Why Our Subcontractor Bid Estimates Hold Up

A subcontractor can lose money by missing a small scope item just as easily as by submitting a bid that is too high.

Our estimating process focuses on identifying the complete trade scope shown in the drawings and specifications before applying material, labor, equipment, and other applicable costs.

Trade-Specific Bid Pricing

We can prepare subcontractor estimates for a wide range of construction trades, including:

  • Concrete
  • Rebar
  • Masonry
  • Structural steel
  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Doors and windows
  • Waterproofing
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Painting
  • Flooring
  • Ceilings
  • Stucco and EIFS
  • Millwork
  • HVAC
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Sitework
  • Fire protection
  • Specialty construction

What Is Included in Subcontractor Bid Estimating

  • Drawing review
  • Specification review
  • Addenda review
  • Scope identification
  • Trade-specific quantity takeoff
  • Material quantities
  • Material pricing
  • Labor quantities
  • Labor rates
  • Labor productivity
  • Equipment
  • Subcontracted portions where applicable
  • Material waste
  • Freight where applicable
  • Delivery considerations
  • Mobilization
  • Project-specific requirements
  • Allowances
  • Alternates
  • Overhead
  • Profit
  • Bid exclusions
  • Clarifications
  • Assumptions
  • Unit prices where requested
  • Bid summary
  • Editable Excel estimate

Complete Scope Review

We review the relevant drawings, details, schedules, and specifications to identify the work included in the subcontractor's scope.

This can include identifying material types, sizes, assemblies, installation requirements, accessories, transitions, penetrations, and other documented conditions that affect pricing.

Subcontractor Bid Preparation

The completed estimate can be organized into a bid-ready format that makes the scope and pricing easier to review before submission.

Where requested, the estimate can include separate pricing for base scope, alternates, allowances, unit prices, and other bid requirements.

Competitive Subcontractor Pricing

A competitive subcontractor bid should reflect the actual cost of completing the documented scope while remaining commercially viable.

Our estimates provide the quantity and cost information needed to evaluate the bid before it is submitted to the general contractor.

Bid Addenda & Revisions

Addenda can change quantities, materials, details, specifications, or scope requirements.

When provided, addenda can be reviewed and incorporated into the estimate so the final pricing reflects the latest available bid documents.

Subcontractor Bid Estimating for California

We provide subcontractor bid estimating services throughout California for commercial, residential, multifamily, industrial, institutional, and other construction projects.

Related Services

For trade-specific estimating, see [Subcontractor Estimating](/services/construction-cost-estimating/subcontractor/).

For measured quantities, see [Quantity Takeoff Services](/services/quantity-takeoff-services/).

For material-specific quantities, see [Material Takeoff Services](/services/material-takeoff-services/).

For complete bid support, see [Bid Estimating Services](/services/bid-estimating/).

What Is Included in Your Estimate

  • Trade-specific takeoffs
  • Material and labor costing
  • Equipment requirement analysis
  • Bid qualifications & exclusions
  • Unit pricing breakdowns
  • Alternates & allowances pricing
  • Editable Excel proposal