Frequently asked questions
FAQs
1What types of estimates does Build an Estimate provide?
We specialize in estimating services for a wide range of projects, including new construction, remodeling, renovation, and various types of commercial and industrial projects such as skyscrapers, wastewater treatment plants, warehouses, highways & bridges, and more. We serve General Contractors, Subcontractors, Architects, Real estate developers, Owners, Lenders, Appraisers, and more.
2Which trades does Build an Estimate cover?
We cover all CSI divisions and trades of construction, including Civil, Structural, Drywall, Framing, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing, Flooring, Structural & Misc. Steel, Thermal and moisture protection, Fire suppression, Sitework and Lumber takeoffs, and detailed estimates.
3How do we price out the projects?
We use different databases for pricing, such as RS Means and National Cost Estimator by Craftsmen (zip-code based pricing, updated multiple times a year) to ensure competitive and accurate bids.
4Would you ever provide the same estimate to other clients?
Absolutely not. As the President and Owner of Build and Estimate, I ensure high standards and ethical business practices. We believe it is unethical and prohibited to breach your information and disrupt long-term business relationships.
5What if you don’t have plans for the project?
Not a problem. We can provide an estimate based on the details and specifications you provide. Our estimators will use their previous data and experience to provide a preliminary estimate for the project.
6How do we do estimates if the drawings are not completed?
We work with Architects, Developers, and Design & Engineering Firms that require our services in the early planning and design stages. If you have preliminary drawings or specifications, we can work with those to provide an accurate estimate for procurement, supplying, or design purposes.
7How accurate are our estimates?
Our estimators are experts, including engineers, trade specialists, field superintendents, and project managers. We use zip-code based pricing that takes into account even inflation, material shortages, import/export tariffs, and natural disasters to provide highly accurate estimates.
Payment Policy
1How do I start using your construction estimating services?
To get started, simply send us your project plans and details/specifications to info@buildandestimate.com. Our estimators will review your project and provide you with a quote and estimated turnaround time.
Once you have accepted our quote, we will send you an invoice for payment. As soon as payment is received, we will begin working on your project and deliver it within the agreed timeframe.
Once you have accepted our quote, we will send you an invoice for payment. As soon as payment is received, we will begin working on your project and deliver it within the agreed timeframe.
2What is the Cost of a Material Takeoff or Estimate?
At Build and Estimate, we understand that each project's scope and size vary. Therefore, we offer personalized pricing based on the drawings/plans and the scope of work. To receive a quote, simply upload your plans using the button below, and we will respond with a quote in no time. We encourage our clients to negotiate quotes with us, and our quotes are typically accepted over 95% of the time.
3Do you charge hourly rates for your services?
We typically charge on a per-project basis, but we can design an hourly rate that suits your project needs. Our estimating services are perfect for busy contractors, saving them up to 60% in estimation expenses compared to hiring an in-house estimator.
4What are your payment methods?
We provide QuickBooks and PayPal invoices, giving you the flexibility to choose a payment method that suits you. We accept credit cards and provide a payment link via email.
5Do you charge separately for amendments, changes in drawings, and filing bids?
We usually don't charge for small revisions and changes in drawings. However, we may charge a small fee for significant addendums, and our bid filing charges are separate.
6Do you offer monthly packages and long-term relationships?
Yes, we offer monthly estimation packages for long-term relationships that can save you up to 60% of estimation expenses compared to hiring an in-house estimator.
7Are there any binding agreements for monthly packages?
No, there are no binding agreements or automatic credit card deductions on a monthly basis for our clients. We believe in building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual benefit.
Our Privacy Policy
1What Personal Information Do We Collect From Visitors To Our Website?
When you engage in website chat or contact us through the website contact form or on-call, we may ask for your name, email address, and contact number. This information is used to provide you with information about our services or to negotiate a quote. We do not use this information for unsolicited calls or emails.
2When Do We Collect Information And How Do We Use It?
We collect information when you engage in website chat or contact us through the website contact form or on-call. The information is used to provide you with better customer service and to respond to your requests.
3How Do We Use And Protect Your Information?
Your personal information is used for better customer service requests. We protect your information using Malware scanning and an SSL certificate. We never ask for credit card information. For invoicing, we use SECURE QUICKBOOKS, which never discloses your information to any third party and is a credible service provider.
4Do We Disclose Your Information To Any Third Parties?
We do not disclose your information to any third parties who ask or require our clients' information.
5How Do We Comply With The California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)?
We comply with CalOPPA by publishing our privacy policy on the website and by describing the information we collect from visitors and how we use it. We also ensure that visitors can surf our site anonymously, and they have the option to provide their information voluntarily.
6Do We Ensure Compliance With COPPA And CANSPAM Act?
We do not market our services to children under 13 or collect their personal information. We comply with the CANSPAM Act, and our campaigns allow our audience to opt-in or opt-out at any time.
7Do We Implement Fair Information Practices?
We strictly prohibit the breach of personal, commercial, or bid information between any of our stakeholders. We declare this policy to all our employees and stakeholders to ensure the privacy of our clients' information.
