Faq
General Questions
What types of construction projects do you provide estimates for?
We estimate commercial, residential, and industrial projects nationwide — single-family homes, multi-family developments, renovations, retail build-outs, offices, warehouses, and heavy industrial facilities. Trade coverage includes concrete, masonry, metals, MEP, sitework, thermal & moisture protection, openings, interior & exterior finishes, and lumber takeoffs.
How accurate are your estimates?
Every estimate is built from your actual drawings and specifications using current, zip-code-based market pricing — not generic averages. Quantities come from an on-screen digital takeoff, and a senior estimator reviews the numbers before delivery. If anything looks off against your own numbers, immediate and unlimited revisions are included.
Do you work with contractors outside of Virginia?
Yes. We serve contractors nationwide from our head office in North Canton, OH and our regional office in Manassas, VA. Because pricing is localized to your project’s zip code, your estimate stays competitive in whichever market you’re bidding.
What information do I need to provide for an estimate?
At minimum: your plan set (PDF or CAD), the scope of work, and your bid due date. Specifications, addenda, finish schedules, and any owner allowances help us tighten the numbers further. If drawings are incomplete, we can still produce a preliminary or conceptual estimate.
Pricing & Billing
How much do your estimating services cost?
Single-trade projects start at $199. Small jobs that take only a few hours are billed less — within $100. Our most popular Monthly Package is $1,499/month and covers 10–15 projects. A dedicated estimator is custom-quoted; call (703) 721-8864. You get a free quote within 5–10 minutes of uploading plans.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Single projects are pay-as-you-go, monthly packages bill on a simple recurring cycle, and dedicated-estimator engagements are invoiced on agreed terms. Tell us what fits your cash flow and we’ll work with it.
Is there a discount for multiple projects?
Yes — volume is exactly where the monthly package pays for itself. 10–15 projects for $1,499/month works out to a fraction of per-project pricing, and high-volume or long-term contractors can be quoted custom rates.
What's included in the estimate price?
A complete material takeoff, labor analysis, equipment costs, and a detailed line-item cost breakdown delivered in Excel and PDF — plus unlimited revisions, free consultation, and 24/7 email, live chat, and phone support. No hidden fees.
Process & Timeline
How long does it take to complete an estimate?
Standard turnaround is 24 to 72 hours, depending on project size and complexity. You’ll receive a free quote with a firm delivery date within 5–10 minutes of sending your plans, so you always know the timeline before work starts.
What is your estimating process?
Upload your plans and scope → receive a free quote in 5–10 minutes → approve and we begin → a trade specialist performs the digital takeoff → zip-code pricing is applied → a senior estimator reviews → you receive the estimate in Excel and PDF → revisions on request.
Can you work with tight deadlines?
Yes. Rush handling is available for last-minute bids. Send us your bid due date up front and we’ll confirm the delivery time before you commit — we won’t accept a deadline we can’t hit.
Do you provide progress updates during the estimating process?
Yes. You get a named point of contact and updates at key milestones. Monthly-package and dedicated-estimator clients receive priority support and regular check-ins throughout the bid cycle.
Technical Questions
What file formats do you accept?
We accept PDF, DWG, DXF, and most common architectural and CAD formats. Scanned or photographed drawings work too, as long as they’re legible and to scale. Deliverables come as Excel (XLSX) and PDF, with marked-up takeoff plans available on request.
What estimating software do you use?
Our estimators work in Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, Trimble, FastPIPE, FastDUCT, and FastWRAP, backed by industry pricing databases and zip-code-based cost data for accurate local pricing.
Can you integrate with my project management software?
We deliver in open formats — Excel, CSV, and PDF — that import cleanly into Procore, Buildertrend, QuickBooks, Sage, and most PM or accounting platforms. We can also format the output to match your own internal estimate template.
Do you provide digital takeoffs?
Yes. Every estimate is built on an on-screen digital takeoff, and we can hand over the colour-coded, marked-up plan set alongside the numbers so you can verify any quantity line by line.
Support & Revisions
What if I need revisions to the estimate?
Immediate and unlimited revisions are included on every plan at no extra cost. Send your feedback and we’ll turn the corrected estimate around quickly — scope changes and addenda included.
Do you provide ongoing support after delivery?
Yes — 24/7 email support plus live chat and call support. We’ll walk you through the estimate, help with bid filing and consultation, and stay available after delivery. Monthly and dedicated clients get priority support.
What if the estimate doesn't match my budget?
We’ll show you exactly where the cost is concentrated and help you find value-engineering options: alternate materials, scope adjustments, or phasing. We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee — if you’re not happy, we’ll make it right.
Is my project information confidential?
Yes. Your plans, specifications, pricing, and bid strategy stay strictly confidential — never shared, resold, or reused for another client. NDAs are available on request.