Construction Cost Estimating & Quantity Takeoffs
Detail-oriented cost estimates, quantity takeoffs and material lists across every CSI division, delivered in a clear, spreadsheet-ready format, typically within 48 to 72 hours.
Detail-Oriented Estimates You Can Bid With Confidence
Remarkable Estimating Services, LLC provides construction cost estimating and quantity takeoff services for contractors, builders, and construction professionals across the United States. We work from your plans and project documents and deliver detailed quantities, material lists, labor hours, labor and material pricing, and overhead and profit (O&P) calculations for residential, commercial, industrial and civil projects.
Our goal is simple: to help you bid accurately, reduce risk, and protect your margins. We prepare the numbers; you submit your own bid. We are based in Hawthorne, California, work 100% remotely, and do not perform construction work or bid projects on a client's behalf.
We use advanced software such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, OST, Accubid, and Xactimate to ensure accuracy and transparency. Every estimate is delivered in a clear spreadsheet format with quantities, labor hours and rates, materials, equipment, and overhead costs, so you have the numbers you need to bid confidently.
5 Estimating Platforms
PlanSwift, Bluebeam, OST, Accubid & Xactimate.
All CSI Divisions
Complete labor, material, and overhead breakdowns.
48–72 Hour Delivery
Fast, spreadsheet-ready estimates, every time.
What Is Cost Estimation and Quantity Takeoff?
Cost estimation is the process of calculating the total expected cost of a construction project, while quantity takeoff measures the exact materials and resources required. Together, they form the foundation for accurate bids and realistic budgets.
Our team covers all CSI divisions, giving you a complete breakdown of labor, materials, equipment, and overheads. Whether it's a residential remodel, commercial building, civil infrastructure, or large industrial project, we provide precise estimates that help you compete in today's construction market.
What Does a Cost Estimate and Quantity Takeoff Include?
Each estimate is organized by CSI division and trade, and lists every quantity with its unit, waste factor where it applies, and price. A typical deliverable includes:
- Quantity takeoffs measured from your drawings (counts, lengths, areas, volumes)
- Material takeoffs and material lists ready for supplier pricing
- Labor hours and labor rates (union, non-union or prevailing wage)
- Material, labor and equipment pricing localized to your project ZIP code
- Overhead and profit (O&P) and contingency, shown as separate lines
- Scope notes, assumptions and exclusions
- Excel and PDF files
Estimate Types We Prepare
Quantity Takeoff, Material Takeoff, or Cost Estimate?
Quantity Takeoff
A measured list of everything on the drawings: cubic yards of concrete, square feet of drywall, linear feet of pipe, device counts.
Material Takeoff
The quantities converted into purchasable materials (sheets, bags, sticks, fittings) with waste, often used as a material list for suppliers.
Cost Estimate
The quantities priced with materials, labor hours and rates, equipment, and overhead and profit to give a total project or trade cost.
Read the full comparison in material takeoffs vs. cost estimates.
Built for Every Project Type
We deliver takeoffs and cost estimates for a wide range of project types, including:
Residential Estimating
From small renovations to luxury homes. See our residential estimating guide.
Commercial Estimating
Offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, retail spaces. See our commercial estimating guide.
Civil & Infrastructure Estimating
Roads, bridges, drainage, utilities, sitework. See sitework and excavation estimating.
Industrial Estimating
Warehouses, factories, plants, storage facilities.
How Labor and Material Pricing Works
We measure quantities from your drawings using PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff (OST) or Accubid, then price them with RSMeans, National Estimator and local supplier pricing, adjusted to your project's ZIP code. Labor is calculated as labor hours multiplied by the applicable hourly rate for each trade.
- Location-based pricing: material and labor costs reflect your project's market, not a national average.
- Union and non-union labor: we can price both so you can compare.
- Prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon projects: when a project requires prevailing wages, we price labor at the applicable rates. Our labor cost estimating guide explains how this affects an estimate.
- Overhead and profit: shown separately so you can adjust markups to your company's numbers.
Who Uses Our Estimating Services?
- General contractors pricing full projects or checking subcontractor bids
- Subcontractors who need a single trade taken off and priced
- Home builders and developers setting budgets before design is final
- Architects and property owners checking project costs
We prepare estimates for our clients to use in their own bids and budgets. We do not submit bids on your behalf or perform any construction work. Thinking about outsourcing? Compare in-house vs. outsourced estimating.
How Our Estimating Process Works
- Step 1: Send your plans. Email your drawings and scope, or use the quote form.
- Step 2: Get a free quote. We review the project and confirm the price and turnaround.
- Step 3: Approve and pay 50%. Work starts after the first half of the fee is paid.
- Step 4: We take off and price. Quantities are measured, priced to your ZIP code, and reviewed before delivery.
- Step 5: Receive your estimate. Excel and PDF files, typically in 48–72 hours, with the balance due on delivery.
What We Need From You
- Drawings in PDF or any format you have (architectural, structural, MEP, civil as applicable)
- Specifications and any addenda
- Scope of work, or the trades you want priced
- Project ZIP code
- Bid due date or deadline
- Wage requirements (union, non-union or prevailing wage), if known
New to working from plans? See how to prepare a construction estimate from plans.
Trade-Specific Takeoffs and Estimating
From demolition to excavation, we provide detailed, trade-specific takeoffs for every division of your project. For a summary of all 19 and how to order one trade or several, see construction trades we estimate.
Demolition
Removals, disposal costs, site clearing.
Concrete
Foundations, pavements, bridges, structures.
Masonry
CMU, brick, stone, mortar, grout.
Metal
Trusses, decks, joists, railings, steel works.
Framing
Wood and metal framing, material & labor costs.
Drywall & Ceiling
Framing, acoustical ceilings, complete bids.
Millwork
Cabinetry, counters, trims, stair parts.
Glass & Glazing
Windows, storefronts, curtain walls.
Roofing
Membranes, flashing, waterproofing, metal roofing.
Painting
Interior/exterior finishes, coatings, staining.
Flooring
Tile, carpet, vinyl, laminate, hardwood.
Mechanical
HVAC units, chillers, pumps, exhausts.
Electrical
Wiring, fixtures, lighting, low-voltage systems.
Plumbing
Piping, insulation, sanitary systems, fittings.
HVAC
Ductwork, condensing units, fans, piping.
Low Voltage
Alarms, surveillance, access systems, automation.
Sitework
Grading, paving, demolition, utilities, fences.
Landscape
Irrigation, pavers, sod, mulch, hardscape/softscape.
Excavation
Earthwork, cut/fill, soil spreads.
Cost Estimating & Takeoff FAQs
Still have a question? Call (424) 441-4101 or email info@remarkableestimating.com, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific Time.
What is the difference between a quantity takeoff and a cost estimate?
Do you provide material lists?
How much does a cost estimate or takeoff cost?
How long does a cost estimate take?
Can you price prevailing wage or Davis-Bacon projects?
What file formats do you deliver?
Do you submit the bid for me?
Get a Quote Today
Stop losing profits due to inaccurate bids. Partner with Remarkable Estimating to get accurate, transparent, and affordable construction estimates you can use in your own bids. Simply send us an email, and we'll be happy to share a sample estimate with you.