Structural Steel Estimating
Steel takeoffs that fabricators and erectors can price from: tonnage by member, connection allowances, joists, metal deck and miscellaneous metals, measured from your structural drawings and delivered in 24–48 hours.
Tonnage you can fabricate and erect from.
Structural steel estimating services from NYNMO Estimating give steel fabricators, erectors and general contractors a member-by-member takeoff of every column, beam, brace and girt on a project. Our estimators read the framing plans, elevations, sections and schedules, list each member by shape and length, and calculate weight from standard shape tables, so your tonnage reflects the drawings rather than a pounds-per-square-foot rule of thumb.
Steel pricing depends on more than total tonnage. Heavy columns, light framing, HSS members and plate each carry different fabrication and erection costs, so we group the takeoff the way you price it. Connections, base plates, stiffeners and embeds are listed as their own items or as a percentage allowance, whichever matches how your shop builds its numbers.
How we build a steel estimate
We review the structural set, general notes and specifications to confirm steel grades, connection design responsibility, finish requirements and any miscellaneous metals called out on the architectural sheets. Members are then measured in PlanSwift and Bluebeam and organized by level, gridline and member type. Joists, joist girders and metal deck are taken off from their schedules, and material, fabrication and erection labor are priced at current regional rates.
Steel and metals we take off.
From a single canopy to a multi-story frame, each category is quantified separately so fabricators and erectors can price it their way.
Structural framing
Columns, beams, girders, moment frames and braced frames, listed by shape, length, piece count and weight.
Light gauge and girts
Girts, purlins, lintels and secondary framing that are easy to miss on the architectural sheets.
Joists and deck
Open-web joists, joist girders, bridging, composite floor deck and roof deck by gauge and profile.
Connections and plates
Base plates, cap plates, shear tabs, clip angles and anchor rods, itemized or carried as an allowance.
Miscellaneous metals
Stairs, landings, handrails, ladders, bollards, embeds, lintels and equipment supports.
Finishes and coatings
Shop primer, galvanizing and intumescent or spray fireproofing requirements flagged from the specs.
Steel estimates for every structure.
Light commercial & residentialCanopies, mezzanines and moment frames
We estimate steel beams and posts in custom homes, moment frames in mixed-use buildings, mezzanines, canopies and small additions, where accurate piece counts matter as much as tonnage because shop time is driven by connections.
Commercial & industrialMulti-story frames and warehouses
For commercial and industrial projects we cover multi-story braced and moment frames, warehouse and distribution buildings, pipe racks, equipment platforms and steel-framed retail and healthcare buildings, organized by level and gridline.
Steel costs that are easy to miss.
Fabricators rarely lose money on the main columns and beams. The risk sits in the secondary items that do not show up on the framing plan:
- Miscellaneous metals on architectural sheets such as lintels, angle frames, roof opening frames and equipment supports.
- Connection material including plates, clips, stiffeners and bolts, which can add a significant percentage to the main member weight.
- Deck accessories like pour stops, closures, edge angles and sump pans.
- Embeds and anchor rods that must be fabricated early and coordinated with the concrete contractor.
- Coating and fireproofing requirements that change shop and field costs.
Every item appears on its own line with weight or count, so you can apply your shop and field rates with confidence.
Three steps from plans to a priced bid.
Send your plans
Upload your drawings, specifications and bid date, and tell us which steel scope you need priced.
We take off and price
Our estimators measure every steel item from the plans and price material and labor at current rates for your region.
Review and bid
You receive the Excel estimate and marked-up plans, ask for any changes, and submit your bid with confidence.
Built for the people who bid steel.
Our steel estimating services fit fabricators, erectors and contractors who need reliable tonnage fast.
Steel fabricators
Turn bid invitations around faster with tonnage broken down the way your shop prices it.
Steel erectors
Plan crane picks and crew hours from accurate piece counts by level.
General contractors
Check steel subcontractor numbers and budget structural packages early.
Developers
Compare framing systems before the structural design is final.
Why steel contractors outsource takeoffs.
A detailed steel takeoff on a multi-story project can tie up a senior estimator for days, and that is time your shop could spend on detailing and production. Outsourcing lets you bid more work with the same team and gives you a second set of eyes on the drawings before you commit to a number.
Because pricing is per project, you only pay for the bids you pursue. Steel and concrete scopes often overlap at embeds and anchor rods, so our concrete and rebar estimating services can be ordered on the same project, and our bid preparation support helps turn the numbers into a clean proposal.
Common questions about steel estimating.
Answers to the questions contractors ask most before ordering an estimate.
How do you calculate steel tonnage?
Each member is listed by shape and length from the framing plans, sections and schedules, and weight is calculated from standard shape tables. Connections and plates are added as itemized material or as an allowance, based on your preference.
Do you include connections in the estimate?
Yes. We can itemize plates, clips and bolts where they are detailed, or carry connection material as a percentage of main member weight when connections are delegated to the fabricator.
Do you estimate joists and metal deck?
Yes. Joists and joist girders are taken off from their schedules by designation and span, and floor and roof deck are measured by area, gauge and profile with accessories listed separately.
Can you estimate miscellaneous metals only?
Yes. Many fabricators order miscellaneous metals separately, including stairs, rails, lintels, ladders, bollards and embeds, and we limit the takeoff to that scope.
How long does a steel estimate take?
Most steel takeoffs are delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Large multi-story frames or industrial structures may take longer, and we confirm the timeline when we review your drawings.
How much does a steel estimate cost?
Steel estimates are priced per project based on size and complexity, with a flat quote agreed before work starts. Send your plans for a free quote.
Have a steel project to estimate?
Tell us about the project and we will reply within one business day with a flat price and turnaround. You can also email your plans to info@nynmoestimating.com.