Foundation and piling
Auger-cast piles, mat slabs and grade beams for high water table sites; rebar and concrete by CY with formwork by SFCA.
CY · LF · TONMiami, FL
Construction estimating services in Miami, FL
Miami permitted 7,219 new privately-owned residential units in 2025, 98% of them multifamily. We build quantity takeoffs and estimates for that work, priced with ZIP-code-adjusted labor and material costs and delivered in 24–48 hours.
24–48 hours for most projectsTypical turnaround
Every CSI divisionSitework through MEP
Miami ZIP pricingLocal material and labor
Price confirmed firstBefore any work starts
Census BPS · Miami · 2025Real permit data
Miami new housing permits2025
New housing units7,219Change vs. 2024+20%Permitted construction value$2.6BAverage value per unit$359,800Rank among covered Florida cities#1
Single-family: 152 (2%)Multifamily: 7,067 (98%)
U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025. Residential only.
What makes construction estimating in Miami different?
Miami-Dade's high water table and salt-laden coastal air drive deep foundation systems, corrosion-resistant MEP specs and wind-borne debris requirements. Almost all residential volume is multifamily high-rise, not tract housing. Trades must be priced for tight urban sites, crane picks and imported finishes, and every scope must be checked against the locally adopted Florida Building Code edition.
- Miami permitted 7,219 new housing units in 2025, #1 among the Florida cities we cover.
- About 98% were in multifamily buildings; 2% were single-family.
- Permit volume was up 20% compared with 2024.
Miami is the largest residential construction market in Florida, and the permit mix shows it. Of 7,219 new privately-owned residential units permitted by the city in 2025, 7,067 were multifamily — 98% of the total and about $2.6B in permitted value. That is a market built on podium towers, mid-rise infill and resort-adjacent condominium work, not on subdivision platting. If you bid here, your takeoff has to handle post-tensioned slabs, curtain wall, garage ventilation and long-lead imported finishes.
We produce quantity takeoffs and full estimates for that work, organized by CSI MasterFormat division in Excel and PDF with marked-up plan sets. Pricing is built from ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor data in RSMeans, with quantities measured in Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift. Most projects return in 24–48 hours. Start with our Florida construction estimating overview, or send drawings through the estimate request page and we will confirm scope and turnaround the same day.
- Coverage
- Miami and nearby Florida communities
- Deliverable
- Excel estimate + marked-up PDF plans
- Pricing basis
- Miami ZIP-code material and labor costs
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours for most projects
- Software
- Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, RSMeans data
01
For bidders. You need division-level quantities fast enough to price a hard bid. We measure concrete, rebar, formwork, framing, drywall, MEP fixture counts and exterior skin, then hand you a clean Excel takeoff you can rate with your own subcontractor quotes.
02
For builders. You are buying out trades and tracking overruns. We re-takeoff the as-built or revised set, flag scope gaps between divisions, and give you a variance column against the original estimate so change orders are documented.
03
For owners. You need a budget before design is finished. We estimate from schematic or design-development drawings, carry allowances for long-lead items, and show unit costs per square foot and per unit so lenders and pro formas have a defensible number.
Miami by the numbers
Miami's residential construction pipeline
Select a bar to compare Miami with the largest Florida markets we cover.
7,219New housing units, 2025
18.9%Of all units in the Florida cities we cover
$2.6BPermitted residential value
98%In multifamily buildings
New housing units permitted in 2025. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey.
This city
Miami
7,219 new housing units in 2025 (+19.9% vs 2024).
152 single-family · 7,067 multifamily (98%).
Multifamily drives the volume
The 2025 permit count rose 20% over 2024, from 6,023 units to 7,219, and 7,067 of those units were multifamily. Single-family permits were only 152. For a bidder this means your estimating effort belongs in tower and mid-rise assemblies: post-tensioned slab cycles, unit-mix repetition, amenity decks, structured parking and life-safety systems. Average permitted value was $359,800 per unit, so finish level is not commodity-grade — expect imported tile, custom millwork and impact-rated glazing in the base scope. Miami alone accounted for 18.9% of the 38,215 units permitted across the 25 Florida cities we track, ranking first. Our multi-family estimating services group is built around that unit-mix takeoff, and commercial estimating services covers the podium retail and parking that comes with it.
