Construction Estimating — All Trades
Estimating
Every Trade.
Professional construction cost estimating for every trade — drywall, electrical, framing, concrete, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, masonry, sitework, painting, flooring, and more. From preliminary budgets to final bids, for GCs, subcontractors, developers, and government agencies nationwide.
All trades · All CSI divisions · All project types · All 50 states
Standard Turnaround
Industry Experience
States Served
Drawing-Referenced
Core Capabilities
Full-Spectrum Estimating Services
Eight core service areas covering every phase of the project lifecycle — from concept through closeout.
Construction Cost Estimating
From preliminary budgets to final bid estimates, we deliver accurate, defensible cost analysis at every phase of design and construction — for every project type and delivery method.
- Preliminary & Conceptual Estimates
- Schematic Design (SD) Estimates
- Design Development (DD) Estimates
- Construction Document (CD) Estimates
- GMP & Lump Sum Bid Estimates
- Change Order Estimates
- Cost Validation & Benchmarking
- Feasibility Studies
Quantity Takeoff Services
Precise material quantification, labor calculations, and equipment analysis across all CSI divisions — delivered in detailed, actionable reports your team can bid from immediately.
- Material Quantification (All Trades)
- Labor Unit Analysis
- Equipment & Rental Calculations
- Full CSI Division Coverage
- Excel & PDF Quantity Reports
- Annotated Drawing Markups
- Scope Gap Identification
- Procurement Support Data
Bid Management & Procurement
End-to-end bid preparation, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and award recommendation reports — helping you win more work with complete, competitive bids.
- Invitation to Bid (ITB) Preparation
- Subcontractor Solicitation & Follow-Up
- Bid Package Distribution
- Bid Tracking & Qualification Reviews
- Bid Leveling & Scope Comparison
- Scope Gap Identification
- Award Recommendation Reports
- Contract Negotiation Support
Cost Consulting & Advisory
Strategic cost advisory services for owners, developers, lenders, and architects who need independent, expert cost guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Owner & Developer Cost Advisory
- Lender & Insurance Cost Reviews
- RSMeans Cost Reports
- DOB Cost Affidavits
- Cost Escalation Analysis
- Budget Verification & Validation
- Regional Cost Adjustments
- Third-Party Cost Audits
Value Engineering
Systematic cost reduction strategies that preserve project quality while optimizing budget performance — identifying savings without sacrificing scope or function.
- Cost Reduction Strategy Development
- Alternate Material & System Reviews
- Budget Optimization Analysis
- Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
- Scope Optimization Recommendations
- Design Alternative Pricing
- Owner Presentation Reports
- VE Workshop Facilitation
Preconstruction Management
Comprehensive preconstruction support from budget planning through procurement — keeping your project on track before a single shovel hits the ground.
- Budget Planning & Development
- Design Phase Cost Tracking
- Schedule Coordination
- Risk Assessment & Contingency Planning
- Procurement Planning
- GMP Development & Negotiation
- Subcontractor Prequalification
- Cost Reconciliation Reports
Private & Confidential Estimating
Confidential, independent cost estimating for private developers, investors, and owners who need unbiased third-party cost validation and budget oversight — fully NDA-protected.
- Owner & Investor Cost Reviews
- Independent Budget Validation
- Confidential Project Estimating
- Third-Party Cost Audits
- Private Development Feasibility
- NDA-Protected Engagements
- Investor Presentation Format
- Lender-Ready Cost Reports
Change Order & Claims Support
Defensible change order estimates and claims documentation for contractors and owners responding to scope changes, differing site conditions, and construction disputes.
- Change Order Quantity Takeoffs
- Labor & Material Cost Backup
- Time Impact Analysis
- Delay & Disruption Cost Analysis
- Claims Documentation Support
- Negotiation Data Packages
- Expert Witness Cost Reports
- Litigation Support Documentation
By Trade
Trade-Specific Estimating
We cover every trade in-house — no outsourcing, no gaps. Every estimate is reviewed by a specialist in that discipline.
Electrical Estimating
Lighting, power distribution, fire alarm, low voltage, data/telecom, site electrical, EV charging infrastructure, generator systems.
Mechanical / HVAC Estimating
HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, ductwork, VAV systems, chiller plants, boilers, controls, and building automation systems.
