Sitework estimating covers everything from the first tree cleared to the last stripe painted. If you are bidding a subdivision, a commercial pad, or a utility extension, the quantities that decide your number are cut and fill balanced in bank cubic yards, pipe runs measured by invert and depth band, and paving tonnage computed from compacted thickness. We take off CSI Division 31 and CSI Division 33 work, and we fold in the supporting sections that usually ride with the site package: 32 10 00 bases and paving, 32 16 00 curbs and sidewalks, 32 80 00 irrigation, and 02 41 00 demolition when the scope includes it. Our takeoffs are organized by CSI MasterFormat division so your estimator can drop them straight into a bid form. We use Bluebeam Revu for plan markup, PlanSwift for linear and area takeoff, and RSMeans data with ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing. Every pipe run is measured from structure to structure, every manhole is counted by depth and rim type, and every ton of asphalt is computed from the mix design's unit weight, not from a rule of thumb. If you are also carrying concrete or structural steel, we can coordinate those scopes through our concrete estimating services and structural steel estimating teams so the divisions line up. For a full list of what we cover by division, see trade estimating services by CSI division.
- Deliverable
- Excel estimate + marked-up PDF plans
- Organized by
- CSI MasterFormat section
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours for most projects
- Pricing
- ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing
- Software
- Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, RSMeans data
As a sitework estimating company, we also handle the items that decide whether your bid holds up: fine grading, subgrade preparation, backfill and compaction tested to a Proctor density, and soil bearing capacity checks against the geotechnical report. We read plan and profile sheets, not just the site plan, so invert elevations, HDPE pipe and RCP pipe runs, riprap aprons, erosion control blanket, and geotextile fabric are all measured in place. Our on-screen takeoff runs in PlanSwift and Bluebeam Revu, and we can align quantities with Trimble Business Center, AGTEK, or InSite software output when your team already models the dirt. If your bid package is subject to prevailing wage or Davis-Bacon, tell us at kickoff so labor lines carry the right rate basis. We also track the RFI log and flag missing details before they become change orders. For a sitework estimate for contractors working across state lines, see our Texas estimating, California estimating, Florida estimating, and New York estimating pages, or get an estimate to start.
What our sitework quantity takeoff includes
We measure the site package the way a site contractor buys it: clearing by acre, dirt by bank cubic yard, pipe by linear foot with bedding and backfill, and paving by ton. Each line lands in its CSI section with the plan sheet reference so you can trace it back.
Clearing & Grubbing
Clearing by acre, tree removal by diameter class, topsoil strip and stockpile volume.
AC · EA · CYBulk Earthwork
Cut and fill by grid or cross-section with shrink/swell factors applied.
BCY · CCYTrenching & Backfill
Trench excavation by depth band, bedding, backfill, and compaction in lifts.
LF · CYSite Utilities
Water, sanitary, and storm pipe by material and diameter; manholes and inlets by each.
LF · EA · VFAggregate Base
Base course by ton or square yard at compacted depth, with waste factor.
TON · SYAsphalt Paving
Binder and surface course by ton using mix design unit weight; striping by linear foot.
TON · LFCurb & Sidewalk
Concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ADA ramps by linear foot and square foot.
LF · SFErosion Control
Silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance, and SWPPP items.
LF · EAWhat every sitework estimating takeoff includes
- Clearing and grubbing by acre, with tree removal by diameter class
- Topsoil strip at specified depth (typically 6–12 in.) and stockpile volume
- Bulk cut and fill by grid or cross-section, with shrink/swell factors applied
- Structural fill and select granular material placed and compacted in lifts
- Trench excavation for water, sanitary sewer, and storm, by depth band
- Pipe runs by material and diameter: PVC SDR, RCP, DIP, HDPE
- Manholes, inlets, catch basins, headwalls, and end sections by each
- Water main appurtenances: gate valves, hydrants, tees, restrained joints
- Aggregate base course by ton or square yard at compacted depth
- Asphalt binder and surface course by ton using the mix design unit weight
- Concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ADA ramps by linear foot and square foot
- Erosion control: silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance
How we take off a site package
- Review civil plans and geotechWe start with the grading plan, utility profiles, and geotech report. The geotech gives us shrink and swell factors, groundwater elevation, and rock depth. We note the limit of work, the benchmark, and any phasing shown on the civil sheets. We also check for utility company notes, easements, and right-of-way limits that affect excavation and haul routes.
