What to Include When Requesting a 24-48 Hour Estimating Quote
Fast turnaround starts with a complete request. The more your estimator knows up front, the less time is spent on questions.
Send these five things
- The complete plan set, plus specifications if you have them
- Project city and state
- Your bid deadline
- The service you need: estimate or takeoff
- Any pricing, labor or exclusion instructions
Send addenda early
Addenda change quantities. Forward them as soon as they are issued so the estimate reflects the current documents. Request a quote when you are ready.
Define the deliverable before discussing the deadline
Tell the estimator whether you need a quantity-only takeoff or a full estimate with material and labor breakdowns. Identify the trades, systems and buildings to include. If your team prices in-house, explain the quantity units and spreadsheet layout it needs. A defined output helps avoid reworking a useful takeoff into an entirely different deliverable late in the bid cycle.
Make the drawing set easy to identify
Use the current drawing issue and include a sheet index when available. Keep specifications, schedules and issued addenda with the plans. If several files contain different revisions of the same sheet, say which version controls. List any missing drawings so the scope review can identify clarifications or allowances.
Explain the pricing basis
For a full estimate, provide any vendor quotations, internal rates or labor factors you want used. Identify owner-furnished equipment and items your team will price separately. Ask whether freight, tax, equipment rental, overhead or other adjustments belong in the requested breakdown. These decisions should be visible rather than hidden in an unexplained total.
Share large plans through the quote form’s Drive field
The direct attachment option accepts up to five files with a combined 350 KB limit. A full plan set is better shared through the Google Drive link field. Check that the intended reviewer can access the file or folder and include the document version in your message. Do not rely on a link that only works in your own signed-in session.
Common quote questions
How quickly can I receive an estimate?
Cestimating targets 24–48 hours for typical bid scopes after complete plans and scope confirmation. Larger or more detailed packages are scheduled after review. Send the actual bid deadline before the work is accepted.
Can I send incomplete plans?
Yes, for an initial scope review. Identify missing information and explain the purpose of the estimate. The deliverable should distinguish measured quantities from allowances and unresolved scope.
Does an estimating quote include revisions?
Revision coverage is agreed at intake. Send the addendum number and revised files so the additional scope and timing can be confirmed.
Compare the sample deliverable layout, review pricing factors or request a scope-based quote.