Preliminary Estimate
We provide fast, detailed preliminary estimates with square-footage cost so you can analyze the feasibility of your project and move forward confidently with your clients.
- Somewhere around 30%, 60% or 90% of your drawing plans?
- Frustrated preparing estimates with incomplete drawings?
- Need a quick estimate to check the project fits your client's budget?
- Suppliers delaying in quoting their prices?
Contact us today and get 30% off your first cost estimate. Upload your plans and we'll send a quote in 5 minutes — or email Support@ablestimating.pro.
Reliable, defensible preliminary estimates
With 15 years of experience in the AEC industry and a portfolio spanning commercial, residential, private and public projects, Able Estimating promises the most reliable and defensible preliminary estimates — grounded in assumptions drawn from past projects.
We calculate per-square-foot or per-square-meter costs for both finished projects and superstructures, using professional estimating software together with our developed databases, RS Means and Craftsman. Our location-based database and relationships with local vendors help us perform the bill of material as accurately as possible.
What is a preliminary estimate and how does it help?
A preliminary — or conceptual — estimate forecasts project cost to analyze the economic feasibility of a construction project before detailed drawings are developed. It helps contractors, real estate developers, home builders and owners decide how to allocate funds, set the preliminary budget and compare initial design alternatives.
Because preliminary estimates are carried out at the very start, before actual design and construction, they rely mainly on historical project data adjusted for time, location and size, and are prepared using engineering concepts. Their accuracy depends on how much information the client can provide.
Types of preliminary cost estimates
Different estimates are used at different stages of the project lifecycle, and their accuracy grows as more information becomes available.
Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)
The first attempt at estimating in a project's lifecycle, used to analyze feasibility and support project selection and allocation.
Accuracy: −50% to +50%Ballpark Estimate
Developed by contractors to define the scope of work to clients from preliminary drawings and specifications, so owners can decide within budget.
Accuracy: within 20%Budget Estimate
Prepared from past project data and plans during the planning stage, defining costs for the major components — materials and labor — in each line description.
Accuracy: −10% to +25%Definitive Estimate
Also known as a digital cost estimate, it contains a detailed itemized list of every component, prepared from thoroughly developed project plans.
Accuracy: −5% to +15%How our preliminary estimate benefits you
Our estimates help you evaluate the initial cost so you can move forward with confidence.
How you can quote an estimate to your clients
Our preliminary estimates are based on floor area, which makes them easy for clients and architects to understand. Our bill of material comprises:
Total Area
The total area — square foot or square meter — of the complete project.
Linear Measurement
Linear measurement — foot or meter — of each structure, such as walls.
Area of Each Unit
Area of each individual unit — rooms, floors and other spaces.
What you get in our preliminary estimate
The estimate breaks down quantities across the following divisions:
How we prepare a preliminary estimate
Study & scope
Our estimators study and evaluate the information to analyze the scope of the project and produce an estimating plan.
Collect past data
Data from similar past projects is collected to form the historical basis of the estimate.
Apply adjustments
Adjustments are applied for time, location and size, and a contingency is added.
Document everything
All specifications, adjustments and assumptions are documented in detail.
Factors that make an estimate right
When building a bill of material from previous project data, we make assumptions and adjustments across these factors.
Time
Costs are modified to the start of construction using a time index that accounts for inflation or deflation in labor, material and interest rates — often years in advance.
Location
Material and labor rates vary by region, so we apply a location index to the national-average cost for the specific area or closest capital city.
Type & Size
Cost depends on the type and size of the project, so we apply a size factor that relates the proposed building area to a typical building area.
Material Quality
The quality of the basic construction material is considered — brick veneer, CMU, framed and more — since it directly affects cost.
What you get when you outsource to us
We are eager to help with your next estimate
Submit your plans
Send us your plans and drawings (Dropbox, Plans Portal link, etc.) at Support@ablestimating.pro, call +1 (917) 924-5143, or use the contact page.
Get a quote
You'll receive a quote with the invoice, turnaround time and delivery date. Pay by credit card, debit card or PayPal.
Get your estimate
Your estimate is delivered in Excel sheets — in our format or a format you supply.
Preliminary estimates across North America
We prepare preliminary estimates for the whole of North America, including:
Feel free to contact us — we're always ready to help
Upload your plans and we'll review them and send a quote in the next 5 minutes. Reach a consultant at +1 (917) 924-5143 or Support@ablestimating.pro.
