Requirements: What we need to start a preliminary estimating services
To produce an accurate preliminary estimating services, our estimating team works from a defined set of project documents and information. This page lists what we typically need at engagement time. If you’re missing items, we can often start with what you have and identify the gaps during scope review.
Information needed to start
- Architectural drawings (PDF or DWG/DXF) at minimum 50% design completeness
- Structural drawings if available — for cost-class estimates
- MEP drawings or basis-of-design narratives
- Project specifications (CSI MasterFormat preferred)
- Project location (city, state) — drives city cost modifier and prevailing-wage rules
- Target bid date or budget timeline
- Specific scope of services requested (takeoff only, takeoff + estimate, full estimate with bid support)
- Any existing pricing references or historical cost data from prior similar projects
Document formats we accept
We can work from any format — PDF, DWG, IFC, Revit RVT, Procore links, Bluebeam Studio sessions, scanned hand-drawn sketches.
For projects with file sizes exceeding 25 MB, we recommend sharing via a project portal (Procore, Bluebeam Studio, Autodesk Construction Cloud, BuildingConnected, Dropbox, Google Drive). Email attachments work for smaller document sets.
What happens after you send your project
- Scope review within 4 business hours — A senior estimator reviews your documents, identifies any gaps, and replies with turnaround and fee. No commitment.
- You accept the quote — If you proceed, work begins immediately.
- Deliverable in 24-72 hours — Standard turnaround for most projects.
- Bid-day support included — Sub-hour response on clarifications during your bid submission window.
What if my project doesn’t have all of this?
We can work with partial documentation. The deliverable’s AACE class will reflect the design maturity — a Class 5 estimate from schematic drawings is fine for budget purposes; a Class 1 estimate requires complete construction documents.
When information is missing, we document the assumption explicitly so the estimate is defensible. We don’t guess at scope and we don’t pad numbers to cover unknowns — we document the unknowns instead.
Ready to send us your project?
Send your documents to [email protected] or use the contact form to upload directly. We respond within 4 business hours.