Bidding against a deep bench
With this much volume, most Miami trades are pricing several jobs at once, and their quotes arrive late and carry qualifications. The estimator's job is to keep the comparison honest: same scope, same units, same exclusions. We deliver division-by-division quantities with clear notes on what is excluded, so you can line up three concrete or drywall quotes and see where the spread actually is. Because the market is statewide as well, contractors working here often bid in Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville at the same time; our Florida construction estimating pages cover how pricing shifts across those markets.
Services
Construction estimating services in Miami
These are the scopes we measure most often on Miami-Dade projects, from marine-adjacent foundations to high-rise skin and MEP rough-in.
Structural concrete
Post-tensioned elevated slabs, columns and shear walls measured by floor, with tendon and anchor counts separated from mild steel.
CY · SF · TONFraming and drywall
Metal stud, shaft wall and unit demising partitions taken off by type and height, with board, insulation and finish by SF.
SF · LFExterior skin
Impact-rated glazing, curtain wall, stucco and CMU backup measured by elevation, with weep, flashing and sealant linear footage.
SF · LFRoofing and waterproofing
TPO and modified bitumen on low-slope roofs, plus balcony and plaza deck waterproofing with protection board and drainage.
SF · SQMEP systems
Chilled water, VRF and split systems, garage ventilation, domestic water and sanitary risers counted by fixture and by LF of pipe.
EA · LF · TONSitework and utilities
Excavation, dewatering, import fill, storm drainage, sanitary and water main runs, and paving for tight urban lots.
CY · LF · TONInterior finishes
Unit-mix finish schedules: flooring, tile, paint, cabinets and countertops measured per unit type and multiplied across the stack.
SF · EAWho we provide estimates for
Who we estimate for in Miami
General contractors
You are pricing podium and mid-rise hard bids against contractors who already hold subcontractor numbers. We give you division-level quantities fast enough to level the trades before the bid date.
Concrete and structure subcontractors
Post-tensioned slabs, mat foundations and garage decks dominate your scope. We take off cubic yards, formwork contact area, rebar tonnage by bar size and embedded items so your pour schedule and buyout match.
MEP subcontractors
Tower work means long vertical risers, chiller plants and garage ventilation. We count fixtures, valves, ductwork pounds and equipment by tag, then check them against the drawings' schedules before you commit a number.
Developers and owner's reps
You need a budget before the GMP is set. We estimate from schematic or design-development sets, carry allowances for imported finishes and long-lead equipment, and report cost per unit and per gross square foot.
Architects and design teams
You are testing massing options and unit mixes. We price alternates side by side so you can see the cost delta between a 6-story and an 8-story podium before the drawings are frozen.
Residential builders and remodelers
Single-family infill and renovation still move in Miami. We take off framing, roofing, stucco and impact glazing by elevation and opening, which is where small residential bids are usually won or lost.
Where we provide estimates
Miami areas and nearby communities we cover
We estimate projects across Miami-Dade County from plans, not from a local office. If your project is in one of these areas, the drawing review and quantity takeoff are the same process.
Downtown and central Miami
- Downtown Miami
- Brickell
- Wynwood
- Edgewater
- Little Havana
- Coral Way
- Omni
Beach and coastal
- Miami Beach
- South Beach
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Bal Harbour
- Surfside
- North Bay Village
Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and south
- Coral Gables
- Coconut Grove
- South Miami
- Pinecrest
- Kendall
- Doral
North Miami-Dade and nearby cities
- Aventura
- North Miami
- Miami Gardens
- Hialeah
- Jacksonville
- Tampa
- Orlando
Property types
Types of Miami properties we estimate
The city's permit mix is 98% multifamily, so most of our Miami work is vertical residential with structured parking. The remaining single-family and commercial work still has to price correctly against the same labor and material market.
Podium multifamily
Concrete podium with wood or light-gauge framing above, typically 5 to 8 stories over one or two parking levels. We take off the podium slab, transfer beams, unit framing, drywall and exterior skin by elevation.
Watch for: Podium-to-framing transition, transfer beams and hold-down hardware.
High-rise condominium
Post-tensioned slabs, shear walls, curtain wall or window wall, and long MEP risers. We measure concrete and rebar by floor, glazing by panel type, and count fixtures and equipment from the schedules.
Watch for: Curtain wall panel counts, slab edge conditions and vertical riser lengths.
Mid-rise infill apartments
Six to twelve stories on tight urban lots in Edgewater, Wynwood and Little Havana. Sitework is minimal but staging and crane time are not, so we separate building scope from site and logistics scope.
Watch for: Crane and hoist time, laydown area and street closure allowances.