Plumbing Estimating
Domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, medical gas, grease waste, specialty plumbing, and plumbing fixture schedules.
Fire Protection Estimating
Wet/dry sprinkler systems, suppression systems, standpipes, fire pump packages, and fire alarm integration.
Civil & Sitework Estimating
Earthwork, grading, utilities, paving, drainage, retaining walls, landscaping, and all site improvements.
Structural Steel Estimating
Structural framing, miscellaneous metals, stairs, railings, connection details, and steel erection.
Concrete Estimating
Cast-in-place, precast, post-tension, tilt-up, foundations, slabs, flatwork, and concrete repair.
Masonry Estimating
CMU, brick, stone, mortar, reinforcing, lintels, and specialty masonry systems.
Roofing Estimating
TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal roofing, green roofs, insulation, and all roofing accessories.
Drywall & Framing
Metal stud framing, drywall, ACT ceilings, soffits, shaft walls, and specialty wall assemblies.
Flooring Estimating
Carpet, VCT, LVT, ceramic tile, hardwood, polished concrete, epoxy, and specialty flooring systems.
Painting & Finishes
Interior and exterior painting, coatings, wallcoverings, specialty finishes, and protective coatings.
Glazing & Curtainwall
Storefront systems, curtainwall, window walls, skylights, glass railings, and specialty glazing.
Millwork & Casework
Custom millwork, architectural casework, countertops, built-ins, and specialty woodwork.
Elevators & Conveying
Passenger elevators, freight elevators, escalators, moving walks, and specialty conveying systems.
Demolition Estimating
Selective demolition, abatement, structural demolition, and site clearing with waste disposal allowances.
By Project Type
We Estimate Every Project Type
From single-family homes to international airports — our estimators are sector specialists with deep experience in each project type.
Residential
From custom single-family homes to large multifamily developments — we deliver detailed residential estimates with finish schedules, allowance budgets, and owner-ready cost reports.
- Custom Single-Family Homes
- Luxury Residences & Estates
- Home Renovations & Additions
- Multifamily Apartments & Condos
- Townhomes & Row Houses
- Senior Living & Assisted Living
- Student Housing
- Affordable Housing Developments
- High-End Interior Finish Budgets
- ADU / Guest House Construction
Commercial
Office buildings, retail centers, mixed-use developments, hotels, and corporate campuses — full CSI division coverage from site work through interior finishes.
- Office Buildings & Corporate Campuses
- Retail Centers & Shopping Malls
- Mixed-Use Developments
- Hotels & Resorts
- Restaurants & Food Service
- Tenant Improvements (TI)
- Banks & Financial Institutions
- Parking Structures & Garages
- Entertainment & Recreation Venues
- Convention Centers
Industrial
Manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and data centers — heavy structural, complex MEP, and specialized equipment estimating.
- Manufacturing & Production Facilities
- Warehouses & Distribution Centers
- Data Centers & Server Farms
- Cold Storage & Refrigerated Facilities
- Food Processing Plants
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Chemical & Petrochemical Plants
- Power Generation Facilities
- Logistics & Fulfillment Centers
- Auto Dealerships & Service Centers
Education
K-12 schools, universities, research facilities, and student housing — bond-funded projects with strict budget accountability and public procurement compliance.
- K-12 Elementary & Middle Schools
- High Schools & Career Centers
- Community Colleges
- University Academic Buildings
- Research & Science Laboratories
- Student Housing & Dormitories
- Athletic & Recreation Facilities
- Libraries & Media Centers
- Performing Arts Centers
- Early Childhood Education Centers
Healthcare
Hospitals, medical office buildings, outpatient facilities, and specialty clinics — complex MEP, infection control, and healthcare-specific code compliance estimating.
- Acute Care Hospitals
- Medical Office Buildings (MOB)
- Outpatient Surgery Centers
- Urgent Care & Clinics
- Behavioral Health Facilities
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Dental & Specialty Clinics
- Pharmacy & Lab Facilities
- Hospital Renovations & Additions
- Healthcare Campus Master Plans
Aviation & Airports
Airport terminals, concourses, hangars, and airside infrastructure — FAA-compliant estimating with airside/landside separation and phased construction budgets.
