Preliminary & Budget Estimating
Conceptual, schematic and design development estimates that give owners, developers, architects and contractors a reliable budget before the drawings are final, with every assumption stated.
A dependable budget before the design is done.
Preliminary and budget estimating from NYNMO Estimating gives owners, developers, architects and contractors a cost estimate early in design, when decisions have the most impact. We estimate from conceptual sketches, schematic design or design development drawings, measuring what is drawn and using clear allowances and parametric pricing for what is not yet designed.
Early estimates are only useful if you know what they are based on. Every budget we prepare lists its assumptions, allowances and exclusions, and shows which parts are measured from the drawings and which are based on cost-per-unit data. As the design develops, we update the estimate so the budget and the drawings stay aligned.
How we prepare a budget estimate
We review the available drawings, program and outline specifications, then measure the elements that are defined, such as building area, foundations, structure and envelope. Undefined systems are priced with allowances based on building type and finish level, and the estimate is organized by building system or CSI division. Regional pricing, escalation and contingency are shown separately.
Budget estimates at every design stage.
Accuracy improves as the design develops, and we update the estimate with it.
Feasibility
Order-of-magnitude budgets from a program and site, to test whether a project makes sense.
Conceptual
Budgets from sketches and massing, with costs by building system.
Schematic design
Estimates from SD drawings, with major systems measured and the rest allowed.
Design development
Detailed estimates from DD drawings, with most quantities measured.
Value engineering
Cost comparisons between design options to keep the project on budget.
Budget updates
Reconciliation between estimates as the design changes.
For owners and for builders.
Owners, developers and lendersBudgets for decisions
Owners and developers use budget estimates to test feasibility, secure financing and set design targets before committing to construction documents.
Architects and contractorsBudgets for design and preconstruction
Architects use them to keep designs on budget, and contractors use them in preconstruction and negotiated work. When drawings are complete, see construction cost estimating.
What makes a budget estimate useful.
A budget is only as good as its assumptions. Ours make them visible:
- Measured versus allowed, so you know which numbers are firm.
- Finish levels stated for each space type.
- Escalation to the expected construction start.
- Contingency for design development and construction.
- Exclusions such as land, fees and furniture, listed plainly.
That way, everyone reviewing the budget understands what it covers.
Three steps from plans to a priced bid.
Send your plans
Upload your drawings, specifications and bid date, and tell us which budget scope you need priced.
We take off and price
Our estimators measure every budget 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 budget estimates.
Anyone who needs to make cost decisions before the design is final.
Developers
Test feasibility and secure financing.
Owners
Set realistic budgets and targets.
Architects
Keep designs aligned with budgets.
Contractors
Support preconstruction and negotiated work.
Why clients use NYNMO for early budgets.
Early budgets steer the whole project. Our estimators combine measured quantities with experience across residential and commercial work, so your budget reflects what the building will really take to construct.
When the drawings are complete, the same team can prepare a full construction estimate or bid package, keeping your numbers consistent from concept to construction.
Common questions about budget estimates.
Answers to the questions contractors ask most before ordering an estimate.
What is a preliminary construction estimate?
A preliminary estimate is a cost estimate prepared early in design, from conceptual, schematic or design development drawings, to set a budget and guide design decisions.
How accurate is a budget estimate?
Accuracy depends on how complete the drawings are. Early estimates use allowances for undefined scope and become more precise as the design develops. We list what is measured and what is allowed.
Can you estimate from sketches or a program?
Yes. We can prepare order-of-magnitude budgets from a building program, site information and sketches, with assumptions stated clearly.
Do you include contingency and escalation?
Yes. Design contingency, construction contingency and escalation are shown separately so you can adjust them.
How long does a budget estimate take?
Most budget estimates are delivered within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the project.
How much does a budget estimate cost?
Pricing is per project with a flat quote before work starts. Quotes are free.
Need a budget for a project in design?
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.