Mixed-use retail and office
Ground-floor retail under residential, or small office buildings in Coral Gables and Brickell. We take off storefront glazing, tenant demising walls, sprinkler mains and separate landlord work from tenant fit-out.
Watch for: Landlord versus tenant split, storefront systems and sprinkler coverage.
Single-family infill
Custom homes and tear-down rebuilds in Coral Gables, Pinecrest and Coconut Grove. We take off foundation, framing, roofing, impact glazing and pool or hardscape scope from the architectural set.
Watch for: Impact glazing sizes, roof geometry and pool equipment counts.
Hospitality and resort
Hotel and resort-adjacent work with guest room modules, back-of-house kitchens, laundry and pool decks. We count fixtures and equipment by room type and separate FF&E from base building scope.
Watch for: Guest room unit counts, kitchen equipment tags and FF&E boundaries.
Local factors
What changes a construction estimate in Miami
Miami pricing is not Florida pricing with a different ZIP code. The code edition, the water table, the wind requirements and the import content of the finishes all move the number.
Florida Building Code and wind
Miami-Dade and Broward sit in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, so the Florida Building Code product approval and wind-borne debris requirements drive glazing, roofing attachment and exterior envelope detailing. Impact-rated windows and doors cost more than standard units, and roof systems need tested assemblies, not generic ones. Confirm the adopted code edition and any local amendments with the building department before you lock the envelope scope.
Florida Building Code · High-Velocity Hurricane Zone · product approvalLimestone and high water table
Much of Miami-Dade sits on porous limestone with a shallow water table, so below-grade work often means dewatering, secant or sheet pile shoring, and mat or auger-cast pile foundations rather than simple spread footings. The foundation scope can swing widely between sites a few blocks apart. We take off pile lengths, cap volumes and dewatering duration as separate line items so the risk is visible.
limestone · water table · auger-cast piles · dewateringHurricane season and rain
The wet season runs roughly May through October, with afternoon storms that stop concrete pours and exterior work. Schedules that ignore rain days lose time, and estimates that ignore them lose money on general conditions. We carry weather-day allowances in the schedule and price temporary protection for envelope and roofing work. Wind insurance and builder's risk premiums also vary with the construction type.
hurricane season · rain days · general conditions · builder's riskLabor market and wages
Miami labor is a mix of union and open-shop crews, and the residential tower market competes for the same concrete, drywall and glazing labor. Wage rates for finishers, ironworkers and glaziers are higher than in north Florida, and per-diem or travel pay may apply if you bring crews from outside the county. We price labor from ZIP-code-adjusted data and note where productivity assumptions are aggressive.
union labor · open shop · per diem · productivitySitework, drainage and land use
Small urban lots leave little room for laydown, and Miami-Dade requires stormwater management and tree protection that affect early sitework. On coastal sites, floodplain and elevation requirements add fill, retaining walls and foundation height. We take off excavation, dewatering, utilities, pavement and landscape separately so the site package does not get buried in the building number.
stormwater management · tree protection · floodplain · retaining wallsImported materials and logistics
Miami imports a large share of its tile, stone, cabinetry and some curtain wall components, so lead times and freight are real cost drivers. Long-lead items need allowances and escalation, and delivery to a downtown or beach site may require off-hours permits and crane windows. We list imported finishes as separate line items with unit rates and note where the estimate assumes a domestic alternate.
imported finishes · long-lead items · freight · off-hours deliveryMiami estimating guide
How Miami conditions show up in a takeoff, trade by trade
Miami's permit mix is overwhelmingly multifamily and commercial, and the city's limestone geology, high water table, and hurricane exposure change how you quantify everything from excavation to roofing. Here is how we break down the trades that drive cost on a typical Miami job.
Sitework and excavation
Miami-Dade sits on porous limestone and a water table that can be within a few feet of grade, so dewatering, rock excavation, and import fill are real line items, not contingencies. We take off mass excavation by cubic yard, separate rock from soil, and price dewatering by pump-days based on the dewatering plan. Because much of the urban core is built on filled or reclaimed land, we flag unsuitable material and disposal separately. For a full sitework package, see our sitework estimating services. We also account for turbidity barriers and SWPPP requirements, which are common on Miami-Dade sites near waterways.
