NEW YORK ESTIMATING SERVICES
Preliminary Estimating Services in New York
Conceptual, schematic and feasibility budgets from early drawings, programs or sketches — so owners, developers and architects can make smart decisions before design is final.
QUICK ANSWER
What Is a Preliminary Construction Estimate?
A preliminary construction estimate (also called a conceptual, order-of-magnitude or feasibility estimate) is an early cost forecast based on limited design information such as a building program, massing study, sketches or schematic drawings. It helps owners and developers decide whether a project is financially viable and set a realistic budget before investing in full design.
Because design is incomplete, preliminary estimates carry wider ranges and clearly stated assumptions. As design develops, we refine the budget into a detailed estimate.
Key Facts
- Best for: Developers, owners, architects, lenders
- Deliverable: Conceptual or schematic budget with ranges
- Turnaround: Usually a few business days; rush available
- Formats: Excel + PDF summary with assumptions
OVERVIEW
Make Better Decisions Earlier
The earliest decisions on a project — site selection, building size, structure type, unit mix and quality level — lock in most of its cost. A preliminary estimate puts real New York numbers behind those decisions while they can still be changed cheaply.
We prepare conceptual budgets from square footage and building type, then refine them into system-based schematic estimates as drawings develop. Each budget lists assumptions, exclusions and contingencies so everyone understands what is and is not included.
Preliminary estimates are commonly used before detailed construction estimates, for value engineering studies, and by lenders reviewing construction budgets. They are available for residential, commercial and industrial projects.
Who Uses This Service
- Developers evaluating land and feasibility
- Owners planning capital projects
- Architects designing to a budget
- Lenders and investors
- Nonprofits and institutions applying for funding
What You Receive
- Cost per square foot and total budget
- System or division breakdown
- Low / likely / high ranges
- Design and construction contingency
- Escalation to construction start
- Assumptions and exclusions
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What Our Preliminary Estimates Include
Area & Program Analysis
Gross and net areas, unit counts and space program used as the cost basis.
System-Level Pricing
Costs by building system: substructure, shell, interiors, services and site.
Options & Scenarios
Alternate structure types, heights, unit mixes or quality levels compared side by side.
Contingency
Design and construction contingency appropriate to the design stage.
Escalation
Cost escalation from today to the planned construction midpoint.
Soft Cost Allowances
Optional allowances for design fees, permits, testing and owner costs.
SPECIALIZED COVERAGE
Types of Preliminary Estimates
Order-of-Magnitude (ROM) Estimates
Quick cost-per-square-foot budgets for land deals and go/no-go decisions.
Conceptual Estimates
Budgets based on massing, program and outline specifications.
Schematic Design Estimates
System-based estimates from schematic drawings that guide design decisions.
Design Development Estimates
More detailed estimates as building systems are defined, used to confirm the budget before construction documents.
Feasibility and Pro Forma Support
Construction cost inputs for developer pro formas, appraisals and financing applications.
Option and Scenario Studies
Comparing renovation vs. new construction, structural systems or building heights.
NEW YORK COST DRIVERS
Early-Stage Cost Factors for New York Projects
Zoning and Building Form
Zoning envelopes, setbacks and floor area limits shape structure type and cost per square foot.
Structure Selection
Concrete, steel, masonry bearing and wood framing options have very different costs in New York.
Affordable Housing and Incentives
Program requirements, prevailing wage and incentive conditions can affect costs.
Escalation and Market Conditions
Labor availability and material prices can change between budgeting and construction start.
OUR PROCESS
How Our Preliminary Estimating Process Works
1. Send Documents
Share drawings, specifications, addenda, project location and your deadline.
2. Scope & Fixed Quote
An estimator confirms scope and sends a fixed fee and delivery date.
3. Takeoff & Pricing
Quantities are measured digitally and priced for New York conditions.
4. QA & Delivery
A second estimator reviews everything before Excel and PDF delivery.
See every step, revision round and file format on Our Estimating Process.
TRADES COVERED
Trade Estimates Included in This Service
Need a single scope priced separately? Each trade below has its own detailed page.
Related Estimating Services
Not sure which service fits? Compare options on Construction Estimating Pricing or ask an estimator.
PRICING & TURNAROUND
How Much Does a Preliminary Estimate Cost?
Preliminary estimates are usually faster and less expensive than detailed estimates because they use system-level pricing rather than full takeoffs. Fees depend on project size, number of scenarios and the level of design information.
Fee Depends On
- Project size and type
- Number of options or scenarios
- Design information available
- Level of breakdown required
- Deadline
WHY CHOOSE US
Why New York Builders Trust Our Preliminary Estimating
New York Pricing
Labor, material and logistics costs adjusted to the project's borough or city.
Traceable Quantities
Every quantity tied to color-coded, marked-up drawings.
Two-Step Review
A second estimator checks the work — see our Estimate Accuracy and Quality Policy.
Confidential
Your plans and numbers are never shared. Read our Privacy Policy.
Meet the team on Meet Our Estimators, see Sample Estimates and read Client Reviews.
SERVICE AREAS
Preliminary Estimating Across New York State
We provide preliminary estimating services throughout New York, with local pricing for these markets.
New York City (Manhattan)
Manhattan high-rise, fit-out and complex logistics.
Brooklyn
Brownstones, multifamily and mixed-use.
Queens
Residential, mixed-use and commercial.
The Bronx
Affordable housing and institutional.
Staten Island
Single-family homes and retail.
Yonkers
Waterfront and multifamily development.
White Plains
Mixed-use, office and healthcare.
New Rochelle
Downtown residential towers.
Buffalo
Medical, adaptive reuse and industrial.
View all Service Areas.
FAQS
Preliminary Estimating: Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers for New York contractors and owners. More on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
What is a conceptual construction estimate?
A conceptual estimate is an early budget based on building size, type and program before detailed drawings exist. It is used for feasibility and early decision-making.
How accurate is a preliminary estimate?
Preliminary estimates have wider ranges than detailed estimates because design is incomplete. We state the range, assumptions and contingency so you understand the level of confidence.
What do you need to prepare a preliminary estimate?
A program, site plan, massing study, sketches or schematic drawings, plus intended quality level and location.
Can you compare multiple design options?
Yes. We can price alternative structure types, building heights, unit mixes or renovation versus new construction.
Do preliminary estimates include soft costs?
Hard construction costs are the focus. Soft cost allowances can be added on request.
Can lenders use your preliminary estimates?
Yes. Developers often use our estimates to support financing applications and pro formas.
Will you update the estimate as design progresses?
Yes. Most clients update the budget at schematic, design development and construction document stages.
What is escalation in a construction estimate?
Escalation is the expected increase in construction costs between the estimate date and the time the work is actually bought and built.
Get Preliminary Estimating Services in New York
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)