- Digitize existing and proposed surfacesIn Bluebeam and PlanSwift we trace the existing grade contours and the proposed finish grade. We build a grid at 50 ft or 100 ft spacing, depending on the plan scale, and compute cut and fill volumes by the average-end-area or borrow-pit method. We check the balance point and flag any areas where the design requires import or export.
- Measure pipe runs by invertEvery storm, sanitary, and water run is measured from structure to structure along the pipe centerline. We record diameter, material, and depth band from the profile sheet, then add bedding stone, backfill, and trench excavation as separate lines. Manholes and inlets are counted by type and depth, with rim elevations taken from the plan and profile.
- Compute paving tonnageWe measure the paving area from the site plan, subtract curb returns and islands, and multiply by the compacted thickness from the typical section. The result is converted to tons using the mix design's unit weight, with a waste factor applied as a separate line. We also measure aggregate base by ton or square yard at the specified compacted depth.
- Apply shrink/swell and waste factorsCut volumes are adjusted to loose cubic yards for hauling, and fill volumes are adjusted to bank cubic yards for purchase. Paving waste typically runs 3–8% depending on mix and placement method. We show these as separate lines so you can see the raw quantity and the adjusted quantity. Swell factors are taken from the geotech report, not assumed.
- Assemble by CSI divisionThe final takeoff is organized by MasterFormat division, with each line tied to a plan sheet reference. We deliver Excel and PDF with marked-up plan sets, so your estimator can check any quantity back to the drawing. We also include a cut/fill balance summary and a pipe run schedule by diameter, material, and depth band.
What we need from you
- Civil plan setGrading, utility, erosion control, and paving sheets. The grading plan drives cut/fill; the utility profiles drive pipe depth and bedding.
- Geotech reportShrink and swell factors, groundwater elevation, and rock depth. Without these, cut/fill balance is reported in the wrong unit.
- Spec bookDivision 31 and 33 sections for pipe material, bedding, compaction, and paving mix. The spec tells us whether it is SDR-35 or SDR-26, RCP or HDPE.
- Typical sectionsPaving, curb, and trench details. These give us compacted thicknesses and bedding dimensions we cannot scale reliably from the plan.
- Bid formIf you have one, send it. We will map our takeoff lines to your bid items so you can transfer numbers without re-keying.
- Site constraintsPhasing, lane closures, off-hours work, and staging areas. These drive traffic control and dewatering costs that are easy to miss.
Sample takeoff format
Below is a sample of how we present sitework quantities. Each line references the plan sheet so you can trace it back.
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 10 00 | Clearing and grubbing, including tree removal by diameter class | 4.2 | AC | C-101 |
| 31 23 00 | Bulk cut to subgrade, adjusted for swell | 12,400 | CY | C-201 |
| 31 23 00 | Structural fill, 95% compaction, on-site material | 8,200 | CY | C-201 |
| 33 30 00 | 8" PVC SDR-35 sanitary sewer, 0-6 ft depth | 1,850 | LF | C-301 |
| 33 40 00 | 48" RCP storm drainage, Class III, with bedding stone | 620 | LF | C-401 |
| 32 12 00 | 2" asphalt surface course, Superpave, 12.5 mm | 1,250 | TON | C-501 |
| 32 16 00 | 24" concrete curb and gutter, including radii | 3,400 | LF | C-501 |
| 31 25 00 | Silt fence, 36" height, including maintenance | 1,800 | LF | C-601 |
| 31 23 00 | Trench excavation for 8" sanitary sewer, 0-6 ft depth | 1,850 | LF | C-301 |
| 33 11 00 | 8" DIP water main, including fittings and restrained joints | 950 | LF | C-701 |
| 31 23 00 | Rock excavation allowance, if encountered | 500 | CY | C-201 |
| 32 11 00 | 6" aggregate base course, compacted | 2,100 | TON | C-501 |
Units of measure we use
Sitework quantities are only useful if the unit matches how the work is bought and paid for. Here is how we measure the main items.
