Quantity takeoff by division
Every material listed by type, size, and unit of measure, organised by CSI division.
All CSI Divisions
Commercial Estimating Services for Contractors, Developers, and Design Teams
Prime Estimation prepares commercial construction estimates for general contractors, trade subcontractors, developers, architects, and design-build firms across the United States. Whether you need a conceptual budget to test a project's feasibility or a line-item bid estimate for every CSI division, we measure quantities from your drawings, apply labor hours and local pricing, and deliver an organized Excel estimate you can review, adjust, and defend.
With 17 years of construction estimating experience, our team knows where commercial bids go wrong: scope gaps between trades, general conditions left off, and pricing that no longer reflects the local market. Every estimate is checked by a lead estimator before it reaches you.
All divisions01 general requirements to 33 utilities
5 estimate stagesConceptual through bid
Lead-estimator reviewBefore anything ships
ZIP-code pricedRSMeans plus local market data
At a Glance
What Are Commercial Estimating Services?
Commercial estimating services turn a project's drawings and specifications into a detailed forecast of what the building will cost to construct.
| What you get | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 17 years of construction estimating |
| Coverage | Commercial projects in all 50 states, priced by project zip code |
| Scope | All CSI MasterFormat divisions, from general requirements to site utilities |
| Estimate stages | Conceptual, schematic, design development, construction documents, and bid |
| Takeoff software | Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff |
| Pricing references | RSMeans cost data and current local material and labor pricing |
| Deliverables | Excel estimate, marked-up plans, scope sheet with inclusions and exclusions |
| Turnaround | Single-trade takeoffs often in 24–48 hours; full multi-trade estimates in 2–3 business days |
| Pricing | Flat fee per project, quoted upfront |
An estimator measures and counts materials, assigns labor hours, adds equipment, general conditions, overhead, and profit, and organizes it all so the owner, contractor, or lender can make decisions from it. Commercial work is harder to estimate than residential work: more trades, longer specifications, stricter code and accessibility requirements, prevailing wage rules on public jobs, and coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP drawings. A missed item in one division can erase the margin on the whole bid.
Design Stages
Commercial Estimates at Every Stage of the Project
The right level of detail depends on how far along the design is. We follow the estimate classification approach used by AACE International, in which an estimate's accuracy improves as the design becomes more complete.
| Design stage | Estimate type | How it is built | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concept / feasibility | Conceptual | Cost per square foot, building type, location factors, and historical project data | Go/no-go decisions, land acquisition, early financing |
| Schematic design | Schematic | Major building systems and assemblies — foundations, structure, envelope, MEP | Setting the owner's budget and design targets |
| Design development | Design development | Assembly and preliminary quantity takeoffs by CSI division | Value engineering and keeping design on budget |
| Construction documents | Detailed | Full quantity takeoff for every trade with labor hours and unit pricing | Final budget, GMP, lender review |
| Bidding | Bid estimate | Detailed takeoff plus general conditions, bonds, insurance, overhead, and profit | Submitting a competitive, defensible bid |
Tell us what the estimate will be used for and we will recommend the level of detail, so you don't pay for more precision than the drawings can support.
Deliverables
What Your Commercial Estimate Includes
Estimates follow CSI MasterFormat by default. If you use Uniformat, your own cost codes, or a company template, we will build the estimate in your format.
Labor hours and costs
Per line item, based on productivity rates adjusted for your project's conditions.
Costs in separate columns
Material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs split out, so you can swap in your own rates or supplier quotes.
General conditions & Division 01
Supervision, temporary facilities, dumpsters, and cleanup, when included in your scope.
Summary sheet
Costs rolled up by division, trade, building, or phase, with overhead, profit, bonds, and insurance as adjustable lines.
Colour-coded marked-up plans
Showing exactly what was measured and counted, so every quantity traces back to a sheet.
Scope sheet
Inclusions, exclusions, allowances, and alternates, ready to attach to your proposal.
Discrepancies & RFI list
Conflicts between disciplines that could affect price, listed before you bid.
Scope Coverage
Trades and CSI Divisions We Estimate
We prepare full-project estimates or individual trade estimates, depending on what you need to bid.
