Service
Preliminary Estimate Services
Fast, detailed preliminary estimates based on square footage cost, giving you a clear picture of a project's feasibility so you can move forward confidently with your clients. You get the preliminary estimate numbers in an editable workbook with a marked-up.
Preliminary estimating
Feasibility estimates built on real data
Somewhere between 30%, 60%, or 90% completion on your drawings? Struggling to prepare an estimate with incomplete plans? Need a quick preliminary estimate to check whether a project fits your client's budget? Or waiting too long on supplier price quotes? We can help, with fast, detailed preliminary estimates based on square footage cost, giving you a clear picture of a project's feasibility so you can move forward confidently with your clients.
With 15 years of experience in the AEC industry and a strong portfolio across commercial, residential, private, and public projects, Estimator Expert delivers reliable, well-supported preliminary estimates grounded in data from past projects. We calculate cost per square foot or square meter, for both finished projects and superstructures, using professional estimating software along with RS Means and Craftsman databases. Our location-based pricing data and vendor relationships help us build the most accurate bill of materials possible.
Concept
What is a preliminary estimate, and how does it help?
A preliminary estimate, also known as a conceptual estimate, forecasts project cost to help assess economic feasibility before detailed drawings are developed. It supports contractors, real estate developers, homebuilders, and owners in allocating funds, setting a preliminary budget, and comparing early design alternatives. Since preliminary estimates happen at the very start of a project, before actual design and construction begin, they're primarily based on historical project data, adjusted for time, location, and size, and built using solid engineering principles.
Estimate types
Types of preliminary estimates
There are several types of preliminary estimates used at different stages of a project's lifecycle, with accuracy depending on how much information the client is able to provide.
Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Estimate
Very first estimate in a project's lifecycle
Assess overall feasibility and support early project selection and fund allocation.
Accuracy typically ranges from -50% to +50%.
Ballpark Estimate
Scope definition with clients
Used by contractors to define scope of work for clients, helping owners make budget-based decisions. Based on preliminary drawings and specs.
Accuracy typically within 20% of actual cost.
Budget Estimate
Project enters the planning stage
Built from past project data, breaking down major cost components, including materials and labor, line by line.
Accuracy typically ranges from -10% to +25%.
Definitive Estimate
Detailed cost estimate
Fully itemized breakdown of every project component, based on thoroughly developed plans.
Accuracy typically ranges from -5% to +15%.
Benefits
How our preliminary estimates can help you
Client presentation
How to present a preliminary estimate to your clients
Our preliminary estimates are based on floor area, making them easy for clients and architects to understand and interpret. Our bill of materials typically includes:
What's included
What's included in our preliminary estimate
Our process
How we prepare a preliminary estimate
Review & define scope
Our estimators review and evaluate available information to define the project's scope and build an estimating plan.
Gather comparable data
We gather relevant data from comparable past projects to anchor the estimate in real-world costs.
Apply adjustments
Adjustments are applied for time, location, and size, along with an appropriate contingency.
Document everything
Every specification, adjustment, and assumption is documented clearly and in detail.
Accuracy drivers
Factors that shape an accurate preliminary estimate
When building estimates from historical data, we carefully adjust for several key factors:
Time
Preliminary estimates are often prepared two or more years ahead of construction. We apply a time index to account for inflation, deflation, and shifts in labor and material costs.
Location
Material and labor rates vary significantly by region, so we apply location-based indexing relative to national averages or the closest major city.
Type & Size
We apply a size factor to relate the proposed building area to typical building sizes for that project type.
Material Quality
We factor in the quality of core materials required, for example brick veneer, CMU, or framed construction.
Why outsource to us
What you get when you outsource your estimates to us
Reliable, Precise Estimates
Grounded in historical data from past projects.
Affordable Pricing
Competitively priced with 30% off your first cost estimate.
Fast Turnaround
Estimates delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
Cost-Effective Packages
Monthly takeoff packages to fit ongoing needs.
Certified Estimators
Accredited through AACE and AIQS.
24/7 Customer Support
Available via chat and email.
Get started
Ready to get started?
Submit Your Plans
Send us your plans and drawings, via Dropbox, a plans portal, or however works best, to Info@estimatorexpert.com, or call us at +1 (346) 358-6424.
Get a Quote
You'll receive a quote covering the invoice, turnaround time, and delivery date. Payment can be made via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
Receive Your Estimate
Your estimate will be delivered in Excel format, either our standard template or one you provide.
Serving USA & Canada
Need a fast preliminary estimate?
Upload your plans and we'll send a quote within 5 minutes. Call +1 (346) 358-6424 or email Info@estimatorexpert.com to get started, 30% off your first estimate.