| Item | Unit | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk cut and fill | CY | Measured in bank cubic yards from cross-sections, then adjusted for shrink or swell |
| Topsoil strip | CY | Area times specified depth, converted from cubic feet to cubic yards |
| Pipe runs | LF | Measured along the pipe centerline from structure to structure, by diameter and depth |
| Manholes and inlets | EA | Counted by type, depth, and rim elevation from the utility plan |
| Aggregate base | TON | Compacted volume times unit weight of the specified stone |
| Asphalt paving | TON | Area times compacted thickness times mix unit weight, plus waste |
| Curb and gutter | LF | Measured along the face of curb, including radii and transitions |
| Erosion control | LF / EA | Silt fence by linear foot; inlet protection and entrances by each |
| Clearing | AC | Measured from the limit of work shown on the clearing plan |
Worked example: sanitary sewer run with trench excavation and bedding
This example takes one 8-inch PVC SDR-35 sanitary sewer run between two manholes and shows every step from plan dimensions to adjusted quantities. The dimensions are illustrative and do not represent any specific project.
Given from the plan and profile:
- Run length: 180 LF (station 0+00 to 1+80)
- Average depth to invert: 7.5 ft
- Trench width: 3.0 ft (pipe OD plus 12 in. each side)
- Pipe diameter: 8 in. (0.67 ft)
- Bedding: 6 in. below pipe, 12 in. above pipe (initial backfill)
- Geotech: swell factor 1.25, shrink factor 0.90
- Waste factor for pipe: 2%
Step 1 — Pipe quantity with waste
- Net pipe: 180 LF
- Waste: 180 × 0.02 = 3.6 LF
- Order pipe: 183.6 LF, round to 184 LF
Step 2 — Trench excavation volume
- Cross-section area: 3.0 ft × 7.5 ft = 22.5 SF
- Volume: 22.5 SF × 180 LF = 4,050 CF
- Convert to CY: 4,050 ÷ 27 = 150 CY (bank cubic yards, bcy)
Step 3 — Bedding stone
- Bedding area: 3.0 ft × 0.5 ft = 1.5 SF
- Volume: 1.5 SF × 180 LF = 270 CF
- Convert to CY: 270 ÷ 27 = 10 CY
- Add 5% waste: 10.5 CY, round to 11 CY
Step 4 — Initial backfill (above pipe)
- Backfill area: 3.0 ft × 1.0 ft = 3.0 SF
- Volume: 3.0 SF × 180 LF = 540 CF
- Convert to CY: 540 ÷ 27 = 20 CY
Step 5 — Remaining backfill
- Remaining depth: 7.5 ft − 0.67 ft pipe − 0.5 ft bedding − 1.0 ft initial = 5.33 ft
- Area: 3.0 ft × 5.33 ft = 16.0 SF
- Volume: 16.0 SF × 180 LF = 2,880 CF
- Convert to CY: 2,880 ÷ 27 = 106.7 CY, round to 107 CY
Step 6 — Adjust for swell and shrink
- Excavated material (bcy): 150 CY
- Loose volume for hauling: 150 × 1.25 = 187.5 CY (lcy)
- Backfill required (compacted): 11 + 20 + 107 = 138 CY
- Bank volume needed for backfill: 138 × 0.90 = 124.2 CY
- Surplus to haul off: 150 − 124.2 = 25.8 CY (bcy), or 32.3 CY (lcy)
Step 7 — Manholes
- Two manholes, 4-ft diameter, average depth 8 ft
- Count as each, with depth noted for pricing
Summary table
| Item | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 8" PVC SDR-35 pipe | 184 | LF |
| Trench excavation | 150 | CY (bcy) |
| Bedding stone | 11 | CY |
| Initial backfill | 20 | CY |
| Remaining backfill | 107 | CY |
| Surplus haul-off | 26 | CY (bcy) |
| Manholes | 2 | EA |
This is the level of detail we provide for every pipe run. We show raw quantities, waste, and swell/shrink adjustments as separate lines so you can see exactly how the number was built. For a full site package, we repeat this for each utility run and combine with cut/fill and paving takeoffs. If you need masonry or structural steel scopes coordinated, see our masonry estimating services and structural steel estimating pages.
What drives sitework cost estimating
Relative impact on a typical estimate for this trade, based on estimator judgment. Select a bar for details.
