What Is Construction Cost Estimating?
Construction cost estimating develops a project cost estimate from project scope, measured quantities, and pricing information, along with labour and material cost considerations and project-specific assumptions. Where pricing or rate information is supplied by you, or is already present in your project documentation, it's used as the basis for the estimate — this service does not draw on live or automatically updated market pricing.
It builds on, but is distinct from, the earlier stages of estimating: Quantity Takeoff measures the quantities of work and materials from your drawings. BOQ Preparation organises those measured quantities into a structured Bill of Quantities. Construction Cost Estimating goes a step further, using scope, quantities, rates or pricing information, and labour and material considerations to develop a project cost estimate.
What This Service Covers
Depending on project scope and the information available, cost estimating may cover:
- Project cost estimates built from scope, drawings, and specifications
- Labour and material cost considerations, where pricing information is available
- Cost breakdowns organised by construction work package or trade
- Trade-based estimating aligned to your project structure
- Project-specific assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications
- Support for tender or bid preparation
Not every project includes the same information — coverage is based on the scope, quantities, and pricing information you're able to provide for that project.
Who Uses This Service?
Construction Cost Estimating is typically used by:
- Contractors
- Main contractors
- Subcontractors
- Developers
- Consultants
- Builders
- Tendering teams
What You Receive
A completed cost estimate typically includes:
- A structured project cost estimate
- A cost breakdown by work package or trade
- Documented assumptions and exclusions
- A summary suitable for budgeting or tender review
- Reference back to the quantities and documentation used
The exact layout and file format are agreed with you as part of scope review.
How It Works
- 1
Project Documentation
You share the drawings, specifications, and any quantities, rates, or pricing information already available.
- 2
Scope Review
We review what's been provided and confirm the scope of the estimate with you before work begins.
- 3
Quantities & Rates Review
Available quantities and pricing information are reviewed and organised by work package or trade.
- 4
Cost Development
Labour and material cost considerations are applied to the reviewed quantities to build the estimate.
- 5
Assumptions & Exclusions
Assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions are documented alongside the estimate so its basis is clear.
- 6
Estimate Delivery
The completed cost estimate is delivered to you in the agreed format, ready to support budgeting or a tender submission.
Documents & Information Required
Cost estimating can work from available project documentation such as:
- Construction drawings and specifications
- Measured quantities or a BOQ, where already available
- Pricing or rate information you're able to provide for the project
- Scope notes, or areas to include or exclude
- Tender documents, where the estimate is supporting a submission
- Project or drawing revision details
Not every project requires every document — we'll confirm what's needed, including what pricing or rate information you're able to provide, during scope review.
Quality & Technical Review
Every cost estimate is reviewed against the source documentation, quantities, and stated assumptions before it's delivered, checking cost breakdowns for accuracy and consistency. This technical review is carried out by our estimating team as a standard part of the service.