- Passenger Terminal Buildings
- Concourse Expansions
- Aircraft Hangars & MRO Facilities
- Air Traffic Control Towers
- Cargo & Freight Facilities
- Ground Transportation Centers
- Runway & Taxiway Construction
- Apron & Ramp Paving
- Airport Utility Infrastructure
- Security Screening Checkpoints
Government & Civic
Federal, state, and municipal construction — IGE preparation, prevailing wage compliance, Davis-Bacon Act, and public procurement documentation.
- Federal Office Buildings
- Courthouses & Judicial Facilities
- Police & Fire Stations
- City Halls & Civic Centers
- Libraries & Community Centers
- Military & DoD Facilities
- Post Offices & USPS Facilities
- VA Medical Centers
- Public Housing Developments
- Government Renovation Projects
Infrastructure & Civil
Roads, bridges, utilities, transit, and public infrastructure — heavy civil estimating with earthwork analysis, utility coordination, and phased construction budgets.
- Roads, Highways & Interchanges
- Bridges & Overpasses
- Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Pump Stations & Lift Stations
- Underground Utility Projects
- Transit Stations & Rail Facilities
- Stormwater Management Systems
- Retaining Walls & Slope Stabilization
- Ports & Marine Facilities
- Tunnels & Underground Structures
Hospitality & Entertainment
Hotels, resorts, casinos, stadiums, and entertainment venues — high-finish estimating with FF&E allowances, phased openings, and operator-specific requirements.
- Full-Service Hotels & Resorts
- Boutique & Lifestyle Hotels
- Casino & Gaming Facilities
- Sports Stadiums & Arenas
- Theme Parks & Attractions
- Movie Theaters & Cinemas
- Concert Halls & Amphitheaters
- Golf Courses & Clubhouses
- Spa & Wellness Centers
- Hotel Renovations & PIP Projects
Religious & Cultural
Churches, mosques, synagogues, museums, and cultural centers — specialty finish estimating with donor budget reporting and phased construction planning.
- Churches & Houses of Worship
- Mosques & Islamic Centers
- Synagogues & Jewish Centers
- Museums & Art Galleries
- Cultural & Heritage Centers
- Funeral Homes & Chapels
- Retreat Centers & Camps
- Religious School Buildings
- Community & Fellowship Halls
- Historic Preservation Projects
Sports & Recreation
Athletic facilities, recreation centers, aquatic centers, and sports complexes — specialized estimating for sports surfaces, equipment, and spectator amenities.
- Recreation & Community Centers
- Aquatic Centers & Natatoriums
- Fitness Centers & Gyms
- Indoor Sports Arenas
- Outdoor Athletic Fields & Tracks
- Tennis & Racquet Facilities
- Climbing Walls & Adventure Centers
- Skate Parks & BMX Facilities
- Batting Cages & Training Facilities
- Locker Rooms & Support Facilities
Retail & Mixed-Use
Retail stores, shopping centers, lifestyle centers, and mixed-use developments — tenant coordination, shell & core, and TI estimating for every retail format.
- Anchor & Big Box Retail
- Inline Retail & Strip Centers
- Lifestyle & Open-Air Centers
- Urban Mixed-Use Developments
- Ground-Floor Retail with Residential Above
- Grocery & Supermarket Stores
- Auto Parts & Service Retail
- Pharmacy & Drug Store Chains
- Fast Food & QSR Restaurants
- Retail Tenant Improvements
How It Works
Our Estimating Process
Submit Your Plans
Upload drawings, specs, and project details via our secure portal or email. We accept PDF, CAD, Revit, and all common formats.
Scope Review
Our estimator reviews your documents, identifies scope items, flags missing information, and confirms the deliverable format and turnaround.
Estimate Production
We perform the full takeoff and pricing using industry-standard software and current RSMeans or market-based unit costs.
Delivery & Support
You receive a complete, formatted estimate with annotated drawings, quantity backup, and a review call if needed.
Technology
Industry-Leading Software
PlanSwift
Bluebeam Revu
On-Screen Takeoff (OST)
RSMeans Online
Sage Estimating
Procore
Primavera P6
AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit (BIM)
BuildingConnected
ConstructConnect
Advanced Excel
Timberline
WinEst
Trade Specialties
Takeoffs by Trade
Need a trade-specific quantity takeoff? Each page below covers exactly what's included, turnaround times, and FAQs for that trade — all backed by the same Union Estimating precision.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us about your project and we will deliver a detailed, trade-by-trade estimate in 48 to 72 hours.