The construction cost estimate is a critical process in the construction industry that involves forecasting the overall cost of a construction project from inception to completion. This process enables project stakeholders to make informed decisions, allocate budgets, and manage resources effectively. An accurate construction cost estimate is crucial for the success of any construction project, as it can significantly impact the project’s profitability, timeline, and overall quality.

At Icon Estimating, we provide a variety of construction cost estimating and management services to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding construction industry. With years of experience in the field, we have gained a deep understanding of market conditions and can handle cost estimates for projects of any level of complexity. Our team of skilled construction estimators delivers precise, timely, and thorough estimates that include annotated plans, with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail. We remain committed to our clients throughout the entire project, from start to finish.

At our company, we understand that each of our clients has distinct needs, and therefore, we customize our construction cost estimate to meet their specific requirements. Our client base includes:

Owners
Developers
Investors
Architects
General Contractors
Project Managers
Subcontractors
Homebuilders
Vendors
Our Services
Feasibility studies
New project leads
Bid management
Consultation on bid filing
Bid evaluation
Subcontractor marketing
Material takeoffs
CAD drafting
CPM scheduling
Project cost management
Change order management
Value engineering
Cost estimates
Litigation assistance
Bid Estimates
If you are a busy contractor engaged in field activities and find it challenging to navigate the intricate bidding process, our construction estimating services can help you. Our team of experienced construction estimators can provide you with highly detailed and accurate cost estimates to streamline your bidding process and increase your chances of winning jobs. Additionally, we offer assistance with bid filings and can manage your bidding network profile, ensuring that you are effectively showcasing your capabilities to potential clients.

Preliminary estimating
During the early stages of project planning, it is crucial for investors, developers, and owners to determine the feasibility of the project. Our construction cost estimating service provides the most reliable and defensible preliminary estimates, based on data from past projects and incomplete drawing plans. Our experienced estimators use square footage costs to help clients analyze whether the project is a sound investment of their time and money. With our comprehensive construction cost estimates, clients can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Budget Estimate
As a developer or owner, a budget estimate is crucial in defining the initial budget, securing project financing, verifying bids submitted by contractors, and allocating budget limits for architects. Additionally, it helps in selecting the right materials and optimizing efficiency while controlling costs. Our construction cost estimates provide reliable pricing information to help you make informed business decisions regarding vendor quotes and negotiating with contractors to avoid additional change orders. By using our estimates, you can improve your budgeting accuracy, optimize project costs, and enhance overall project performance.

Our construction cost estimators have extensive experience working with both general contractors and subcontractors. We adhere to the rigorous policies set forth by the AACE and AIQS to ensure accuracy and consistency in our estimates. Our team consists of professional estimators who specialize in various trades, such as site work, civil, structural, mechanical, and

electrical. Additionally, we have a lead estimator who oversees all aspects of the project, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive estimate.

Software Used by our team
Bluebeam
Planswift
Trimble
Xactimate
FastPIPE
FastDUCT
FastWRAP
Quest Estimating
How do we estimate construction costs?
We firmly believe that an accurate project estimate is critical for setting a budget and controlling costs throughout the project’s lifecycle. Our estimation process begins with a thorough review of design documents and an analysis of the construction process, materials, location, permits, logistics, and other factors that may impact the project cost estimate. Our trade-specific estimators then complete the quantity takeoff, and our lead estimator ensures that the estimate meets the required standards and aligns with the project goals.

Our strong business relationships with vendors, general contractors, and subcontractors across North America, coupled with careful bid analysis, have enabled us to develop a highly accurate cost database for pricing labor, materials, and equipment costs. To further enhance our estimating services, we leverage industry-leading tools such as RSMeans and Craftsman for zip code-based pricing. Our commitment to delivering effective and accurate estimating services helps our clients achieve their project milestones.

Tips to Adopt Best Practices in Construction Cost Estimate
A. Fully understand the project scope and timeline
When it comes to adopting best practices in construction cost estimate, one of the most crucial factors is fully understanding the project scope and timeline. Without a clear grasp of what needs to be done and when it’s impossible to accurately estimate how much it will cost. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to analyze the project carefully and make sure you’re clear on every detail before you start the estimating process. This might involve breaking the project down into smaller tasks and analyzing each one individually, or working closely with the project team to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Whatever approach you take, be sure to focus on accuracy and thoroughness, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance if you’re unsure about anything. By doing so, you can be confident that your cost estimates will be as accurate and reliable as possible, even in the face of unexpected challenges or changes along the way.

