Why Our General Contractor Estimates Hold Up

A general contractor is responsible for coordinating many separate scopes into one final project price.

We organize trade-level quantities and pricing into a consolidated estimate while reviewing the relationships between architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and specialty scopes.

This allows the estimating team to see both individual trade costs and the complete project budget.

From Plans to Final Bid

Our estimating workflow can cover the process from drawing review and quantity takeoff through subcontractor quote comparison and final bid preparation.

Available addenda, revisions, specifications, alternates, allowances, exclusions, and scope requirements can be incorporated into the estimating process.

Trade-by-Trade GC Estimating

A complete GC estimate can include sitework, concrete, masonry, structural steel, framing, roofing, doors and windows, finishes, millwork, MEP, fire protection, specialties, equipment, and general requirements.

Trade-level organization allows contractors to compare internal estimates against subcontractor proposals.

Subcontractor Quote Leveling

Subcontractor proposals frequently differ in scope and exclusions.

We can organize and level quotations to identify missing work, exclusions, allowances, alternates, and scope differences before pricing is incorporated into the final estimate.

General Conditions & Project Overhead

General contractor estimates need to account for project-level operating costs in addition to direct construction work.

General conditions, supervision, temporary facilities, site requirements, project administration, and other documented costs can be incorporated into the estimate.

Bid & Preconstruction Estimating

GC estimating can support both early-stage budgeting and competitive bidding.

Conceptual budgets can provide early cost direction, while detailed bid estimates can incorporate measured quantities, supplier pricing, subcontractor quotations, addenda, and project-specific requirements.

General Contractor Estimating for California

We provide general contractor estimating services throughout California for residential, commercial, multifamily, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use construction. California-specific labor and material pricing can be incorporated according to project location and scope.

Related Construction Estimating Services

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

For commercial projects, see [Commercial Construction Estimating](/services/construction-cost-estimating/commercial/).

For bid-day assistance, see [Bid Prep & Bid Day Support](/trades/general-requirements/bid-prep-bid-day-support/).

Visit the main [Construction Cost Estimating](/services/construction-cost-estimating/) page for the complete service overview.

What Is Included in Your Estimate

  • Drawing review
  • Specification review
  • Quantity takeoffs
  • CSI division breakdown
  • Trade-level pricing
  • Material pricing
  • Labor pricing
  • Equipment pricing
  • Subcontractor scope
  • Subcontractor quote comparison
  • Supplier quote comparison
  • Quote leveling
  • General conditions
  • Temporary facilities
  • Site supervision
  • Mobilization
  • Demobilization
  • Allowances
  • Alternates
  • Unit prices
  • Value engineering
  • Overhead
  • Markup
  • Contingency where requested
  • Scope assumptions
  • Exclusions
  • Bid summary
  • Bid tabulation
  • Editable Excel estimate