Cut/fill balance
If the site balances, you avoid haul-off and import. If it does not, every cubic yard of export carries trucking, tipping fees, and cycle time. We report cut and fill separately in bank and loose cubic yards so you can see the balance point. A site that is 500 CY short of fill is a different bid than one that is 5,000 CY long.
If the site balances, you avoid haul-off and import. If it does not, every cubic yard of export carries trucking, tipping fees, and cycle time. We report cut and fill separately in bank and loose cubic yards so you can see the balance point. A site that is 500 CY short of fill is a different bid than one that is 5,000 CY long.
Rock is the largest single risk in sitework. If the geotech shows rock at 6 ft and your trench goes to 10 ft, you are blasting or hoe-ramming. We flag rock depth on the profile and carry a separate allowance line, not a lump sum buried in trench excavation. The allowance is based on the depth and area of rock shown in the test borings.
Groundwater above the pipe invert means you are pumping. The cost is in the equipment, the discharge permit, and the labor to keep the trench dry. We measure it by depth band and add a line for temporary bypass pumping during tie-ins. The volume of water and the duration of pumping drive the equipment size and fuel cost.
Off-site disposal is priced by the load, not the yard. A 10-mile round trip at 20 mph average is a different number than a 30-mile trip. We ask for the disposal site location and carry trucking as a separate line. Cycle time, loading method, and road restrictions all affect the hourly cost of the haul.
A 2-inch surface over 4-inch base is not the same as a 3-inch surface over 6-inch base. The mix design (Superpave vs. Marshall, binder vs. surface) changes the unit weight and the price per ton. We compute tonnage from the actual section. The aggregate base gradation and compaction requirement also affect the cost per ton.
Silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance, and inspection labor are permit-driven. The quantities come from the erosion control plan, but the maintenance cost is time-based. We carry both. The frequency of inspections and the duration of construction determine the labor component.
Existing utilities shown on the plan may need potholing, protection, or relocation. We flag conflicts where the new pipe crosses existing lines and carry an allowance for potholing and hand excavation. Relocation costs are often borne by the utility owner, but the contractor still carries the delay and coordination.
Common scope gaps we catch
These are the items that most often fall between the cracks on a site package. We check for each one and either include it or note it as excluded.
- Swell and shrink factors ignored, so cut/fill balance is reported in the wrong unit. We apply geotech factors and show both bank and loose cubic yards.
- Haul-off disposal fees, tipping costs, and truck cycle time not carried as a separate line. We ask for the disposal site location and price the haul.
- Rock excavation allowance or a defined rock-removal clause missing from the bid form. We flag rock depth on the profile and carry an allowance line.
- Dewatering and temporary bypass pumping during utility tie-ins. We measure groundwater depth and add a line for pumping equipment and discharge permit.
- Traffic control, lane closures, and off-hours work windows required by the permit. We read the notes on the civil sheets and carry these as separate items.
- Utility potholing, test pits, and survey/staking by a licensed surveyor. These are often owner-furnished but not stated; we list them as exclusions if not in scope.
- Bedding and backfill stone for pipe counted as pipe only. We measure bedding stone by trench length and depth, and backfill by volume.
- Compaction testing, density tests, and third-party inspection fees. These are typically owner-furnished but must be carried if the spec requires the contractor to provide them.
- Temporary seeding, stabilized construction entrance maintenance, and SWPPP inspection labor. We carry these as time-based items, not just installation quantities.
- Asphalt tonnage computed from plan area without adjusting for compaction and waste. We apply typical waste factors of 3–8% depending on mix and placement.
- Stripping and stockpiling topsoil for later reuse, versus importing topsoil. We measure stockpile volume and compare against the import quantity.
- Fire line, domestic water, and irrigation sleeves under paving, plus casing pipe. These are often shown on the utility plan but missed in the takeoff.
- Connection fees, tap fees, and utility company charges that sit outside the contract. We list them as owner costs, not contractor costs.
- Restoration of disturbed areas, fencing, and landscaping outside the limit of work. We measure from the limit of work and note any off-site restoration.