B. Properly plan and budget for all costs related to the project
Cost estimation is an essential part of any construction project, and it requires a great deal of attention and planning. One of the best practices for this process is to ensure you have adequately budgeted for all costs related to the job. This includes everything from raw materials and labor costs to overhead expenses like insurance and permits. It’s essential to be thorough in this planning phase to avoid any surprises later on down the road. Taking the time to accurately estimate project costs not only helps you stay within budget but also provides transparency to all stakeholders involved. When it comes to construction estimating, proper planning and budgeting of all project costs will help you stay on track and ensure the success of your project.

C. Take a detailed approach to estimating costs
Construction cost estimating is an important but difficult aspect of the building industry. With the right tips and practices, you can make it a less daunting task. One of the most crucial pieces of advice is to take a detailed approach when estimating costs. By doing so, you can ensure that you have a clear and complete understanding of your project’s requirements and budget. This can help you avoid costly surprises down the line and ensure that your project is completed within its allocated budget. So, take the time to meticulously calculate every expense, from labor costs to material expenses, and don’t overlook any potential hidden costs. By adopting this best practice, you can streamline your construction cost estimating process and deliver better outcomes for your clients.

D. Utilize resources such as cost analysis software or external help for accuracy
Accuracy is key when it comes to construction cost estimating, and thankfully, there are resources available to help ensure just that. Utilizing cost analysis software and seeking external help can make all the difference in getting the most accurate estimate possible. While it may seem tempting to rely solely on your own experience and knowledge, it’s important to remember that the construction industry is constantly evolving, and utilizing resources such as software or external help can keep you up to date with the latest best practices. By incorporating these resources, you’ll not only increase your accuracy, but you’ll also free up time to focus on other aspects of the job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Estimating Construction Costs
A. Not Accounting for Inflation
Estimating construction costs can be a tricky business for even the most experienced contractors. One common mistake that many people make is not accounting for inflation. As we all know, the cost of goods and services tends to go up over time. That means that what may have been a reasonable estimate a few years ago may be woefully inadequate now. If you’re not careful, failing to account for inflation can lead to significant cost overruns and delays in getting your project completed on time. So always make sure you factor in inflation when estimating construction costs. It’s one simple step that can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

B. Miscalculation of Labor Costs
When estimating the cost of a construction project, miscalculating labour costs can cause serious financial problems. Out of all the components, labour costs are one of the largest expenses. Therefore, errors in labour cost calculations can wreak havoc on the project’s total costs. A common mistake in estimating labour costs is overlooking the experience level and competency of the workers. Skilled workers are more expensive than labourers, and projects that require specialized skills can become costlier. To avoid miscalculating labour costs, it is important to invest in accurate data and reliable sources to get an average price. Another way to mitigate such errors is by seeking advice from industry peers and experts to ensure that your numbers are in line with industry estimates. In the end, it pays to double or triple-check expenses and reduce any work-related errors that could be considered high-priority expenses.

C. Overlooking Financing Options
When it comes to estimating construction costs for your project, it’s important to take all factors into consideration. One common mistake that’s often overlooked is financing options. It’s important to explore all the different financing options available to you, such as loans or grants, in order to make sure that you’re able to complete your project within budget. Failing to consider financing options could lead to unexpected expenses or even worse, the project not being completed at all. Be sure to take the time to research and explore all financing options to ensure a successful construction project.

D. Failing to Include Necessary Materials
When it comes to estimating construction costs, there are a lot of potential mistakes that can be made. One common misstep is failing to include the cost of necessary materials. This might seem like an obvious factor to account for, but it’s easy to overlook specific items or underestimate their price. Even small missing costs can quickly add up, throwing off the entire estimate. To prevent this issue, it’s important to take the time to carefully list out all needed materials and research current prices thoroughly. This way, you won’t be blindsided by unexpected costs as the project progresses.

Why is Icon Estimating the best option for construction estimates?
Outsourcing your construction estimating needs to us can be a game changer in reducing expenses and streamlining your bidding process. Our team offers highly accurate and detailed estimates that are easy to understand, making project planning a breeze. Plus, with the fastest turnaround times in the industry, typically within 24 to 48 hours, you can be sure that you’ll never have to wait long for vital information.

Our estimators are certified by credible accreditation bodies like AACE and AIQS, so you know that you’re getting top-notch expertise. Lastly, our monthly takeoff packages can save you up to 60% compared to hiring a full-time estimator, which can free up resources to focus on other areas of your business. Trust us to take the guesswork out of your construction estimating needs, so that you can focus on delivering successful projects.

With our construction cost estimating service, clients can confidently move forward with their building projects. Our team of experts is equipped to handle any project – from new builds and renovations, to residential or commercial – utilizing the most advanced tools and technologies for accurate estimations and reliable results. Make informed decisions about your upcoming constructions costs today so you can create a budget plan tailored specifically for your next venture! Our service is fast, efficient, and affordable, and we strive to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your construction cost estimating needs.