Civil Estimating Services

We read the geotech report and note the depth and weathering of rock. If the borings show rock at or near grade, we carry a separate rock excavation line and flag it as an assumption. If the data is inconclusive, we price unclassified excavation and add a note in the scope memo that rock, if encountered, will be priced as an extra. This gives you a firm number for bidding while protecting you from a surprise. We also check the specifications for the rock definition, such as rippable versus unrippable, and apply the appropriate unit price.

Most civil packages are returned in 24–48 hours. The exact time depends on the number of sheets and the complexity of the utility profiles. Rush service is available if your bid date moves up. We will confirm the schedule when we receive your plans so you know when to expect the deliverables. For large projects with multiple disciplines, we may stage the delivery, starting with the critical path items. You will receive an email with the Excel and PDF files, plus marked-up plans.

Yes. We measure trench excavation, bedding, and backfill as separate lines for each pipe run, banded by depth range. This prevents the common error of averaging trench backfill into structural fill, which distorts both the pipe price and the earthwork price. Your bid form will show these as distinct pay items if required. We also track the source of backfill material, whether on-site or import, and apply the appropriate compaction factors.

We price MOT from the duration and phasing shown on the MOT plan. If the plan requires lane closures, detours, or flaggers, we build those into the line. We also check whether night work or temporary signals are required, as those add cost. If the bid form allows a lump sum, we provide a single number; otherwise we price by day. We also include temporary signage, arrow boards, and crash cushions if specified.

We work from PDF plan sets, including scanned drawings. We use Bluebeam Revu to measure and mark up the plans. CAD files are helpful but not required. If you have a BIM model, we can extract quantities from it, but we always verify against the plan sheets. For scanned drawings, we scale the sheets and cross-check dimensions with the stated dimensions to ensure accuracy. We also note any discrepancies in the scope memo.

You receive an Excel workbook organized by CSI MasterFormat division and section, with a formula in every quantity cell. We also provide a PDF takeoff for review, a marked-up plan set showing where each quantity came from, and a scope memo listing assumptions and any pay items the plans show but the bid form omits. The marked-up plans use color-coded highlights for different scopes, such as pipe, structures, and pavement. All files are delivered via a secure link.

We read the boring logs and note the seasonal high groundwater elevation. If the groundwater table is above the trench invert, we add a line for dewatering equipment, discharge piping, and any required NPDES permit. The cost depends on the depth and duration, so we price it separately and note the assumption in the scope memo. We also consider the soil permeability from the geotech report and whether wellpoints or deep wells are needed.

We provide both. Every quantity line is priced using ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor rates from RSMeans data and local supplier input. You can see the unit price, the extended price, and the waste factor applied. If you prefer to use your own pricing, we can deliver quantities only. We also include a separate tab for sales tax and any applicable fuel adjustments. Our pricing is transparent so you can audit every line.

We convert to the units on your bid form and show the conversion factor in the workbook. For example, if the plans show pipe in LF but the bid form asks for TON, we calculate the weight from the pipe diameter and material density. The conversion is transparent so you can audit it. We also handle conversions for area (SF to SY), volume (CF to CY), and weight (LB to TON). All conversions are documented in the scope memo.

We apply waste and compaction factors as separate lines in the Excel workbook, not buried in the unit price. Typical factors are 5–10% for pipe, 10–15% for bedding, and 5–10% for asphalt. You can adjust these factors if your experience differs, and the formulas will update automatically. We also note the basis for each factor, such as industry standards or your historical data, so you can justify them in your bid.

Yes. We can work from preliminary plans and provide a conceptual estimate with allowances for undefined scope. We will flag the assumptions and note which items are firm and which are allowances. As the design progresses, we can update the takeoff and refine the numbers. We typically use a range of low, mid, and high unit prices for allowances to help you set a contingency. We also track design changes and update quantities accordingly.

We need the civil plan set (grading, drainage, utility, roadway, and erosion control sheets), the specifications for those sections, the bid form, the geotech report, and the project schedule. Addenda and answered RFIs are also helpful. You can send files via our secure upload link or email. If any documents are missing, we will let you know and note the assumptions in the scope memo. The more information you provide, the more accurate the estimate.

Yes. You can send just the grading, utility plan, and storm sewer plan sheets and we will return a civil quantity takeoff for CSI MasterFormat Division 31 and Division 33 scope: clearing, cut and fill in cubic yards, storm and sanitary pipe by diameter and depth band, structures, aggregate base course, asphalt paving, and concrete curb and gutter. If the package also includes building work, we can price it in the same pass so the divisions reconcile.

We take off the current issued set and tag each line to the sheet and revision it came from, so when a revised utility plan or plan and profile sheet arrives we update only the affected runs and structures. You get a revised bid estimate with a change log rather than a full re-takeoff. For early design, we can carry allowances for pipe size, trench depth, and sediment basin volume and flag them for confirmation once the drawings are further along.

Yes. If the bid form pays linear feet of pipe by size, we report linear feet by size. If it pays cubic yards of trench excavation, we convert from the profile depth bands and show the conversion. We also check the specification sections against the pay items, including any fire protection or NFPA 13 scope that a site building may carry, so nothing is bid in the wrong unit or left unpriced.