Accurate, fast, and affordable construction cost estimates for contractors, builders, subcontractors, developers, and owners across all 50 US states. CSI-compliant. Delivered in 24–48 hours. Starting at $200.
A construction cost estimate is not just a number it is the financial foundation of every decision you make on a project. Before a single shovel breaks ground, before you submit a bid, before a bank approves a construction loan someone has to calculate exactly what the project will cost, down to every material, every labor hour, and every subcontractor scope item.
Most contractors estimate their own work. Most of them do it at night, between job site calls, with spreadsheets that have not been updated in years. The result is bids that are either too high and they lose the job or too low and they win the job and slowly lose money on every invoice.
CES eliminates that risk. Our certified estimators perform precise digital quantity takeoffs from your project drawings using Planswift and Bluebeam, price every line item using RSMeans zip-code specific cost data for your exact project location across all 50 states, and deliver a complete, CSI-compliant cost estimate in 24 to 48 hours ready for bid submission, owner presentation, or lender review.
We have been doing this for over 15 years. We have helped contractors, subcontractors, developers, and owners across every US state submit better bids, win more projects, and protect their margins. From a $50,000 kitchen remodel in Wyoming to a $50 million mixed-use development in Texas every estimate we deliver is built with the same commitment to accuracy.
Most contractors have never done this comparison honestly. Here it is.
CES covers all CSI MasterFormat divisions. Whether you need a single-trade electrical estimate or a full-scope multi-division commercial estimate we have the expertise and tools to deliver it accurately and on time.
Understanding how costs distribute across CSI divisions helps you identify value engineering opportunities, evaluate subcontractor bids, and verify that your estimate is competitive. Here is a typical breakdown for a mid-size commercial project:
Different project phases require different types of estimates. CES provides the right estimate type with the right level of detail and accuracy for where you are in the project lifecycle.
The earliest type of construction cost estimate, produced from minimal project information a general description, approximate size, project type, and location. Used when full drawings are not yet available and a rough budget is needed to determine project feasibility or secure initial financing.
CES produces conceptual estimates using parametric and assembly-based methods, pulling from RSMeans cost data for your specific location. Every conceptual estimate includes clearly stated assumptions, appropriate contingency allowances, and an accuracy range so you know exactly how to use the number.
Produced from design development or schematic drawings more detailed than a conceptual estimate but still flexible for scope changes. Based on actual system and assembly quantities from partial drawings, priced with RSMeans location data for your specific project zip code.
Preliminary estimates from CES are used extensively for value engineering exercises identifying where the project cost can be reduced without compromising function or quality. Every line item is traceable to a specific drawing or specification reference.
The most accurate type of construction cost estimate, produced from complete construction documents bid-set drawings and specifications. Every material quantity is measured precisely from the drawings using digital takeoff software. Every labor item is priced using RSMeans crew and productivity data for your specific project location.
CES detailed bid estimates are formatted for immediate submission in GC bid packages, subcontractor proposals, owner presentations, and lender draw schedules. Every estimate includes an editable Excel workbook so you can add your markup, adjust quantities, and format for submission.
Cost estimates for scope changes, additions, and modifications during construction. Based on actual drawings and specifications for the change not general pricing. Formatted for GC review, owner approval, and lender change order documentation.
Change order disputes are one of the most common sources of construction conflict. A precise, well-documented change order estimate from CES gives you a defensible, professionally prepared cost analysis that supports your position and speeds approval.
CES serves every type of construction professional who needs accurate cost estimates from the one-person electrical subcontractor bidding their first commercial project to the multi-state general contractor managing dozens of projects simultaneously.
Working with CES is designed to be as simple and efficient as possible because your time is better spent running projects than managing an estimator.
Use the calculator for an instant fee range. We always provide a fixed quote before starting no hourly billing, no surprises.
CES delivered our MEP and structural estimate for a $4.2M warehouse in 36 hours. Their accuracy helped us bid 8% under the next competitor while protecting our margin. We use them on every project now.
I used to spend 40+ hours per week on electrical takeoffs. CES handles all of it now at a fraction of an in-house estimator's cost. Our bid win rate improved by nearly 30% in six months.
CES produced a lender-ready CSI cost report for our $12M mixed-use development in under 48 hours. The bank approved our construction loan with zero additional documentation requests.
Submit your drawings today and receive a complete, CSI-compliant construction cost estimate within 24–48 hours. Fixed pricing. NDA protected. Numbers you can bid on with confidence anywhere in the US.