What does a Texas construction estimate cost?
Pricing depends on project type, size and drawing completeness. We do not publish a flat rate because a 4,000-square-foot custom home and a 200-unit multifamily building take different hours. Send your plans through our get an estimate page and we will quote the takeoff and estimate before we start. Most projects turn around in 24–48 hours, with rush available when a bid date is close. We confirm the scope and fee in writing so there are no surprises.
How fast can you turn around a Texas takeoff?
Most projects are delivered in 24–48 hours from receipt of complete drawings. Rush service is available for tight bid dates. Timing depends on drawing completeness and project size; a full multifamily set with MEP takes longer than a single-family plan. We confirm the schedule when we quote so you know when to expect the Excel and PDF files. If drawings are incomplete, we note assumptions and can start with what you have, then update when the full set is available.
Do you price with Texas labor and material rates?
Yes. We use ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing so a Houston slab and a Midland slab carry different costs. We separate material from labor so you can test your own crew rates. For public projects with prevailing-wage requirements, tell us at intake so the wage basis is set correctly before we price. We use RSMeans data as a baseline and adjust for local market conditions. If you have recent supplier quotes or crew rates, we can incorporate them.
What format do you deliver?
We deliver Excel and PDF files organized by CSI MasterFormat division, with marked-up plan sets showing what we measured. The Excel file includes quantities, units, unit costs and extensions. The PDF is for review and submission. You can sort and adjust the Excel file to match your own bid form. We also include a summary tab by division and a detail tab for each trade. If you need a different format, tell us at intake and we will accommodate.
Which Texas cities do you cover?
We estimate projects across Texas, including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock, Garland, Irving, Frisco, McKinney, Amarillo, Grand Prairie, Brownsville, Killeen, Denton, Pasadena, McAllen, Mesquite, Midland and Waco. Pricing is adjusted by ZIP code within each market. If your project is outside these cities, we can still estimate it using the nearest market data and adjust for local conditions. Tell us the project address at intake.
Do you handle both residential and commercial?
Yes. We take off single-family, multifamily, commercial, industrial and institutional work. The 2025 permit data we track covers new privately-owned residential units only, but our estimating scope covers all CSI divisions for commercial and residential projects. Tell us the project type at intake so we apply the right assemblies and waste factors. For commercial work, we often need specifications and equipment schedules in addition to drawings. For residential, plan repetition and option pricing are key.
What do you need to start an estimate?
Send the complete drawing set, including architectural, structural, MEP and civil if available, plus the geotechnical report for foundation work. Specifications and finish schedules help. If drawings are schematic, tell us so we can note assumptions and exclusions. The more complete the set, the fewer qualifications in the estimate. We also need the project address to apply ZIP-code-adjusted pricing. If you have a bid form or scope sheet, include it so we can organize the estimate to match.
How do you handle Texas code differences?
Texas has no statewide commercial building code; each jurisdiction adopts its own IBC and IRC edition with local amendments. We read the adopted edition noted on your permit set and price to it. Because amendments change, confirm the current edition and local amendments with the building department before you lock a bid. We note the code basis assumed in the estimate. For electrical, we follow the NEC edition adopted by the local jurisdiction. For plumbing and mechanical, we follow the adopted IPC/UPC and IMC/UMC editions.
Where does the permit data on this page come from?
The figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, annual place-level data for 2025, covering new privately-owned residential units only. Across the 25 Texas cities we track, 72,008 units were permitted, down 2.4% from 73,772 in 2024. The data does not include commercial or non-residential construction. We use it to show where residential volume is concentrated, not as a measure of total construction activity. For commercial and industrial market data, we rely on other sources and our own project experience.
Can you estimate from schematic drawings for a budget?
Yes. We estimate from schematic drawings when design is incomplete, using typical assemblies and clearly stating assumptions and exclusions. The result is a division-level cost model you can compare against contractor bids as documents develop. Expect wider ranges than a full construction set, and plan to update the estimate when design advances. We can also provide a list of missing information that would improve accuracy. For early budgets, we often use parametric ratios for MEP and finishes based on building type and size.