Material choices that change quantities and cost
The material specified for pipe, base, asphalt, and erosion control changes both the unit price and the quantity calculation. Here is how we compare common options.
| Material / product | Typical application | Unit of measure | Quantity impact / waste factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC SDR-35 | Sanitary sewer and storm drainage, gravity flow | LF | Lightweight, easy to cut; waste 2–3% for fittings and cuts |
| PVC SDR-26 | Sanitary sewer, deeper bury or higher load | LF | Thicker wall, same takeoff length; check bedding requirements |
| RCP (reinforced concrete pipe) | Storm drainage, heavy loads, deep bury | LF | Heavier, requires more bedding and lifting equipment; waste 1–2% |
| DIP (ductile iron pipe) | Water main, fire lines, high pressure | LF | Restrained joints add fittings; waste 2–4% for cut lengths |
| HDPE (high-density polyethylene) | Directional drilling, force mains | LF | Fused joints, fewer fittings; waste 1–2% |
| Crushed stone base (e.g., #57, #21A) | Under paving, pipe bedding | TON | Compacted volume × unit weight (approx. 1.4–1.6 TON/CY); waste 5% |
| Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) | Base course, temporary roads | TON | Similar unit weight to stone; check spec allowance |
| Superpave asphalt (binder/surface) | Parking lots, roadways | TON | Compacted thickness × area × unit weight (approx. 145–150 lb/SY per inch); waste 3–8% |
| Silt fence | Perimeter erosion control | LF | Installation plus maintenance; quantity from plan |
| Compost filter sock | Inlet protection, ditch checks | LF | Alternative to silt fence; check spec |
| Straw wattle | Slope protection, ditch checks | LF | Biodegradable; may require replacement |
Codes, standards, and spec sections that affect sitework quantities
Sitework quantities are governed by a mix of model codes, utility standards, and project specifications. The adopted editions vary by jurisdiction, so always confirm with the local building department and utility authority before finalizing your bid.
Model codes and standards:
- International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) for grading, excavation, and foundation drainage.
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for insulation and air sealing, which can affect frost depth and foundation design.
- National Electrical Code (NEC) for underground conduit and grounding.
- International Plumbing Code (IPC) or Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) for sanitary sewer and water piping.
- NFPA 13 for fire protection, which may require site fire lines and hydrant spacing.
- Local amendments to these codes often add stricter requirements for stormwater management and erosion control.
Specification sections (CSI MasterFormat):
- Division 31: Earthwork (31 00 00), Site Clearing (31 10 00), Earth Moving (31 20 00), Excavation and Fill (31 23 00), Erosion and Sedimentation Controls (31 25 00), Shoring and Underpinning (31 40 00).
- Division 33: Water Utilities (33 10 00), Sanitary Sewerage Utilities (33 30 00), Storm Drainage Utilities (33 40 00), Subdrainage (33 46 00).
- Division 32: Bases, Ballasts, and Paving (32 10 00), Flexible Paving (32 12 00), Rigid Paving (32 13 00), Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks (32 16 00), Irrigation (32 80 00), Planting (32 90 00).
- Division 02: Demolition (02 41 00) when the site package includes removal of existing structures or pavement.
Utility authority standards:
- Water and sewer mains are often governed by the local municipality or utility district, not just the building code. Their standards dictate pipe material, bedding, trench width, and minimum cover. Always request the utility's standard details and specifications.
Environmental regulations:
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements under the Clean Water Act (NPDES) drive erosion control quantities and inspection frequency. Check with the state environmental agency for permit thresholds.
Because these requirements vary, we recommend you confirm the adopted code editions and utility standards with the local building department and utility owner before submitting your bid. Our takeoffs flag where a specification or standard may affect quantities, but we do not provide code compliance review.
Who uses our sitework estimate for contractors
General contractors
You need a site package number to complete your bid. We give you Division 31 and 33 quantities you can drop into your bid form, with marked-up sheets so you can defend the number.
Site subcontractors
You are pricing the dirt, pipe, and paving directly. Our takeoff gives you a second set of eyes on quantities, especially cut/fill balance and pipe bedding, so you can bid with confidence.
Developers and owners
You are comparing sitework bids and need to know if they are apples to apples. Our takeoff shows the quantities behind each bid so you can see who missed what.
Civil engineers
You designed the site and want a contractor's perspective on constructability and cost. Our takeoff flags items that are shown on the plans but not specified, or vice versa.
Estimators
You are carrying multiple trades and need the sitework done fast. We deliver in 24–48 hours with a format that matches your bid form, so you spend time on pricing, not measuring.