Residential Estimating Services

We deliver an Excel workbook and a PDF, both organized by CSI MasterFormat division. The Excel file includes line items with quantities, units, and unit costs. The PDF is a printable version of the same estimate. We also provide a marked-up plan set in PDF showing where each quantity was taken off. This allows you to trace every number back to the drawings. The Excel file is fully editable, so you can adjust quantities or unit costs as needed. We can also provide a CSV export for integration with your estimating software.

We apply waste factors typical for each material, such as 10% for framing lumber and 15% for roofing shingles. These are shown as separate lines in the estimate, so you can see the base quantity and the waste allowance. You can adjust these factors if your crews have different practices. We do not bury waste in the unit costs. For example, if you use advanced framing techniques, you might reduce the waste factor for lumber to 5%. We can customize the waste factors per your request.

Yes, but we may need to make assumptions for missing information. We will clearly list those assumptions in the deliverable. If critical details are missing, such as wall sections or MEP layouts, we may request additional information or price those items as allowances. The more complete the plans, the more accurate the estimate. We can also work from a set of drawings that are not fully coordinated, but we will flag any discrepancies we find. Our goal is to provide a usable estimate even with incomplete information.

Yes. We use ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor rates from RSMeans data. Each line item includes a unit cost that reflects both material and installation labor. We can also provide separate material and labor columns if you need to compare against your own labor rates. The pricing basis is stated in the estimate. For example, a line item for 2x4 wall framing might show a material cost of $0.85 per LF and a labor cost of $1.20 per LF, totaling $2.05 per LF. You can see the breakdown and adjust as needed.

We include allowances for items not fully specified, such as light fixtures or appliances. Each allowance is clearly labeled with a dollar amount and a note that the final cost may vary. We base allowances on typical residential specifications for your area. You can adjust them to match your standard selections. For example, we might include a $1,500 allowance for kitchen appliances. If you have specific models in mind, we can update the allowance to reflect actual costs. Allowances help prevent underestimation due to unknown selections.

Standard turnaround is 24–48 hours for most residential projects. Rush service is available for shorter deadlines, which may incur additional fees. The exact turnaround depends on project size and complexity. We will confirm the schedule when you send the plans. For large multi-family projects, we may need additional time. For example, a 100-unit apartment building might take 3–5 business days. We prioritize accuracy and completeness, so we will not rush a complex project without proper review.

Yes. We take off each unit type separately and then multiply by the number of units. Common areas, such as corridors and lobbies, are estimated separately. We also account for shared MEP systems and fire-rated assemblies. This approach ensures accuracy and allows you to see costs per unit type. For example, if a building has 10 one-bedroom units and 5 two-bedroom units, we will provide a takeoff for each type and then extend the quantities. This helps you analyze cost differences between unit types.

We exclude permit and impact fees because they vary widely by jurisdiction. We remind you to verify these with your local building department. If you provide the fee schedule, we can include them as a line item. Otherwise, they should be added by you as a separate cost. For example, some cities charge impact fees based on square footage, while others have flat fees. We can incorporate them if you provide the schedule. We also exclude utility connection fees and school impact fees unless specified.

For remodels, we take off from as-built drawings or site measurements. We include allowances for hidden conditions, such as rot or outdated wiring. We also note any items that require selective demolition. If you have photos or a site report, we can use them to refine quantities. We recommend a contingency for unknown conditions. For example, a kitchen remodel might reveal water damage behind cabinets, requiring additional framing and drywall. We can include a line item for contingency, typically 10–20% of the construction cost.

Our takeoffs are line-by-line, with each item showing quantity, unit, and unit cost. We organize by CSI MasterFormat division, so you can see all items for each trade. We do not group items into lump sums unless you request a summary level. The marked-up plan set shows exactly where each quantity came from. For example, a line item for drywall might show 1,200 SF of 1/2" drywall, with a unit cost of $1.10 per SF. You can see the quantity and verify it against the plans.

Yes, as an optional add-on. We can compare your subcontractor quotes against our takeoff to identify scope gaps or pricing discrepancies. This service is useful for general contractors who want to validate bids before awarding. We provide a side-by-side comparison and note any missing items. For example, if a subcontractor's quote excludes door hardware, we will flag it. This helps you avoid change orders later. The comparison is delivered in Excel for easy review.

We use a multi-step process: plan review, quantity takeoff, cross-checking between sheets, and pricing with ZIP-adjusted rates. We also include a marked-up plan set so you can verify our work. While we strive for accuracy, all estimates are subject to the completeness of the documents provided. We recommend reviewing the assumptions and exclusions list. For example, we cross-check architectural floor plans against structural framing plans to ensure wall heights and openings align. Any discrepancies are noted in the estimate.

Our residential takeoff services include a full material takeoff and cost breakdown organized by CSI MasterFormat divisions. We measure from your blueprint and specifications, then list quantities in square feet, cubic yards, linear feet, and each. Division 03 concrete, Division 06 wood plastics composites, Division 09 finishes, Division 22 plumbing, and Division 26 electrical are all covered. You receive an Excel workbook, a PDF, and a marked-up plan set showing where each quantity came from.

A residential estimator starts with what is dimensioned and notes assumptions for anything missing. We flag items such as roof trusses, plumbing rough-in, or a lumber takeoff that cannot be confirmed without a structural sheet. You get a scope of work list showing what was measured and what was excluded. If you can supply a bid package or unit price assumptions, we can price the gaps as allowances so your residential estimate for contractors stays usable.

Yes. Our residential cost estimating covers single family estimating and multifamily estimating, including apartments with repeated unit types. We build a typical unit takeoff, then extend quantities by unit count and add common areas, corridors, and site work. Square feet and cubic yards are tracked per building and per unit type. This gives you a cost breakdown you can compare against subcontractor quotes before you finalize your bid package.