Cut & Fill Estimating Services

Bank cubic yards (BCY) measure soil in its natural, undisturbed state. Loose cubic yards (LCY) measure soil after excavation, when it has expanded. Compacted cubic yards (CCY) measure soil after it has been placed and compacted. The conversion between them uses shrink and swell factors. We label every line with its basis and show the factor applied, so you can price trucking (loose) and fill (compacted) correctly. Using the wrong basis is a common and costly error.

We use the factors provided in your geotech report, typically from laboratory Proctor tests. If the report does not include them, we apply a typical range based on soil classification (e.g., 15–25% shrink for clays, 10–15% for sands) and clearly state it as an assumption. You can adjust the factor in our Excel workbook to test sensitivity. We recommend confirming the factor with your geotech engineer before finalizing your bid, because it directly affects import and export quantities.

When the geotech report gives a range or a recommendation without a specific depth, we price the deepest case as an allowance and flag it for confirmation. We separate undercut below footings from undercut below slabs, because the backfill spec and compaction often differ. We also show the undercut volume as a separate line so you can adjust it if the actual depth is shallower. This approach protects you from underestimating a variable that can swing the earthwork number significantly.

We review the geotech boring logs for rock rippability classifications. If the report indicates rippable rock, we separate it from soil cut and price it with the appropriate equipment. If the report does not classify rock, we carry a rock allowance based on the depth and area where bedrock or hardpan may be encountered. We also note whether blasting is required, because that adds permitting and safety costs. Rock excavation is priced by CY or ton, and we state the assumption on the face of the estimate.

Yes, we measure silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance, and other erosion control items from the SWPPP or erosion control plan. These are organized under CSI 31 25 00. We also check for any additional items such as sediment basins or check dams. If the plan does not show them, we note the omission and exclude them, so you can decide whether to carry an allowance. Erosion control is often overlooked in earthwork bids, and it can add up quickly.

We coordinate with our Site Utilities Estimating takeoff to quantify trench excavation and backfill. If the spoils are suitable for reuse, they reduce the import requirement; if not, they add to the export side. We count spoils once, not twice, to avoid double-counting. We also note whether the utility contractor will stockpile spoils on-site or haul them off, because that affects the balance and the hauling cost. This coordination is critical on sites with extensive underground utilities.

Most cut and fill estimates are delivered within 24–48 hours after we receive your complete set of plans and geotech report. Larger or more complex sites may take longer. Rush service is available if you have a tight bid deadline. We will confirm the schedule when you send the documents. Our turnaround includes the marked-up plan set and the Excel workbook, so you can review the quantities immediately.

Yes, we deliver an Excel workbook organized by CSI MasterFormat Division 31, with one line per item. We can also format the output to match your bid form line items if you provide it. The PDF includes a summary of cut, fill, undercut, borrow, and export, plus the shrink/swell factor. The marked-up plan set shows stripping limits, cut and fill boundaries, and undercut areas. This makes it easy for your reviewer to trace each quantity back to the drawing.

We price borrow import based on an assumed haul distance and source location, and we state that assumption on the estimate. Export is priced by CY or ton with disposal fees included, based on the assumed disposal site. We also note if the haul route crosses weight-restricted bridges or requires permits. If you have a specific borrow source or disposal site, we can use that instead. The balance analysis shows the net import or export quantity so you can see the impact of grade changes.

We compare the groundwater elevation from the geotech report to the proposed subgrade. If the water table is within 2 ft of the subgrade, we include a pumping or wellpoint allowance as a separate line. We also note if the dewatering discharge requires a permit or settling basin. If the geotech report does not provide groundwater data, we flag it as an assumption and exclude dewatering. Dewatering can be a significant cost on sites with high water tables, so it is important to address it early.

We adjust material and labor pricing by ZIP code and reference the adopted code edition you confirm with the local building department. We do not assume a code edition. If your project spans multiple states, we can provide separate pricing for each jurisdiction. We also have experience with state-specific requirements such as California's SWPPP or Texas's TCEQ regulations. Let us know the project location and we will incorporate the applicable codes and amendments.

We use Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift to digitize the grading plan and compute volumes by grid or cross-section. Every line carries a sheet reference and a unit basis. We also cross-check the cut and fill balance against the geotech recommendations and the erosion control plan. The marked-up plan set shows exactly what we measured. If you have a previous estimate or a subcontractor bid, we can compare quantities and highlight discrepancies. Our goal is to give you a defensible number you can trust.

We compute volumes from contour lines and spot elevations on the grading plan, using either a grid method or average-end-area cross-sections. Where a digital terrain model or triangulated irregular network is provided, we use it to check the surfaces. Each cut and fill quantity is reported in bank cubic yards, then converted to loose and compacted cubic yards using shrinkage factor and load factor assumptions tied to the soil boring log. The output is a quantity takeoff you can drop into your bid package.

Mass haul estimating tracks where cut material moves, how far, and whether it stays on-site or leaves. We build a balance table by area, then price haul cycles using production rate and cycle time assumptions for the proposed equipment. Overburden, spoil bank, and borrow pit locations from the site plan are mapped so haul distances are realistic. If the balance is negative, we flag borrow import; if positive, we flag surplus export. That distinction often drives the bid.

Yes. Earthwork contractors use our takeoffs for bid packages, change order backup, and value engineering reviews. We separate topsoil strip, overburden removal, rock excavation, subbase, and utility trench spoils so each line can be priced independently. Quantities are organized by CSI MasterFormat 31 00 00, 31 11 00, 31 22 00, and 31 23 00, which makes them easy to map to your own cost codes. We can also coordinate with our excavation estimating services when the scope includes structural excavation.

A bid-ready cut and fill estimate for contractors should carry separate lines for stripping, cut by material type, fill by lift, undercut, borrow import, surplus export, and trench spoils from storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main work. It should also show shrink and swell factors, Proctor density and moisture content assumptions from the geotech, and a mass haul diagram so you can see haul distances. We organize these under CSI MasterFormat 31 23 00 and 31 22 00 with sheet references, so your reviewer can trace every quantity back to the grading plan.