A professional cost estimate can run to dozens of pages. Knowing how it is organized helps you check it quickly and bid with confidence.
1. The summary page
The first page shows the total cost broken down by CSI division: concrete, masonry, metals, finishes, MEP and so on. Compare each division with similar past jobs. If one looks unusually high or low, start your review there.
2. Quantities
Every line item starts with a quantity: cubic yards, square feet, linear feet or a count. Quantities come from the takeoff, so check the marked-up drawings that come with the estimate. Color-coded markups make it easy to see what was measured.
3. Unit costs
Unit costs combine material, labor and equipment. Good estimates show them separately, so you can adjust labor rates for your crews or swap in your own supplier quotes.
4. General conditions, overhead and profit
General conditions cover site costs such as supervision, temporary facilities and insurance. Overhead and profit are added at the end. These are the numbers you control most directly when you set your bid.
5. Exclusions and assumptions
Always read the exclusions. They tell you what is not included, such as permits, utility fees or owner-supplied equipment. Missing an exclusion is one of the most common reasons a winning bid loses money.
Need a second opinion on an estimate? Send it to our team and we’ll review it within 48 hours.