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Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Estimating
Clear answers to the most common questions about our construction estimates, takeoffs, pricing, process, trades and service areas.
FAQS
General Questions
4 answers about general.
What is a construction estimating service?
A construction estimating service measures quantities from drawings and applies material, labor, equipment, overhead and profit costs to forecast what a project will cost to build.
Who uses construction estimating services?
General contractors, subcontractors, developers, property owners, architects, engineers, lenders, homeowners and insurance restoration contractors.
What is the difference between a takeoff and an estimate?
A takeoff lists measured quantities; an estimate prices them. See Quantity Takeoff Services and Construction Cost Estimating Services.
Why hire an outside estimator instead of doing it in-house?
Outsourcing lets contractors bid more projects without adding salaried staff, and gives owners an independent check on contractor pricing.
FAQS
Pricing & Turnaround Questions
4 answers about pricing & turnaround.
How much does a construction estimate cost?
It depends on project size, trades, complexity and deadline. We send a fixed quote after reviewing your documents. See Construction Estimating Pricing.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Document review and the fee quote are free and carry no obligation.
How long does an estimate take?
Small takeoffs are usually delivered within a few business days; larger projects follow the schedule in the quote. Rush service is available.
Do you offer rush delivery?
Yes, subject to capacity and the size of the project.
FAQS
Process & Deliverables Questions
4 answers about process & deliverables.
What do I need to send?
Drawings, specifications, addenda, project location, scope or trades and your deadline.
What will I receive?
An Excel estimate, a PDF summary and marked-up drawings. See Sample Estimates.
Can you match my format?
Yes. Send a sample format and we will follow it.
Do you revise estimates for addenda?
Yes. Changes are clearly marked. See Our Estimating Process.
FAQS
Services & Project Types Questions
5 answers about services & project types.
FAQS
Trades Questions
3 answers about trades.
Which trades do you estimate?
All major CSI divisions. See Trades We Estimate.
Can I order one trade only?
Yes. Single-trade estimates are common for subcontractors.
Do you estimate MEP?
Yes, together or separately. See MEP Estimating Services.
FAQS
Locations Questions
3 answers about locations.
Where are you located?
Our office is at 180 Throop Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA.
Which areas do you serve?
All of New York State. See Service Areas.
Do you adjust pricing for my city?
Yes. Labor, code, logistics and climate are adjusted to the project location.
FAQS
Files & Confidentiality Questions
3 answers about files & confidentiality.
Are my drawings confidential?
Yes. Files are used only for your estimate. See Privacy Policy.
What file types do you accept?
PDF drawings are preferred; DWG/DXF, specifications and shared links are accepted.
How accurate are your estimates?
Accuracy depends on design stage and document quality. See Estimate Accuracy and Quality Policy.
Still Have Questions? Talk to an Estimator
Send your plans today and receive a detailed, trade-by-trade estimate priced for New York labor, materials and site conditions — ready for bidding, budgeting or financing.
OFFICE LOCATION
Visit or Contact Our Brooklyn Office
New York Cost Estimating works from Brooklyn and serves contractors, developers, owners and design teams across all five boroughs, Westchester, Long Island and Upstate New York. Plans are reviewed digitally, so you can send drawings from anywhere in the state.
- 180 Throop Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
- 1 (929) 529 7507
- ask@newyorkcostestimating.com
- Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (ET)