Cost Estimating & Planning
We help project teams understand quantities, materials, budgets, bids and cost changes — measured from the drawings and specifications you supply, and set out so every figure can be traced and checked.
INTRODUCTION
Cost information you can work from
Estimating work is only useful if it can be checked. Every takeoff, material list and budget we prepare is broken down by scope, trade or area, references the drawing revision it was measured from, and separates measured quantities from any assumptions. Where information is missing or unclear, it is listed rather than quietly assumed.
SERVICES IN DETAIL
What this covers
01 — Quantity Takeoffs
Measured quantities for materials, assemblies and trade scopes, taken directly from plans and specifications. Contractors use takeoffs to price work consistently, compare subcontractor returns against a common basis and plan procurement.
Deliverable: quantity breakdown by trade or area, with source references and an assumptions list.
02 — Bill of Materials
Material-level documentation listing items, sizes, finishes and counts in the order your purchasing or shop team works. Useful for supplier enquiries, ordering and controlling what actually arrives on site.
Deliverable: itemised material list with descriptions, units and quantities.
03 — Bill of Quantities
Organised quantity documents structured by section and scope so that pricing, comparison and planning follow a consistent format across all parties.
Deliverable: sectioned BOQ with descriptions, units, quantities and rate columns left open.
04 — Conceptual & Preliminary Budgeting
Early cost figures when drawings are still developing, built from measured areas, assemblies and comparable rates you provide. Useful for testing whether a scheme is affordable before design effort continues.
Deliverable: budget summary by element, with the basis and assumptions stated.
05 — Feasibility Cost Studies
Side-by-side cost comparison of design or material options, showing where the differences actually sit rather than comparing single headline totals.
Deliverable: option comparison with quantities, cost drivers and commentary.
06 — Value Engineering Cost Reviews
Review of proposed substitutions, alternative methods or specification changes, quantifying the cost effect of each so decisions are made on figures rather than impressions.
Deliverable: reviewed item list with quantified cost differences per option.
07 — Contractor Bid Preparation & Management
Preparation of bid packages and enquiry documentation, plus organised tabulation of returns so submissions can be compared like for like.
Deliverable: bid package documents, enquiry schedule and bid comparison sheet.
08 — Change Order Cost Verifications
Independent check of submitted change costs against the drawings, the original scope and the agreed rates, with discrepancies itemised.
Deliverable: verification summary comparing submitted and verified quantities and costs.
WHAT WE DELIVER
Typical deliverables
- Quantity breakdowns by trade, area or assembly
- Material lists formatted for purchasing
- Cost summaries with stated assumptions
- Bid documentation and comparison sheets
- Scope-based breakdowns matching your package structure
- Change order comparisons showing submitted against verified
Formats are agreed at scope review. Spreadsheet and PDF outputs are standard; other formats can be discussed.
| ITEM | SCOPE | UNIT | QTY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsum board partitions | Level 2 — Office | m² | 1,240 |
| Metal stud framing | Level 2 — Office | m | 860 |
| Suspended ceiling grid | Level 2 — Open plan | m² | 980 |
| Interior doors — single leaf | Levels 1–3 | no. | 64 |
| Countertop — solid surface | Level 1 — Reception | m | 18 |
- HOW THE ESTIMATING PROCESS WORKS
From drawings to a checkable figure
SAMPLE ESTIMATING PROJECT
Example scope
PROJECT TYPE
Commercial fit-out, three levels
Example only — not a record of completed work.
TYPICAL SCOPE
Partitions, ceilings, finishes, openings
Measured by level and by trade package.
DELIVERABLE EXAMPLE
Takeoff workbook + BOQ + assumptions
Issued as spreadsheet and PDF.
ESTIMATING FAQ
Common questions
What is included in a quantity takeoff?
Measured quantities for the trades in the agreed scope, structured by area or package, with the drawing revisions used and a list of assumptions where information was incomplete.
What is the difference between a BOM and a BOQ?
A bill of materials lists the physical items to be purchased or fabricated. A bill of quantities sets out measured work by section so it can be priced and compared consistently.
Do you provide priced estimates?
Pricing is applied only where you supply rates or an agreed rate source. Otherwise quantity columns are issued with rates left open for your team.
What do you need to start?
Current drawings, any specifications or finish schedules, the trades to be covered, and your required format and deadline.
GET STARTED
Get an Estimate
Send your drawings, plans or scope information and we will review what is required, confirm what we can cover and come back with a quote.