Construction estimating and takeoff FAQs

MEP, HVAC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing estimating; MEP and HVAC quantity takeoffs; and plan-based cost estimation focused on MEP/HVAC scope.

Our dedicated service areas are Arizona and Florida. For another U.S. project location, send the plans and location so availability can be confirmed before work is accepted.

The estimating fee depends on drawing volume, system complexity, trade coverage, the deliverable and the deadline. Send the current plans for a scope-based quote. The fee for preparing an estimate is separate from the construction cost shown in that estimate.

Typical bid scopes target 24–48 hours after complete plans and scope confirmation. Larger, unusually detailed or multi-building packages are scheduled after review. Tell us your bid deadline before the assignment is confirmed.

Send the complete current drawings, specifications, equipment or fixture schedules, issued addenda, project city and state, bid deadline and the trades you need. Include your pricing instructions, required output format and exclusions.

A takeoff measures and counts the requested work. An estimate adds agreed pricing, labor and other cost assumptions to those quantities. Choose a takeoff when your team will do the pricing and a full estimate when you need that additional cost structure.

MEP estimating coordinates mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades. HVAC estimating concentrates on heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, ductwork, piping and related accessories. Choose MEP for several trades and HVAC for a focused mechanical bid.

No. An estimate measures and prices the specified work. A load calculation evaluates heating and cooling demand and supports system design. If load-calculation support is requested, the required building inputs and deliverable must be agreed separately.

Yes. Supply dated quotations, labor rates or units, and the basis you want followed. The assignment should make clear which costs are provided by you and which inputs need confirmation.

Addendum and revision support is agreed at intake. Send the changed drawings and specifications with their revision numbers; the affected scope, fee and delivery time are confirmed after review.

Yes. Identify the trade or system, the relevant drawings and what to exclude. A focused assignment can cover a single trade, a ductwork takeoff or another agreed portion of the MEP/HVAC scope.

The format is agreed at intake. Quantity takeoffs can be supplied in Excel-ready form; tell us if your team needs a particular workbook layout, unit convention, trade summary or revision breakdown.

Send the available documents for review. Missing information may require clarifications or explicit allowances. The agreed output should identify what was measured and what remains an assumption.

Use the Google Drive link field on the quote form for a large plan set. Direct attachments are limited to five files and 350 KB combined. Share only with the access needed for review, and confirm that the supplied link can be opened.

Project documents are used to review, quote and perform the requested work, as described in our confidentiality and privacy policies. Tell us about any project-specific confidentiality requirements before sending restricted material.

No. An estimate reflects its documents, scope and pricing assumptions at a point in time. Design changes, supplier quotations, site conditions and contracting decisions can affect the eventual construction cost.