School & Education Building Estimating

We need the architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, plus the project manual with specifications. A site plan helps us set the boundary for site work. If you have a bid date, tell us so we can schedule turnaround. PDF is fine; we can also work from CAD or Revit. The more complete the set, the more accurate the takeoff. We also need the fire-rated assembly schedule, door and window schedules, and the electrical and technology plans to count devices and conduit stubs. If any of these are missing, we will note the assumptions in the estimate.

We mark up the life safety plan to identify every 1-hour and 2-hour rated wall. Corridor walls, stair shafts, and mechanical shafts are tagged separately from generic partitions. This prevents the common error of pricing all walls as a single assembly and missing the extra board, stud gauge, and firestopping required at rated locations. For each rated wall, we verify the assembly detail from the wall type schedule and specification Section 09250. We then take off the specific components: board thickness and layers, stud gauge and spacing, insulation, and firestop sealant at head-of-wall and penetrations. We also check for continuity at floor and roof connections.

Yes. We include selective demolition, temporary partitions, and phasing allowances. We note where work must be sequenced around school hours and testing windows. We add separate allowances for temporary protection, dust control, and after-hours premium time, so your budget reflects the real conditions. We also review the hazardous material survey to identify asbestos and lead paint abatement, which is common in older buildings. For occupied renovations, we measure the extent of temporary partitions and negative air machines required for containment. We also account for the additional labor to move materials through occupied corridors and the cost of temporary lighting and power.

Most projects return in 24–48 hours. Rush service is available for a premium if your bid date is close. The turnaround depends on the size and complexity of the project; we will confirm the schedule when we receive your drawings. For a typical K-12 school of 50,000 to 100,000 square feet, we can complete a full takeoff and pricing within two business days. Larger or more complex projects, such as high schools with specialized labs or athletic facilities, may require additional time. We will provide a firm delivery date after reviewing your plan set.

We take off foodservice equipment rough-in, grease interceptor, hood suppression, and dedicated make-up air from the foodservice plans. We coordinate with the mechanical and plumbing scopes. We also count walk-in cooler refrigeration, exhaust hoods, and fire suppression tie-ins as separate line items. We verify the equipment schedule for items like ranges, ovens, steamers, and dishwashers. For each, we include the required electrical connections, gas piping, and water and waste lines. We also measure the kitchen hood and ductwork, which often requires a separate fire-rated enclosure. These items are priced separately so you can see the full foodservice scope.

We count devices and conduit stubs from the electrical and technology plans. We cross-reference the door schedule and security notes to ensure every card reader, door position switch, and request-to-exit device is included. We list these as separate line items so you can see the low-voltage scope. We also take off data outlets, wireless access points, and intercom stations. For each device, we include the conduit, backboxes, and cabling. We coordinate with the electrical plans to avoid double-counting. We also note any owner-furnished equipment, such as servers and switches, as exclusions.

We measure each assembly in the unit that matches how it is bought and installed: square feet for floor area, roof area, and wall area; linear feet for partitions, pipe, and duct; each for doors, fixtures, and devices; cubic yards for concrete; and tons for structural steel. This makes the estimate easy to compare with subcontractor quotes. For example, we take off gypsum board in square feet, metal studs in each, and structural steel in tons. We also use cubic yards for concrete and linear feet for piping. This approach ensures that quantities align with supplier and subcontractor pricing units, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Yes. If you are bidding the drywall, finishes, or MEP package, we can isolate your division and provide a detailed takeoff with references to the sheets you will use for installation. We organize the estimate by CSI MasterFormat division, so you can filter to your scope. For example, if you are a drywall subcontractor, we will provide a takeoff of all gypsum board, metal studs, insulation, and finishes, with quantities broken down by floor and area. We also include a marked-up plan set highlighting the walls and ceilings you are responsible for. This allows you to quickly verify quantities and focus your bid.

We apply typical waste factors as separate line items. For example, gypsum board may have 10% waste for cuts and damage, while studs may have 5% waste. Separating waste lets you adjust the factor for your own means and methods. We show net quantity and waste as distinct lines in the Excel workbook. For each material, we use a waste factor that reflects typical installation practices. For example, we use 10% for gypsum board, 5% for metal studs, 5% for insulation, and 10% for acoustical tile. These factors are based on industry standards and can be adjusted to match your historical data.

We measure site work within 5 feet of the building, including bus loops, parent drop-off queues, covered walkways, and playground surfacing. We note the boundary of our estimate at 5 feet from the building, so you can coordinate with the civil contractor. Site utilities beyond that point are excluded. For the included area, we take off excavation, backfill, grading, and compaction. We also measure concrete sidewalks, curbs, and asphalt paving for the bus loop and drop-off lanes. We include playground surfacing, such as poured-in-place rubber or engineered wood fiber, and any retaining walls or fencing within the 5-foot limit.

We exclude owner furniture, fixtures, and equipment; technology packages such as servers and switches; hazardous material abatement; site utilities beyond 5 feet; playground equipment and surfacing; bus loop and parent drop-off paving; and permit fees. These are listed in the estimate so you can budget them separately. We also exclude any work by owner's separate contractors, such as foodservice equipment installation, and any utility company charges. We clearly state these exclusions in the estimate summary so you can account for them in your overall budget. If you need any of these items included, we can add them as an option.

We use RSMeans data adjusted for the project ZIP code, which reflects local union agreements and material availability. If the project requires prevailing wage, we can adjust the labor rates accordingly. We keep the takeoff and pricing separate in the workbook, so you can swap in your own subcontractor quotes. For prevailing wage projects, we apply the applicable wage determination from the Department of Labor for the county where the project is located. We also account for additional labor burden, such as fringe benefits and payroll taxes. This ensures that your estimate reflects the true cost of labor under prevailing wage requirements.

Yes. For early budgets we use parametric estimating from program areas: square feet per student, student stations, and efficiency ratio, then apply Uniformat Level 2 assemblies. We benchmark against RSMeans data adjusted by ZIP code and flag the divisions most likely to move, such as Division 23 HVAC and Division 26 electrical. As schematic design and construction documents develop, we convert the model to a full CSI MasterFormat takeoff. Confirm the adopted code edition with the local building department before locking the budget.

Yes. We separate demolition from new work, note hazardous material allowances such as PCB and mercury, and carry phasing items like temporary classroom and swing space. We take off selective demolition, patching, and matching finishes, and we flag existing conditions that need field verification, including attic stock, as-built drawings, and concealed MEP routing. For older buildings we watch for vapor barrier, asbestos, and ADA standards upgrades in restrooms and egress paths. Confirm the adopted code edition with the local building department.

We can break the takeoff into bid packages: site work, concrete, masonry, metals, openings, finishes, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, communications, and electronic safety security. Each package gets its own quantities, units, and sheet references so a subcontractor can price without re-measuring. We also provide a general conditions and overhead and profit summary when you are pricing as a prime. If the bid form requires unit price line items, we format the workbook to match. Confirm the adopted code edition with the local building department.

We provide a full quantity takeoff by CSI MasterFormat division, with quantities, units, and sheet references, plus ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing using RSMeans data. Deliverables are Excel and PDF with marked-up plan sets. We also flag addenda and request for information items that affect quantities, and we can structure the estimate in Uniformat or CSI divisions depending on how your bid is organized.