How much does an estimate cost?+
We price per project based on scope complexity and drawing set size — not a percentage of construction value. Send the plan set and bid date for a written proposal that confirms the fee, included scope and delivery commitment before work begins.
How long does an estimate take?+
Turnaround depends on the number of divisions, drawing completeness, project complexity and required output. When you send the set, we review the scope and confirm an exact delivery date in writing before work begins.
Do you use RSMeans?+
Yes. We use RSMeans Texas regional data as the pricing anchor for all commercial and industrial estimates. We then cross-check those numbers against the subcontractor quotes and bid results we see across the state each month, so the figure reflects the actual Texas market — not a national average with a location factor bolted on.
What software do you use?+
PlanSwift and Bluebeam Revu for digital quantity takeoff; RSMeans Texas for commercial pricing; Xactimate for insurance restoration; FastPIPE and FastDUCT for mechanical; AccuBid for electrical. All deliverables are provided in CSI MasterFormat Excel workbooks. If you use a specific bid template, we can work within your format.
Can you work from Revit or BIM models?+
Yes. We extract quantities from Revit and IFC files and reconcile them against the 2D drawing set. The comparison is intended to identify model gaps — items shown in the drawings but not yet in the model — and record them for review.
What is a basis of estimate, and why does it matter?+
A basis of estimate is a written document that states the estimate class (AACE Class 1–5), pricing sources, wage basis, project assumptions and explicit exclusions. Without it, a reviewer cannot judge what the number represents or which risks remain unresolved. We include it with each priced estimate.
Do you handle MEP work?+
Yes. Mechanical and plumbing are priced in FastPIPE and FastDUCT; electrical in AccuBid. Our MEP estimators work those trades daily, so crew compositions and equipment lead-time notes reflect the Texas market — not national averages.
Do you sign NDAs?+
Request an NDA review before sharing confidential plans, rates or client information. The parties need to agree the terms and authorized signatories before documents are exchanged; execution timing is confirmed with your request.
Can you work inside our bid template?+
Yes. Send your work breakdown, cost codes or bid form with the plans. We review the setup and required outputs, then include any template work in the proposal. Future format changes are scoped when requested.
Do you cover all 254 Texas counties?+
Yes. We price every Texas market — from the DFW Metroplex and Houston Ship Channel to the Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and East Texas timber counties. Mobilization, per diem and haul distances are priced explicitly for projects outside the major metros rather than buried in overhead.
How do revisions work?+
The proposal states the included review rounds, addendum cutoff and revision allowance. Send changed documents with a revision log so we can assess their impact. Work outside the agreed scope is quoted for approval before it begins.
What if I only need one trade division?+
You can request a single-trade takeoff or estimate. Identify the division, installation responsibilities, drawing issue and bid date so the proposal covers the intended package without adding unrelated trades.