Framing and structural steel
Wood framing is rare in Miami's multifamily market; most mid-rise and high-rise projects use concrete or structural steel. When wood does appear, it is usually low-rise residential, and we take off studs by linear foot, plates by piece, and sheathing by sheet with a waste factor. For steel, we quantify by ton with connection details and fireproofing as separate items. See our framing estimating services for both. We also note that Miami-Dade requires enhanced wind uplift for roof framing, which can increase connection hardware counts.
MEP systems
Miami's climate means larger cooling loads and more ventilation than most markets. We take off HVAC by ton and by linear foot of ductwork, with VAV boxes and diffusers by each. Plumbing is quantified by fixture and by linear foot of pipe, with gas piping separate. Electrical is taken off by device, by linear foot of conduit, and by feeder size. Our MEP estimating services cover all three trades with Miami-Dade labor rates. We also include condensate drainage and hurricane-rated equipment anchorage, which are often overlooked.
Concrete and foundations
Mat slabs, auger-cast piles, and grade beams dominate Miami multifamily and high-rise work. We quantify concrete by cubic yard with formwork by square foot of contact area, and we separate reinforcing steel by ton with a bar-bending schedule. Sulfate-resistant mix designs and corrosion inhibitors are common near the coast; we list admixtures as separate lines so you can see the cost. Our concrete estimating services and foundation estimating services cover both shallow and deep systems. We also include pile caps and grade beams, which are often omitted in early budgets.
Roofing and waterproofing
Miami roofs must meet wind-uplift requirements and often include secondary water barriers. We take off roofing by square (100 square feet), with insulation by thickness and cover board by sheet count. On high-rise, we separate the roof from balcony and terrace waterproofing, which is a common scope gap. Flashing, edge metal, and roof drains are counted by linear foot or each. Our roofing estimating services detail these items. We also include roof pavers and pedestals for amenity decks, which are frequently missed.
Scope gaps we see on Miami bids
- Dewatering and rock excavation not separated from mass excavation, leading to change orders.
- Wind-uplift calculations and product approvals not included in roofing scope.
- Balcony and terrace waterproofing omitted from the roofing package.
- Sulfate-resistant concrete and corrosion inhibitors not listed as separate line items.
- Temporary power and cooling during construction not carried in general conditions.
- Final cleaning and punch list not clearly assigned to a trade.
Free tool
Concrete volume calculator
Quick check for a single element. For a full drawing set, send the plans and we measure everything, including the items calculators miss.
Typical waste: 3–5% for slabs, 5–10% for footings and walls. Truck count assumes 10 CY loads; confirm load size with your ready-mix supplier.
Result
19.4CY
Net volume18.5 CY
Cubic feet500 CF
Ready-mix trucks (10 CY)2
80 lb bags (premix)875
Need the full takeoff with pricing? Upload your plans.
How it works
How we estimate a Miami project
- Read the full setArchitectural, structural, civil and MEP drawings, the geotechnical report and every addendum.
- Check Miami conditionsLocal code edition, site and drainage requirements, soils and any hazard rules are confirmed before the takeoff starts.
- Take off by CSI sectionQuantities measured and color-coded on the plans, so every number traces to a sheet.
- Price to MiamiMaterial and labor costs adjusted to the project ZIP code, or to your own supplier quotes and crew rates.
- Check and deliverA second estimator checks quantities before the estimate goes out.
Sample output
Sample takeoff: Miami multifamily concrete structure
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 30 00 | Concrete, 4000 psi, mat slab | 1,250 | CY |
| 03 20 00 | Reinforcing steel, grade 60 | 185 | TON |
| 03 11 00 | Formwork, slab edge | 2,400 | SF |
| 05 12 00 | Structural steel, columns | 45 | TON |
| 07 50 00 | Roof membrane, TPO | 18,500 | SF |
| 07 92 00 | Joint sealants, exterior | 3,200 | LF |
| 22 11 00 | Plumbing, domestic water piping | 4,800 | LF |
| 23 31 00 | HVAC ductwork, galvanized | 6,200 | LF |
Worked example: concrete mat slab for a Miami multifamily building
We are estimating a mat slab for a 12-story multifamily building in Miami. The slab is 120 feet by 80 feet and 30 inches thick. Dimensions are illustrative.
Step 1: Calculate volume. 120 ft × 80 ft × 2.5 ft = 24,000 cubic feet. Convert to cubic yards: 24,000 ÷ 27 = 888.89 CY. Round to 889 CY.
Step 2: Add waste. Typical waste for concrete is 5% to 10%. Using 5%: 889 × 1.05 = 933.45 CY. Round to 934 CY.
