Preliminary Estimating Services
Since 1998, we’ve helped 5,000+ contractors, architects, and developers start projects with accurate budgets in just 24 hours.
10,000+
Projects Estimated
99%
Client Satisfaction
AACE
Certified
25+ Years Experience
Trusted by contractors nationwide
100+
Certified Estimators
95%
Client Retention
24/7
Support
Fast
Turnaround
24-Hour Delivery
Guaranteed Turnaround
Turn Your Preliminary Sketch into Client Winning Budget
Still working with incomplete drawings and worried about giving your client a number that may not hold up later? Or maybe you’re halfway through a design and unsure if the project is even within budget? Many contractors and developers face these challenges every day, delayed supplier quotes, pressure from clients for fast answers, and the constant risk of underestimating costs.
That’s exactly where our preliminary estimating services make the difference. Do Estimating has been providing reliable construction cost estimation helping you avoid costly mistakes in the earliest stages.
Instead of stressing over missing details or rushing bids, you get clear numbers that help you plan with confidence, win more work, and eliminate surprises.
Using real-time local cost data and proven methodologies, we give you a reliable rough order of magnitude (ROM) to secure funding, win client trust, and make confident decisions.
📊
Advanced Software
RSMeans database integration
✅
Certified Team
Expert quantity surveyors
💰
Hidden Savings
Cost optimization experts
🎯
Win More Bids
Competitive advantage
Who Uses Our Preliminary Construction Estimating Services?
From small projects to large-scale builds, our clients value accuracy, experience, and cost saving insights every step of the way. We’ve helped hundreds turn uncertainty into confidence with accurate preliminary estimates.
Client Type # 01
General Contractor
Get compelling and accurate bids.
Client Type # 02
Developers & Real Estate Investors
Assess project feasibility and ROI.
Client Type # 03
Subcontractors
Price their portion of a large project quickly and accurately.
Client Type # 04
Homeowners & Property Owners
Understand the potential cost of a renovation or new build before committing fully.
Client Type # 05
For Architects & Designers
Provide clients with realistic budget expectations early in the design process.
Here’s What Comes With Your Preliminary Estimate
More than just a number. Our preliminary deliverables are designed to give you the confidence to get approval and move your project forward. From detailed cost breakdowns to insights that save you money, we give you the clarity to plan with confidence.
Get the Right Estimates that Fits Your Project
We have the right type of estimate for every stage of your project. From initial concepts to near-final designs, our services give you the accuracy you need to make decisions, win bids and control your budget. Choose the estimate that matches your project’s current phase:
Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Estimate
Perfect for the very first conceptual stage, the ROM estimate provides a realistic high-low cost range. It helps you quickly evaluate project feasibility and decide whether to move forward without investing in detailed designs. Good for early discussions with clients or stakeholders who need a general understanding of costs.
Ballpark Estimate
When you have a basic project scope, the ballpark estimate gives a more refined, single-figure cost. The estimate is based on your initial sketches and key project parameters. This estimate helps you start meaningful conversations, offering clarity while still allowing flexibility for changes as the design develops.
Budget Estimate
With schematic designs and preliminary plans in place, the budget estimate delivers a reliable cost estimation. This estimate offers a reliable budget with 10-15% accuracy. It’s specifically designed to secure financing, guide project planning, and support decision-making.
Definitive Estimate
The most accurate preliminary estimate, based on nearly final designs, with 5-10% accuracy, is prepared when designs are nearly final. It provides detailed line-item costs for materials, labor and contingencies, good for final client approvals, tender preparation and contract negotiations.
How Do We Turn Your Rough Plans into a Reliable Budget?
We know things can be busy, so we’ve made our preliminary estimating services simple and stress-free. Here’s how we build your preliminary estimate: First, we review whatever you can send us whether it’s full drawings, simple sketches or just a basic list of what you want built. We assess size, materials and complexity, then break the project into main parts like foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing and finishes.
Our team delivers early construction takeoff services, including major items like square footage, materials, and structural components. For each part, we calculate quantities using proven methods and units. We then apply real, up to date local material and labor costs, add hidden expenses like permits and insurance, and compile everything into a clear, easy-to-read report.
Secure 2x faster Projects with Our Preliminary Estimating Services
When you choose Do Estimating, you’re not just getting a number, you’re getting a proven strategic advantage. Our preliminary estimating services help clients make smarter decisions from day one.
Our Preliminary Estimating Methods and Units
We deliver preliminary estimating services using multiple methods to suit your project type and stage. This ensures clear, actionable numbers for buildings, roads, and irrigation projects.
Sectors Trusting Our Preliminary Estimates For Early-Stage Budgets
We know every project type has its own challenges, cost drivers and risks. That’s why our preliminary estimates are customised for different sectors whether it’s an industrial plant, high-rise office or single-family home.
Our reports highlight labor, materials, finishes, and contingencies, giving you an early, realistic budget to keep clients satisfied and projects profitable.
Our process helps you to control costs, win bids, and speed up approvals.
Our team prepares per-square-foot estimates, equipment costs, and utility requirements to ensure that your industrial cost planning is accurate.
Software Behind Our Accuracy
Do Estimating combine expert knowledge with industry-leading software to deliver precision you can trust. We invest in the best software so you get the most reliable data. Our Core Estimating & Takeoff Software:
Why Choose Do Estimating to Boost Your Early Project Budgets?
Get a clear financial plan from the get go with our preliminary estimating. Make better decisions, save time and win more with earlystage cost estimates.
Hire Us for your Preliminary Estimate and Bid with Confidence
01
Submit Your Plans for a Fast Review
Simply upload your plans, conceptual drawings, or project specifications to our secure portal via email plan@doestimating.com. Our team performs a quick project assessment to understand your scope of work.
02
Receive a Transparent Quote & Invoice
We provide a fixed-price quote for our preliminary estimating services within 5 minutes. Upon your approval, we send a clear invoice for payment.
03
Get Your Detailed Estimate
Once payment is confirmed, our experts deliver a comprehensive preliminary construction estimate. You receive accurate material and labor pricing, ready to secure project funding.
Request Your Free, Custom Quote Today
Ready to Get Started? Your Winning Bid is a Click Away
Hear From Our Satisfied Clients
Do Estimating provided a preliminary construction budget that was incredibly accurate. Their quick turnaround helped us win a bid we would have otherwise missed. Highly recommend!”
Mark T.
Subcontractor
Residential Development
As a residential home builder, I’m constantly balancing project feasibility with client expectations. Do Estimating provided a reliable budget estimate from our early schematic designs that was within a 7% margin of our final costs. This early-stage cost planning saved us from a major budgeting error and solidified our client’s trust.”
Lisa M.
Home Builder
Residential Development
Their preliminary material takeoff services were invaluable. The detailed breakdowns allowed us to identify potential cost-saving opportunities early in the project.
John. D.
General Contractor
Building Renovation
“Their preliminary material takeoff services were invaluable. The detailed breakdowns allowed us to identify potential cost-saving opportunities early in the project.”
Raj S.
Project Manager
Multi-Family Housing
Frequently Asked Questions
Real Results From Our Estimates
Tempe, Arizona
Apartment Complex
San Francisco, California
UCSF Breast Care Center
Alpharetta, Georgia
Office Building
Dearborn, Michigan
Hospital
