take more than 24 hours. The deadline will be agreed upon in your quote.
Construction Estimating Services: What We Deliver
The following are some of the key services delivered by our construction estimating firm.
Detailed Construction Cost Estimating Services
Bid with the price you can justify. We prepare the cost estimates for all items measured by us, taking into account labor, material and equipment prices. We also add general conditions, overhead and profit, and organize them by CSI division. All assumptions, exclusions and alternates are specified to avoid surprises when the job is won.
Change Order Services
Our team protects your margins when the scope changes. Change orders are based on measured units, and prices are divided among materials, labor hours, equipment rental, and productivity. You get an evidence-based pricing approach that allows you to have a good starting point in negotiations.
Value Engineering Services
When the design runs over budget, we price alternatives side by side to allow cost reductions based on facts for owners and architects. Our construction estimating company breaks down the cost difference in terms of materials substitution, labor effects, and schedule effects.
Preliminary Estimating Services
Get a budget early, before getting started with the entire design process or bid preparation. The preliminary estimate is based on concept plans, schematic design or even a scope narrative. This estimate is developed using historical cost data and current market prices to set realistic budget ranges for the project.
Freelance Estimating Services
Tap the benefits of professional estimation services without having to pay for them full time. If you are a general contractor trying to make it through the busy bid schedule, a subcontractor lacking an estimator within the firm or an architecture firm in need of a second opinion, our freelance estimators will be of great help to you.
Construction Scheduling Services
Transform your estimate into a realistic project schedule. Project schedules will be prepared taking into consideration the real trade sequence, crew productivity rates and lead times of materials. So the schedule is developed based on how the actual work will be done on the site.
Xactimate Estimating Services
We generate estimates from Xactimate that are precise and insurance-ready. It could be fire, water, wind, or storm damage, but line items will always be priced according to the needs of the adjuster using current price lists for your area.
Subcontractor Bid Leveling and Bid-Day Scope Letter
Do not be trapped by a low bidder who misses an item. We compare subcontractor bids to your scope and takeoff and point out any omissions like fire alarms, blocking, etc., so that you can compare complete bids. We also provide you with a bid leveling form and bid day scope letter.
Not sure where to start? Pick your situation.
Start with
Material takeoff
With our construction takeoff services, order the right materials the first time.
Start with
Quantity takeoff
Get accurate quantities to price your scope of work.
Start with
Detailed cost estimating
Bid with the price you can justify.
Start with
Preliminary estimating
Get a budget early, before getting started with the entire design process or bid preparation.
Start with
Change order or value engineering pricing
Our team protects your margins when the scope changes.
Start with
Bid leveling
With our construction takeDo not be trapped by a low bidder who misses an item.off services, order the right materials the first time.
Not sure which one you need? Send the plans and we will recommend the right service in your quote.
Construction Projects We Estimate
We provide estimating services for all new projects, including construction and renovation for private owners and public agencies. Our estimating process will vary based on the project, but the takeoff process will remain consistent. If your project type is not listed below, send us the plans and we’ll determine the scope of work in our estimate.
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Reinforcement
Rebar takeoffs by bar size and grade, with laps, ties and waste included.
Institutional
Educational, health care and government buildings
Civil and site
Roads, parking, utilities and grading
Tower crane
Crane and hoisting costs for high-rise and large commercial projects, priced by duration.
Concrete frame
Structural concrete quantities for slabs, columns, beams and walls, including formwork.
Types of work
Tenant improvements and interior fit-out
Ground-up new construction bids
Renovations, remodels and additions
Trade by Trade Takeoff Scope,Measured in Actual Units
Our construction takeoff and estimating services extend to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. They can be priced individually or as one coordinated MEP package.
cubic yards / square feet / linear feet / tons / squares / CWT
CSI Division
31
Sitework and Earthwork
Sitework and earthwork encompasses all work done before a building is erected that is, excavation, backfill, and grading to provide the building pad, along with utility trenches for utilities such as water and sewers. These quantities are measured in cubic yards for excavation and backfill volumes, square yards for grading, and linear feet for trenching.
CSI Division
03
Concrete
Concrete work consists of footings, slabs, walls, and columns, along with the reinforcement steel used to provide support. Quantities are measured as volume in cubic yards for concrete, square footage for flatwork and formed areas, and hundredweight (CWT) or pounds for reinforcing steel. This is the structural heart of nearly every project.
CSI Division
04
Masonry
Masonry includes block work, brick work, and stonework, as well as grouting and reinforcement tying these assemblies together. Masonry takeoffs are done in square footage of wall areas, in pieces counted separately, and in cubic feet of grout or filling. Coursing and openings need to be taken into account regardless of whether masonry is structural or veneer.
