Trusted by US Government
Full-project building cost estimates across all trades delivered in 24-48 hours with 99% accuracy.
No obligation · Free quote · 2-hour response
An inaccurate building cost estimate doesn't just cost you a bid - it can cost you a project, a client, or a margin you can't recover. The Virtual Estimation provides professional building cost estimating services used by general contractors, commercial developers, residential builders, and project owners across the USA and Canada to establish accurate budgets, win competitive bids, and maintain cost control from programming through construction. Our AACE-certified estimators deliver complete, bid-ready cost analyses in 24 to 48 hours.
We serve four primary client types hover to see details:
Win bids with accurate sub-verified estimates
Pre-bid estimates to verify sub quotes, self-perform cost analyses, and GMP validation for design-build and CM-at-risk delivery.
Validate contractor bids independently
Feasibility estimates, programming-phase budgets, design-phase cost tracking, and independent owner's estimates.
Full trade-by-trade home cost breakdowns
Complete house cost estimates, spec-home budget models, and custom home cost analyses for design review.
Division-level takeoffs for bid submission
Fully priced estimates with labor and material breakdowns by crew and phase for competitive bid submission.
Click your project type to get a tailored estimate.
Not sure which class you need? Ask us we'll recommend the right class in 2 minutes →
Land acquisition, investor presentations, go/no-go decisions.
Schematic design budget, lender presentations.
Design cost check, value engineering decisions.
Bid-phase estimate, GMP basis most commonly requested.
Full CDs, definitive bid submission highest accuracy.
Every deliverable, standard no add-on fees. See a Sample Estimate PDF →
Full Quantity Takeoff
PlanSwift/Bluebeam · CSI MasterFormat
Current Market Pricing
RS Means regional + real-time supplier quotes
Labor Hours by Trade
Crew sizes calibrated to your local market
Equipment & Temp Facilities
Crane, scaffold, hoisting, utilities
Subcontractor Scope Packages
Structured for sub bid solicitation
General Conditions
PM, super, insurance, bonds, permits
Contingency Allowances
Per AACE class standards
Value Engineering Options
Cost-saving substitutions flagged
Marked-Up Plans (PDF)
Color-coded measured areas
Excel Workbook
Importable into ProEst, Sage, Procore
Inclusions & Exclusions Log
Written scope clarification protects you against bid disputes & scope creep
Submit drawings and specs. We identify the estimate class, confirm deliverable scope, and begin immediately.
Every quantity measured digitally from your PDFs using PlanSwift or Bluebeam. No manual scaling errors.
Quantities priced with RS Means regional data + real-time supplier quotes for your zip code.
Full project cost model built including overhead, general conditions, and AACE-class contingency.
A senior AACE-certified estimator independently checks all quantities and pricing against benchmarks before delivery.
Full estimate delivered in agreed timeline. We answer RFIs, clarify quantities, and handle addendum revisions through bid day no extra charge.
| Tool / Standard | Application |
|---|---|
| PlanSwift & Bluebeam Revu | Digital quantity takeoff from PDF and CAD drawings |
| RS Means Building Construction Cost Data | Regional material and labor unit pricing |
| CSI MasterFormat | Standardized division structure for all estimate deliverables |
| AACE International RP 18R-97 | Estimate classification framework and contingency methodology |
| MS Excel / Google Sheets | Deliverable format - fully editable, sortable, importable |
Fees are determined by project size, drawing complexity, estimate class, and turnaround requirement:
| Project Type / Scope | Fee Range (USD) | Turnaround | Rush? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential single-family (budget / feasibility) | $150 - $400 | 24 hrs | Same-day |
| Residential single-family (full CD bid estimate) | $300 - $700 | 24-48 hrs | Yes |
| Multifamily (2-20 units) | $400 - $900 | 48 hrs | Yes |
| ⭐ Commercial TI / small renovation (<10,000 SF) | $300 - $800 | 24-48 hrs | Yes |
| Commercial new construction (10K-50K SF) | $600 - $1,500 | 48-72 hrs | Case by case |
| Large commercial / industrial (50K+ SF) | $1,000 - $3,000+ | 72-96 hrs | Case by case |
🎉 First-time clients receive 30% off. Volume pricing available for contractors with recurring projects. Contact us for a no-obligation custom quote →
Our senior estimators hold AACE International certifications and follow AACE Recommended Practices for estimate classification, cost risk analysis, and contingency development.
We are a third-party estimating firm with no relationship to any material supplier, subcontractor, or contractor - delivering objective estimates that protect your project budget.
Our digital takeoff workflow and standardized pricing assemblies allow 24-48 hour turnaround that manual estimating competitors cannot match.
We serve the full project lifecycle - from early feasibility budgets through CD bid estimates and construction-phase change order support.
We maintain current RS Means data sets and regional pricing knowledge for major metropolitan markets across both countries.
Submit one project or fifty. Pricing is per-estimate with no retainers or subscriptions required.
Detailed estimates for foundations, slabs, and structural concrete work.
Comprehensive electrical takeoffs for all project types and sizes.
Full general contractor estimates for bid submission and project budgeting.
Precise masonry takeoffs for brick, block, and stone projects.
Still have questions?
Chat with an estimator we respond within 2 business hours.
Chat with an Estimator →Send us your drawings and receive a complete estimate in 24-48 hours.
📧 Email drawings to: info@thevirtualestimation.com | First-time clients save 30%.
