Service Type
Conceptual & ROM Estimating
A conceptual estimate gives you a defensible cost range before drawings are complete — for feasibility, financing conversations, or an early go/no-go decision.
What it is
A conceptual, or rough order-of-magnitude (ROM), estimate uses historical unit costs and area- or system-based pricing rather than a full quantity takeoff, because at this stage a full takeoff often isn't possible — the drawings aren't detailed enough yet. It's built from whatever exists: a program of requirements, schematic drawings, a building footprint and story count. The output is a range, not a single fixed number, and is presented as one.
When to ask for this
Ask for a conceptual estimate early — feasibility studies, financing packages, owner budget-setting, or a design team checking whether a concept is in the right cost neighborhood before investing in construction documents.
Available for every trade we cover
Conceptual & ROM Estimating isn’t limited to one trade — request it for a single scope or a full multi-trade bid package.
Turnaround
Quoted per project — typically faster than a full bid estimate since no detailed takeoff is involved
What ships in the deliverable
- Cost range presented with the assumptions it's based on stated explicitly
- System- or area-based breakdown (structure, envelope, MEP, finishes)
- Clear statement of what level of design detail the estimate was built from
- A path forward: what design detail would tighten the range
Other service types
Quantity Takeoff
The full count and measure of every item of work on the drawings — the foundation every estimate is built on.
Material Takeoff
Quantities converted into an actual purchase list — the sheet sizes, lengths and units you'd hand to a supplier.
Bid Estimating
A full, priced estimate built to go straight into a competitive bid — quantities, pricing and a bottom line.
Bid more. Win more.
Stop turning down invitations to bid because the takeoff will not get done in time. Send us the plans and get your numbers back in 24–72 hours.