Professional Estimating LLC provides nationwide general contractor estimating services for general contractors, construction managers, developers, and project managers. Since 2011, our team of specialized estimators has delivered precise material quantity takeoffs, zip-code-calibrated labor calculations, and competition-ready bid packages for over 5,000 construction projects across all 50 states.
Whether you are bidding a commercial office tower, a residential subdivision, an industrial warehouse complex, or a complete mixed-use development, we deliver defensible cost estimates within 24 to 48 hours so you can submit more winning bids without adding overhead.
Email your project drawings (PDF) to info@professionalestimatingllc.com or call +1 (908) 488-9245 for a guaranteed flat-fee quote within 15 to 30 minutes.
Comprehensive General Estimating Scope (CSI MasterFormat)
Our general contractor estimates cover all major CSI Divisions:
Division 01 — General Requirements
- Project management and coordination
- Temporary facilities and protection
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Project scheduling and submittal management
- Permit and inspection coordination
- Safety and security requirements
Division 03 — Concrete
- Site preparation and earthwork
- Foundations, footings, and slabs
- Structural concrete and reinforcement
- Formwork and shoring
- Waterproofing and membranes
- Concrete restoration and repair
Division 05 — Metals
- Structural steel and reinforcement
- Metal decking and cladding
- Metal railings and guards
- Metal roofing systems
- Metal wall panels
Division 06 — Wood, Plastics, and Composites
- Framing (wood and engineered lumber)
- Sheathing and underlayment
- Trim and millwork
- Plastic and composite systems
- Acoustic panels
Division 07 — Thermal and Moisture Protection
- Roofing systems
- Waterproofing systems
- Insulation and weather barriers
- Flashing and sealants
- Vapor barriers
Division 08 — Openings
- Doors (interior and exterior)
- Windows and glazing systems
- Hardware and access control
- Garage doors and gates
- Glazing and curtain walls
Division 09 — Finishes
- Flooring (hard and soft)
- Wall finishes and painting
- Ceiling systems
- Millwork and trim
- Signage and wayfinding
Division 10 — Specialties
- Toilet partitions and accessories
- Lockers and storage
- Safety and emergency equipment
- Signage and wayfinding
- Specialty items
Division 11 — Equipment
- Kitchen equipment
- Laundry equipment
- Medical equipment
- Scientific equipment
- Specialized equipment
Division 12 — Furnishings
- Furniture systems
- Window treatments
- Artwork and accessories
- Specialty furnishings
- Acoustical furnishings
Division 13 — Special Construction
- Structural glazing
- Demolition and hazardous materials
- Radon mitigation
- Earthquake protection
- Special construction elements
Division 14 — Conveying Equipment
- Elevators and escalators
- Conveyors and lifts
- Pneumatic tube systems
- Specialty conveying systems
Division 15 — Mechanical
- HVAC systems (see mechanical estimating)
- Plumbing systems (see mechanical estimating)
- Fire protection systems
- Controls and automation
Division 16 — Electrical
- Electrical systems (see electrical estimating)
- Lighting systems
- Power distribution
- Fire alarm and security
Our General Estimating Process
Every general contractor estimate follows our proven five-step process:
- Plan Review — Our estimators review all drawings, specifications, and addenda across all divisions
- Quantity Takeoff — We measure every element across all CSI divisions using PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and RSMeans
- Pricing — Material costs are sourced from regional distributors, labor is calibrated to zip-code rates, and subcontractor pricing is analyzed
- Bid Package Assembly — You receive editable Excel with line-item detail by CSI division, color-coded marked-up plans, and a PDF summary
- Revisions & Support — We provide free revisions when scope changes and remain available during the bid process
Our General Estimating Software & Tools
- PlanSwift — Comprehensive quantity takeoff across all divisions
- Bluebeam Revu — Digital plans and markup
- Trimble Accubid — Cost database and estimating
- RSMeans — Regional labor and material cost data
- On-Screen Takeoff (OST) — Digital plan measurement
- FastPIPE/FastDUCT — Mechanical and electrical takeoff
- Quest Estimating — General construction estimating
Project Types We Estimate
| Project Type | Scope |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Office buildings, retail centers, mixed-use developments |
| Residential | Single-family homes, multi-family, senior living |
| Industrial | Manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers |
| Institutional | Schools, government buildings, libraries |
| Healthcare | Hospitals, clinics, medical office buildings |
| Hospitality | Hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues |
| Educational | K-12 schools, colleges, universities |
| Government | Federal, state, county, municipal projects |
| Retail | Shopping centers, big-box stores, strip malls |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a general contractor estimate include?
Every estimate includes a complete quantity takeoff across all CSI divisions (01-16), material pricing, labor calculations, subcontractor analysis, overhead and contingency, and a complete bid package in editable Excel.
Can you estimate specific divisions only?
Yes, we can focus on specific CSI divisions or trades. Just specify which divisions you need estimated and we will tailor our takeoff accordingly.
How do you handle value engineering?
We provide value engineering recommendations throughout the estimating process, suggesting alternative materials, systems, and construction methods that reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
What file formats do estimates come in?
Every estimate includes editable Excel with line-item detail organized by CSI division, a PDF summary for bid submission, and color-coded marked-up plans showing exactly what was counted and where.
How do I submit my plans for estimating?
Email your drawings and specifications as PDFs to info@professionalestimatingllc.com or call +1 (908) 488-9245. A complete set including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing documents gives the tightest numbers.