Step 3: Reinforcing steel. Assume 150 pounds per cubic yard. 889 CY × 150 lb/CY = 133,350 lb. Convert to tons: 133,350 ÷ 2,000 = 66.675 tons. Add 3% waste: 66.675 × 1.03 = 68.68 tons. Round to 69 tons.
Step 4: Formwork. Slab edge perimeter: 2 × (120 + 80) = 400 LF. Form height = 2.5 ft. Area = 400 × 2.5 = 1,000 SF. Add 10% waste: 1,100 SF.
Step 5: Summary table.
| Item | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 934 | CY |
| Reinforcing steel | 69 | TON |
| Formwork | 1,100 | SF |
These quantities feed directly into our pricing model with ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor rates for Miami. For a complete takeoff of your project, send us your plans.
FAQ
Miami construction estimating questions
What types of projects are most common in Miami?
Miami's residential permits are dominated by multifamily units. In 2025, the city issued 7,219 new privately-owned residential units, of which 7,067 were multifamily—about 98%. This reflects the city's focus on high-rise condos and apartment buildings. Commercial work includes hotels, retail, and office. Our estimating services are built for these project types, with experience in concrete structures and MEP systems tailored to Miami's climate.
How does Miami's water table affect foundation costs?
A high water table can require dewatering during excavation and may necessitate a mat slab or deep foundation system instead of shallow footings. We include dewatering as a separate line item and price it by pump-days based on the dewatering plan. We also account for corrosion protection in concrete mixes. Always confirm geotechnical recommendations for your site, as conditions vary across Miami-Dade County.
Do you use Miami-Dade County labor rates?
Yes. Our pricing is ZIP-code-adjusted using RSMeans data, which reflects local material and labor costs for Miami-Dade County. We update rates regularly to match market conditions. This ensures your estimate aligns with what subcontractors in Miami are actually charging. We also factor in local labor agreements and productivity rates specific to the region.
What is the turnaround time for a Miami estimate?
Most projects are delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Rush service is available for tight deadlines. We provide Excel and PDF formats organized by CSI MasterFormat division, with marked-up plan sets. This allows you to review quantities and scope quickly. For large or complex projects, we may need additional time, but we will confirm the schedule when you submit your plans.
Can you estimate hurricane-resistant roofing systems?
Yes. We take off roofing by square, including secondary water barriers, insulation, and cover boards. We also include wind-uplift calculations and product approvals as separate items. Miami-Dade County has specific product approval requirements, so we verify that specified systems meet the local code. Confirm the adopted code edition with the building department, as requirements can change.
What scope gaps should I watch for in Miami?
Common gaps include dewatering, rock excavation, balcony waterproofing, and temporary cooling. We flag these in our estimates and provide a scope review. Our goal is to help you avoid change orders by identifying missing items before you bid. We also check for items like SWPPP compliance and hurricane anchorage that are often overlooked in early budgets.
Do you cover nearby cities like Jacksonville and Tampa?
Yes. We provide construction estimating services throughout Florida, including Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando. Our team understands the regional differences in codes, labor, and materials. See our Florida construction estimating page for more details. We can handle projects statewide, but we specialize in Miami's unique market conditions.
How do you handle Miami's imported materials?
Imported materials, such as stone or specialty finishes, can have longer lead times and additional logistics costs. We include allowances for freight, customs, and storage where applicable. We also note long-lead items in the estimate so you can plan procurement. For Miami, many materials arrive through the Port of Miami, so we factor in local drayage and handling.
Where does your permit data come from?
Our permit data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's Building Permits Survey. It counts new privately-owned residential units only, not commercial or renovation permits. The 2025 data for Miami shows 7,219 total units, with 7,067 multifamily. This data helps us understand market trends but is not a substitute for your project's specific scope. We use it to benchmark activity and inform our estimates.
What information do you need to start an estimate?
We need your project plans, specifications, and any available geotechnical reports. If you have a bid date or target budget, let us know. We will review the documents and provide a detailed takeoff and pricing. You can upload files through our get an estimate page. The more information you provide, the more accurate your estimate will be.
Other Florida cities we cover
Popular services in Miami
Send your Miami project plans for a quote
Upload your drawings and specifications, and we will return a detailed, CSI-organized estimate within 24 to 48 hours.
- We review the set and check for missing sheets or addenda.
- You get a quote with a price and a delivery date.
- You approve and we start the takeoff.
- You receive the Excel estimate and marked-up plans.