Accurate Construction Estimates That Help You Win More Bids

Construction estimating is the process of calculating the expected costs of a construction project — including materials, labor, equipment and overhead — based on the project drawings and scope of work. Contractors use these numbers to prepare bids and proposals, and owners use them to plan project budgets.

A quantity takeoff is the measurement of materials, components and work items from construction drawings. Everything from concrete volumes and steel tonnage to linear feet of piping and squares of roofing is measured and organized so the quantities can be priced for an estimate.

A construction estimate typically includes quantity takeoffs, material costs, labor, equipment, subcontractor scopes, allowances, overhead and profit. CEDS prepares the estimating information requested for your project so your team receives organized, bid-ready numbers rather than a one-line cost.

Upload your plans (PDF, CAD, image or ZIP files), tell us the project type, location, scope and bid due date, and our estimating team reviews the documents and prepares the requested takeoff or estimate. You receive the information in the format that works best for your bid.

Anything that represents the project scope: architectural drawings, structural sheets, MEP documents, specifications, or even rough sketches and photographs for early-stage work. The more complete your set, the more detailed the resulting estimate.

Yes, within reason. For early planning we can prepare order-of-magnitude and preliminary estimates from limited information, clearly noting assumptions. As drawings are developed, the estimate can be refined to match the final document set.

Turnaround depends on the size and completeness of the project. Simple residential takeoffs can often be returned within a few business days, while large commercial estimates are scheduled around your bid due date. Tell us your deadline and we will plan accordingly.

CEDS provides estimating for a wide range of scopes, including concrete, electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), roofing, flooring, framing, drywall, finishes and general construction. Every takeoff is matched to the trades involved in your project.

Yes. We provide estimating support for single-family homes, additions, renovations and remodeling projects — from material lists for one trade through to full residential construction cost estimates.

Yes. We estimate commercial buildings, tenant improvements, retail, office, hospitality and other commercial development projects, preparing the division-level takeoffs and estimates contractors need to bid competitively.

Yes. Material takeoffs are one of our core services. You receive organized material quantities structured around how you actually purchase and price them, so you can send the list straight to your suppliers.

Absolutely. Many subcontractors use CEDS for trade-specific quantity takeoffs — electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, concrete, flooring and more — so their estimators can focus on pricing rather than measuring.

Yes. Developers use our early-stage cost estimates and takeoffs to understand project costs, compare scheme options and make better investment decisions before committing resources.

You can upload PDF, DWG, DXF, JPG, PNG and ZIP files (plus several office formats), up to 20 MB per file. If your set is larger, contact us and we will arrange a secure transfer.

Yes. CEDS provides design and drafting support alongside estimating — architectural design services, construction drawings, as-built and shop drawings, and independent design & plan review. Use our Estimating & Design Services to start a request.

Use the Upload Your Plans section to send your documents, or fill in the quick quote form on this page. Tell us what you are bidding, when the bid is due, and what plans you have — we will review your requirements and get back to you with the next step.