CSI Division
05
Structural Steel and Metals
This specialty includes the structural skeleton of beams, columns, and joists, as well as metal decks and various metal fabrication pieces. Heavy structural members are calculated in tons, beams and joists, which are linear members, in linear feet, and metal decks in square feet. Scope of the structural steel is a key factor controlling material costs and erection sequence.
CSI Division
06
Framing and Carpentry
Framing and carpentry is comprised of studs, joists, trusses and sheathing for rough framing as well as finish carpentry detailing. Units of measure are based on the use; linear feet for framing, board feet for volume of lumber, square feet for sheathing, and individual pieces for such components as trusses or millwork. This trade creates the structure and finishes the look of the space.
CSI Division
07
Roofing
We calculate roof systems, waterproofing membranes, and flashing details around penetrations, edges, and transitions. Roof area is expressed in squares (100 SF units), whereas flashing and edge details are expressed in linear feet.
CSI Division
07
Insulation
We take off insulation across walls, roofs, and other envelope assemblies, measuring coverage in square feet by material type and R-value. Insulation takeoff provides for code requirements and energy performance.
CSI Division
08
Finishes
Finishes bring projects to completion through drywall, ceiling systems, flooring, tiling, and painting services. Drywall, ceiling and painting are measured in square feet, flooring usually in square yards, and trim or transitions in linear feet. Finishes constitute the most apparent trades for building occupants.
Full MEP Estimating
Coverage
Our construction takeoff and estimating services extend to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. They can be priced individually or as one coordinated MEP package.
21-26
MEP Estimating Services
We calculate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scope simultaneously, quantifying all three disciplines together so nothing slips through the gaps between trades. Equipment and fixtures are quantified each, ductwork in pounds, and pipe, conduit, and wiring in linear feet per their relevant CSI division codes.
22
Plumbing Estimation
We take off fixtures alongside water, waste, and vent piping plus pipe insulation, so nothing gets missed between rough-in and trim-out. Since plumbing is related to both structural and finish work, we schedule our takeoff process to keep in sync as we progress from rough-in to final connections.
21-26
HVAC Estimation
We take off HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, and controls used to heat, cool, and maintain air quality within a building. From roof top packages to distribution runs, we cover all types of equipment and systems to ensure that your pricing is accurate to what is specified.
26
Electrical Estimation
We take off panels, fixtures, devices, conduit, and wiring that power systems throughout the building. Since electrical scope touches nearly every other trade, we coordinate takeoff closely with the rest of your project to keep quantities aligned across the board.
Six-Step Process for Getting
a Bid-Ready Estimate 48 ft
01
Step 01
Plan and Specifications Upload
Upload your project plans in the form of a PDF, CAD file, or downloadable link, together with your bid date and the necessary trades.
02
Step 02
Scope Evaluation and Quotation
We evaluate your total sheets, trades, and completeness of drawings, providing you with a quotation and estimated time of delivery of the estimate.
03
Step 03
Digital Takeoff
Quantities are measured from your plans digitally, with trade colors on the plan being used for each trade.
04
Step 04
Pricing
Costs of labor, materials, equipment etc. are calculated according to your job site and are linked to the CSI divisions.
05
Step 05
Review
Your quantities and unit prices are double-checked independently in order to ensure that no mistakes are made prior to going to bid.
06
Step 05
Delivery
The files are delivered to you complete with answers to any questions prior to your bid being sent.
What’s Included inYour Construction Estimate
With each estimate, our construction takeoff and estimating services include everything you’ll need to get right into supplier quotes, subcontractor comparisons, and bids.
For Whom We
Estimate.
Different clients require different information from the same set of plans. The subcontractor requires a price for one particular trade and the owner requires an independent figure to verify the bidding. The estimate is tailored in accordance with your requirements.
Construction Cost Estimates ThatWaste Less and Emit Less Carbon.
Every estimate is also a waste prediction. The EPA estimated that U.S. produced 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris in 2018, with demolition representing more than 90 percent of it. Getting accurate quantities upstream is one of the least expensive ways to make that number go down. Our construction estimating consultants calculate waste factors by material type instead of applying a flat, generic markup.
600
million tons of construction and demolition debris in the U.S., 2018
More than 90% of it came from demolition.
Feedback From Our Clients
Donna Stroupe
The takeoff was accurate, the turnaround was fast, and revisions were free. Highly recommend.
Marcus Reed
Quantities matched what we saw in the field, and scope changes mid-bid were handled quickly.
Laura Chen
Their MEP breakdowns save us days on every project. It feels like having an in-house estimating team.
Construction estimatingnationwide
Priced to your ZIP code
Our estimating service is provided throughout the United States, with labor and material costs tailored to your project area using current city labor costs. Whether your estimate is for Texas, California, Florida or New York, it will carry the actual labor cost of that area, not the national average.
Examples of areas we price
Texas
Local labor and material costs
California
Local labor and material costs
Florida
Local labor and material costs
New York
Local labor and material costs