| CSI division | What we quantify |
|---|---|
| 01 — General Requirements | Supervision, temporary facilities, utilities, safety, cleanup, permits, and project closeout |
| 02 — Existing Conditions | Selective and full demolition, abatement allowances, and site clearing |
| 03 — Concrete | Footings, slabs on grade, elevated decks, walls, rebar, formwork, and finishing |
| 04 — Masonry | CMU, brick veneer, stone, grout, reinforcement, and accessories |
| 05 — Metals | Structural steel, joists, metal deck, stairs, railings, and miscellaneous metals |
| 06 — Wood, Plastics, Composites | Framing, blocking, sheathing, trusses, and architectural millwork |
| 07 — Thermal & Moisture Protection | Roofing, insulation, air and vapor barriers, waterproofing, sealants, and firestopping |
| 08 — Openings | Doors, frames, hardware, storefronts, curtain wall, windows, and glazing |
| 09 — Finishes | Metal studs and drywall, ceilings, flooring, tile, and painting |
| 10–14 — Specialties, Equipment, Furnishings, Conveying | Toilet accessories and partitions, signage, lockers, food service equipment, and elevators |
| 21–23 — Fire Suppression, Plumbing, HVAC | Sprinklers, plumbing piping and fixtures, ductwork, HVAC equipment, and controls |
| 26–28 — Electrical, Communications, Safety | Power, lighting, panels, low-voltage, fire alarm, and security |
| 31–33 — Earthwork, Exterior Improvements, Utilities | Excavation, grading, paving, curbs, landscaping, and site utilities |
Need a single trade? See our MEP estimating services, electrical estimating services, plumbing estimating services, drywall estimating services, and concrete estimating services.
Margin Killers
Where Commercial Bids Most Often Go Wrong
In our experience reviewing commercial bids, the costly mistakes are rarely in the big quantities. They hide in the details between trades and in the specifications. Every estimate we prepare is checked for these items.
General conditions left out or underpriced
Especially on longer schedules where supervision and temporary facilities run for months.
Scope gaps between trades
Blocking, backing for wall-mounted equipment, access panels, or firestopping that each trade assumes is someone else's.
Items shown only in the specifications
Testing, commissioning, mockups, attic stock, and warranty requirements.
Owner-furnished and “not in contract” items
Counted when they shouldn't be, or left out when the contractor must install them.
Labor conditions
Prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon rates, union requirements, night or weekend work, and phased work in occupied buildings.
Material escalation
On projects that won't buy out for months — particularly steel, copper, and electrical gear with long lead times.
Bonds, builder's risk and permit fees
They belong in the final number, not discovered after award.
Alternates and allowances
Listed in the bid form but not priced separately.
Anything the documents leave unclear is flagged in the clarifications, so you decide how to handle it before bid day.
Who We Serve
Built for Every Side of a Commercial Project
General contractors
Complete project estimates for hard-bid and negotiated work, independent trade numbers to level subcontractor bids against, and general conditions estimates. We also update estimates for addenda and price change orders during construction.
Subcontractors
Trade-specific takeoffs and bid estimates for concrete, masonry, steel, drywall, flooring, roofing, MEP, and other trades — built with your labor rates so your bids reflect how your crews actually work.
Developers and owners
Conceptual and schematic budgets to test feasibility, detailed estimates to check contractor pricing, and cost reports that support investment and financing decisions.
Architects and designers
Estimates at schematic, design development, and construction document milestones, so you can confirm the design fits the client's budget and make value engineering decisions before drawings are finished.
Design-build firms
Early-stage estimates that set a target price, followed by updated estimates as design progresses, so the design and the budget develop together.
Lenders and investors
Independent construction cost estimates to review a borrower's budget before closing on a construction loan.
Project Types
Commercial Project Types We Estimate
New construction, additions, renovations, and interior build-outs — including phased work in occupied buildings.
Office and mixed-use
Office buildings, mixed-use developments, and tenant improvements.
Retail and restaurants
Shopping centers, big-box stores, restaurants, and franchise build-outs.
Hospitality
Hotels, resorts, and conversion or renovation projects.
Healthcare
Medical office buildings, clinics, urgent care centers, and hospital renovations.
Education
K–12 schools, college buildings, and libraries.
Industrial and logistics
Warehouses, distribution centers, and light manufacturing.
Public and civic
Fire and police stations, courthouses, museums, theaters, and transit facilities.
Multifamily
Apartments, condominiums, and senior living.
Methodology
How We Build a Commercial Estimate
Four controls that decide whether the number holds up in a scope review.
Quantities from the drawings
Our estimators measure and count directly from your plans using Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, and On-Screen Takeoff. Every measured item is marked on the drawings so you can trace any quantity back to its source.
Pricing based on location
Material and labor costs are based on RSMeans cost data and current local pricing, adjusted for the project's zip code. When you have supplier or subcontractor quotes, we use them in place of database pricing.
Labor that reflects real conditions
Labor hours are adjusted for building height, access, occupied spaces, and phasing. We apply open-shop, union, or prevailing wage rates according to the project's requirements.
Quality review
Before delivery, a lead estimator reviews the estimate for missed scope, unit errors, and pricing that falls outside expected cost-per-square-foot ranges for the building type.
Getting Started
Upload Your Plans →
How to Get Started
Five steps from your bid invitation to a reviewed estimate in your inbox.
-
01
Send your documents
Upload your drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid form, or share a plan room or cloud storage link. Include your bid date and any format or pricing preferences.
-
02
Receive a fixed quote
We review the scope and reply with a flat fee and a delivery date, usually within a few hours.
-
03
Approve and we start
Once the quote is approved and paid, your project is assigned to estimators experienced in the relevant trades.
-
04
We confirm what the drawings don't show
If there are questions about site conditions, labor requirements, or scope splits, we ask you instead of assuming.
