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Commercial Estimating

Cost clarity for commercial projects.

Commercial construction demands more than a rough number. We provide detailed, defensible estimates that account for complex systems, multiple trades, code-driven requirements, and the commercial stakes behind every decision.

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01 / COMMERCIAL

Every scope accounted for. Every number explained.

From early feasibility to construction documents, we estimate with the level of rigour that commercial work requires.

The Problem

Commercial work leaves little room for error.

Commercial construction plays by tougher rules. There is structural steel and reinforced concrete to quantify. Robust mechanical systems and complex electrical distribution to price. Fire protection, accessibility, and code-driven scopes that carry real cost and cannot be trimmed.

Coordination across a dozen trades means that a gap between two scopes can quickly become somebody’s change order. The stakes are proportional. On a commercial project, a percentage point of estimating error is not a rounding difference. It is the profit on the job, or the reason a lender pulls back.

We estimate commercial work with the level of rigour that reality requires.

What's Included

A complete view of commercial scope.

Commercial estimates are typically organised by CSI MasterFormat division and may cover the following scopes.

General Requirements

General conditions, site supervision, temporary facilities, safety programmes, project management, bonds, and insurance allowances.

Existing Conditions & Demolition

Selective demolition, abatement allowances, protection of existing work, and preparation for new construction.

Concrete

Foundations, slabs on grade, elevated slabs, reinforcement, formwork, and concrete finishing.

Masonry

CMU, brick, stone, veneer, reinforcement, grouting, and associated masonry accessories.

Metals

Structural steel, joists and decking, miscellaneous metals, stairs, railings, and related metalwork.

Wood, Plastics & Composites

Rough carpentry, architectural millwork, casework, and composite construction components.

Thermal & Moisture Protection

Roofing systems, waterproofing, air and vapour barriers, insulation, and sealants.

Openings

Doors and frames, storefront and curtain wall, glazing, hardware, and overhead doors.

Finishes

Partitions, ceilings, flooring, wall finishes, painting, and acoustic treatment.

Specialties & Equipment

Signage, partitions, lockers, food service equipment, and specialised fit-out.

Conveying Systems

Elevators and lifts where included within the project scope.

Fire Suppression

Sprinkler systems, standpipes, and specialty fire suppression systems.

Plumbing

Domestic water, sanitary and storm systems, fixtures, and gas distribution.

HVAC

Equipment, ductwork, distribution, controls, testing, and balancing.

Electrical

Service and distribution, lighting, power, low-voltage, fire alarm, and communications.

Earthwork & Site Construction

Excavation, utilities, paving, curbs, landscaping, and site improvements.

Project Types

Experience across commercial sectors.

We estimate projects ranging from focused tenant improvements to complex commercial developments and renovation packages.

Office buildings and professional suites

Retail, restaurant, and hospitality fit-outs

Warehouses, distribution, and light industrial facilities

Medical, dental, clinic, and outpatient facilities

Educational and institutional buildings

Places of worship and community facilities

Multi-family and mixed-use developments

Tenant improvements and interior build-outs

Adaptive reuse and building conversions

Renovation and modernisation of existing property

Parking structures and site development packages

Who It's For

Built around the people making decisions.

General Contractors

Accurate, defensible numbers for commercial bids under deadline pressure.

Subcontractors & Specialty Trades

Precise takeoffs and estimates for defined scopes of work.

Developers

Project feasibility validation before land acquisition or financing.

Commercial Property Owners

Capital improvement, tenant fit-out, and building modernisation budgets.

Design Teams

Cost feedback during schematic design, design development, and construction documents.

Asset & Facility Managers

Planning and prioritising multi-year capital expenditure.

Levels of Estimate

The right depth for your project stage.

Not every project needs the same depth, and paying for more than you need is its own kind of waste. We work at whichever level fits where you are.

Conceptual / Order of Magnitude

Early feasibility based on project type, size, and quality level. Useful for go or no-go decisions.

Schematic

Based on early design drawings, with major systems identified and priced by assembly.

Design Development

A more granular estimate as the design firms up, suitable for budget confirmation and lender submission.

Construction Document / Detailed

Full quantity takeoff priced line by line for bidding, contract negotiation, and cost control.

Trade-Specific

A detailed estimate limited to defined divisions for subcontractors or owners isolating a single scope.

We will tell you which level your drawings actually support, rather than selling you a detailed estimate built on schematic information.

Bid Support

More than an estimate. Support for the bid.

We can also help you interpret, organise, and use the estimate when bids begin coming in.

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Organising and formatting bid documentation.

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Comparing received bids against an independent baseline.

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Identifying scope gaps between competing bids.

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Highlighting where a bid looks unrealistically low and explaining why that should concern you.

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Preparing cost breakdowns in the format an owner or lender has requested.

Bring us your drawings.

Send your plans and specifications, and we will respond with a proposal covering scope, fee, and turnaround. If your bid deadline is tight, say so up front.