Construction Cost Estimating
Line-item cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, general conditions and overhead, priced at current regional rates for contractors, developers and owners in 24–48 hours.
Know what the project will cost before you commit.
Construction cost estimating is the process of calculating a project's total expected cost from its drawings and specifications: material quantities, labor hours, equipment, subcontractor pricing, general conditions and overhead. NYNMO Estimating prepares these estimates for general contractors, subcontractors, developers and owners, working from whatever plan set you have, whether a full construction document package or a design development set.
Each estimate arrives as a structured breakdown rather than a single lump sum. You get a trade-by-trade cost summary, a full quantity takeoff, labor and material pricing at current regional rates, and the assumptions behind each number. That makes the estimate useful for more than bidding: you can use it to set a budget, compare design options, check subcontractor quotes or support a construction loan.
How we price a cost estimate
We start with a complete quantity takeoff in PlanSwift and Bluebeam, then price each line with material costs for your region, labor based on crew productivity for that task, and equipment where it applies. Subcontracted trades are priced at market rates, general conditions are built from the project duration and requirements, and overhead and profit are shown separately so you can apply your own markups.
Cost estimates for every decision point.
A cost estimate is useful from feasibility to final bid.
Bidding
A complete cost estimate to support a hard bid or negotiated proposal, organized by CSI division.
Budgeting
Project budgets for owners and developers before design is complete. See preliminary and budget estimating.
Value engineering
Cost comparisons between systems and materials so design teams can make informed choices.
Lender and draw support
Cost breakdowns that support construction loans and draw requests.
Change orders
Pricing for scope changes, addenda and plan revisions, line by line.
Bid checking
An independent number to compare against subcontractor and contractor bids.
Cost estimates for every project type.
ResidentialHomes and multifamily
For residential projects we estimate custom homes, production homes, additions, remodels and multifamily buildings, with selections and allowances shown clearly.
CommercialGround-up, tenant improvements and renovations
For commercial projects we estimate retail, office, healthcare, education, hospitality and industrial buildings, organized by CSI division and floor.
What separates a reliable cost estimate.
Square-foot pricing gives a rough idea; a cost estimate tells you where the money goes. Ours are built to hold up when the project moves forward:
- Quantities first, measured from the drawings before any pricing is applied.
- Regional pricing for material and labor in your project's market.
- Productivity by task, so labor reflects the actual work.
- Clear general conditions based on schedule and site requirements.
- Transparent markups you can adjust to your company's numbers.
If a design or plan changes, we revise the affected lines rather than starting over.
Three steps from plans to a priced bid.
Send your plans
Upload your drawings, specifications and bid date, and tell us which project scope you need priced.
We take off and price
Our estimators measure every project 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.
Who uses our cost estimates.
Cost estimates support decisions for everyone involved in a project.
General contractors
Bid with a complete, defensible cost breakdown.
Developers
Test feasibility and set realistic budgets.
Owners
Understand costs before signing a contract.
Lenders and architects
Validate budgets and draw requests.
Why work with NYNMO on cost estimating.
Cost estimating takes experience in both construction and pricing. Our estimators combine field knowledge with current regional cost data, and every estimate is reviewed before delivery. You get the accuracy of an in-house cost estimator without the salary, software or overhead.
For bidding support, pair a cost estimate with our bid preparation services. For ongoing projects, a dedicated estimator can handle every bid you chase. Need quantities only? See our construction takeoff services.
Construction cost estimating: common questions.
Answers to the questions contractors ask most before ordering an estimate.
What is construction cost estimating?
Construction cost estimating calculates the total expected cost of a project from its plans and specifications, including material, labor, equipment, subcontractors, general conditions, overhead and profit.
How is a cost estimate different from a takeoff?
A takeoff measures quantities only. A cost estimate takes those quantities and prices them with material, labor and equipment costs, then adds general conditions and markups to reach a total.
What information do you need?
Architectural and structural drawings at minimum, plus specifications, MEP drawings and addenda when available. Your preferred markups and format help us match your bid template.
Can you estimate from incomplete drawings?
Yes. For schematic or design development sets we prepare budget estimates with clearly stated assumptions, and refine them as drawings develop.
Do you provide cost estimates outside the USA?
Yes. We provide cost estimates for projects in the USA, Australia, Canada and the UK, with pricing benchmarked to each market.
How much does a cost estimate cost?
Pricing is per project, based on size and scope, with a flat quote agreed before work starts. Quotes are free.
Have a project to cost?
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 [email protected].