-
05
Receive your estimate
You get the Excel estimate, marked-up plans, and scope sheet with time to review before bid day. One round of updates for addenda is included.
Before You Upload
What to Send for an Accurate Commercial Estimate
- Complete drawing set — architectural, structural, civil and MEP
- Project manual and specifications, including Division 01
- All addenda issued to date
- Bid form, with alternates, allowances and unit prices
- Geotechnical report, if earthwork or foundations are in scope
- Your labor rates, preferred suppliers and estimate template, if you have them
No drawings yet? We can prepare a conceptual estimate from the building type, size, location, and a description of the project.
Turnaround & Pricing
Turnaround Time and Pricing
Your quote confirms the exact delivery date, and rush service is available when your bid date is close.
Single-trade takeoff
24–48 hoursOne division on a standard commercial project.
Typical fee $250 – $600
Multi-trade package
2–3 business daysTwo to four divisions priced together from one drawing set.
Typical fee $800 – $1,800
Full multi-division estimate
2–3 business daysEvery division with general conditions, bonds, overhead and profit.
Typical fee $1,200 – $2,500
Conceptual / budget estimate
24–48 hoursFeasibility and early financing from building type, size and location.
Typical fee $500 – $1,500
We charge a flat fee per project, based on building size, the number of trades, and the level of detail required. There is no hourly billing and no charge until you approve the quote. For most contractors, paying per bid costs significantly less than a full-time estimator's salary, benefits, and software licenses. Very large projects may take longer than the windows above — the quote confirms the date.
Comparison
Outsourced Commercial Estimating vs. an In-House Estimator
| Factor | In-house estimator | Prime Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Salary, benefits, and software year-round | Flat fee only when you have a project to bid |
| Capacity | One person's hours; bids are turned down in busy weeks | Multiple estimators available when bids pile up |
| Trade expertise | Strong in some trades, weaker in others | Estimators matched to each trade |
| Software and cost data | Purchased and maintained by you | Included |
| Independent review | Often none | Every estimate checked by a lead estimator |
Our Portfolio
Recent Commercial Estimating Projects
[Project type], [City, State]
[Size and description]. Scope included [divisions or trades]. Estimate delivered in [X] business days. [Outcome]
[Project type], [City, State]
[Size and description]. [Key challenge]. [Outcome]
Our Team
Meet Our Commercial Estimating Team
Commercial estimates are prepared by estimators matched to each trade and reviewed by a lead estimator before delivery. The team works in Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, and On-Screen Takeoff, and prices with RSMeans and local market data.
Bluebeam Revu
On-screen measurement and drawing markup.
PlanSwift
Assembly-based takeoff and quantity export.
On-Screen Takeoff
Layered digitizing on large commercial sets.
RSMeans
ZIP-code-adjusted unit pricing.
[Lead Estimator Name], [Title] — [X] years of commercial estimating experience. [Credentials]. [Project specialty].
FAQ
Commercial Estimating FAQs
What do commercial estimating services include?
A commercial estimate includes quantity takeoffs, labor hours, material, labor, and equipment costs, general conditions, and markup, organized by CSI division. You also receive marked-up plans and a scope sheet listing inclusions, exclusions, and clarifications.
How accurate is a commercial construction estimate?
Accuracy depends mostly on how complete the design is. A conceptual estimate from a floor area and building type carries a wide range, while a detailed estimate from complete construction documents is much tighter. We tell you the estimate type upfront so you know how much confidence to place in the number.
How long does a commercial estimate take?
Single-trade takeoffs are often delivered within 24–48 hours. Full multi-trade estimates usually take 2–3 business days, and very large projects may take longer. Your quote confirms the delivery date.
How much do commercial estimating services cost?
We charge a flat fee based on project size, number of trades, and level of detail. Send your plans for a fixed quote before any work begins.
Can you estimate just one trade?
Yes. Many clients use us for a single trade, such as drywall, concrete, or MEP, and others for the entire project.
Do you estimate public and prevailing wage projects?
Yes. We apply Davis-Bacon or state prevailing wage rates where required and include bid form items such as alternates, unit prices, and allowances.
Can you help with value engineering?
Yes. During design, we price alternative materials and systems so the owner and design team can see what each option saves before the drawings are finalized.
Do you price change orders?
Yes. We price proposed changes against the original estimate so contractors and owners can agree on costs quickly and with supporting detail.
What formats do you deliver estimates in?
Estimates are delivered in Excel, organized by CSI MasterFormat, along with PDF marked-up plans. We can also use your template, cost codes, or Uniformat structure.
Is my project information confidential?
Yes. Drawings, pricing, and bid information are used only to prepare your estimate and are never shared with other clients or third parties. An NDA is available on request.
Ready to Get Started?
Get a Commercial Estimate You Can Bid With Confidence
Send us your drawings and your bid date. We will reply with a flat quote and a delivery date, with no obligation. Your plans stay confidential.
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