How Our Construction Estimating Process Works
From initial drawing upload to verified, tender-ready Excel deliverables. Explore the six rigorous phases of our preconstruction takeoff engine.
Interactive Process Simulation
CAD / BLUEPRINT TO BOQ WORKFLOWHow Blueprint Drawings Become Exact Bid Quantities
Step through our human-verified digital estimation workflow.
Plans & Blueprints
Digital architectural, structural, and civil blueprints are loaded into our digital measurement workspace. Scales and vector layers are verified.
Architectural PDF / CAD Vector Set
Step-by-Step Technical Execution
Here is how each phase is executed by our certified estimators and quality assurance auditors.
Submit Your Plans
Upload complete or trade-specific plan sets directly through our encrypted client portal.
Drawings & Documents to Provide for Highest Accuracy:
- Architectural Set: Floor plans, finish schedules, wall assembly sections, door/window schedules, and reflected ceiling plans.
- Structural Set: Foundation layouts, column schedules, grade beam details, reinforcement rebar notes, and framing elevations.
- MEP & Civil: Mechanical duct runs, electrical single-line diagrams, plumbing riser schematics, site grading, and civil underground piping.
- Project Specifications (Project Manual): CSI Division technical specification books detailing specific manufacturer standards.
Define Your Scope
Every contractor has unique bidding boundaries. You define whether we estimate turnkey or individual divisions.
Key Scope Parameters You Specify:
General contractor full-scope or specialized trade packages (e.g. Concrete only, Framing + Drywall only, MEP only).
Prevailing wage / Davis-Bacon union determinations, open-shop rates, or your proprietary hourly labor rate.
Standard 48-hour delivery, 5-day comprehensive commercial packages, or 24-hour rush turnaround for bid amendments.
Custom waste factors, exclusions, supplier unit quotes, or alternate base bid scopes.
Project Review & Scope Audit
Before measuring begins, our lead estimator performs a complete architectural sheet audit.
What Happens During the Initial Scope Audit:
1. Index Cross-Check: We verify all sheets referenced in the architectural index are present in your upload, preventing costly omissions of detail sheets or addenda.
2. Scale Calibration: Every plan sheet scale is calibrated in Planswift and Bluebeam Revu against known dimensions (such as grid spacing or door openings) to verify there is zero graphic distortion.
3. Transparent Fixed Proposal: We issue a formal written proposal detailing the exact estimating fee and guaranteed completion time.
Takeoff & Estimate Preparation
Our trade specialists quantify every linear foot, square foot, cubic yard, and unit item.
Measurement & Cost Modeling Methodology:
Organized strictly according to CSI MasterFormat (US/Canada), RICS New Rules of Measurement (UK), or ANZSMM (Australia).
Material costs, crew productivity hours, equipment rentals, and subcontractor allowances are listed in separate, transparent columns.
Every takeoff polygon is drawn on plan sheets with color-coded legend tags so your field superintendent can easily verify quantities.
Standard cut-and-lap waste percentages (e.g. 5% drywall, 10% rebar lap, 8% roofing cuts) are explicitly documented, never buried.
Review & Revisions Handling
Construction drawings evolve during tender periods. We handle architectural bulletins and addenda promptly.
How Drawing Addenda & Revisions Are Managed:
- Addenda Overlay Comparison: When architects issue revision bulletins (e.g. Addendum #1, Revision B), we digitally overlay revised sheets onto original drawings to detect altered wall positions, altered finishes, or re-engineered footings.
- Delta Quantity Logs: We generate a clear variance log showing the exact change in quantities and cost impact (e.g. +35 CY Concrete, -120 LF Drywall).
- Fast Turnaround on Tender Updates: Addenda takeoffs are prioritized so your revised bid price can be submitted before tender closing.
Final Deliverables Package
Download your complete tender package directly from your secure client dashboard.
Your Standard Deliverables Include:
Ready to Submit Plans for a Free Review?
Upload your project drawing files. We will review the sheet set and provide a fixed-price proposal and turnaround confirmation within 2 hours.