Frequently AskedQuestions

Construction estimating is the process of measuring the work shown in drawings and specifications and calculating the likely cost of materials, labour, plant and other project costs. A good estimate gives contractors, subcontractors and builders a clear basis for quoting, tendering and budgeting.

A quantity takeoff is the measurement of lengths, areas, volumes and counts from construction drawings — for example square metres of roof sheeting or wall cladding, cubic metres of concrete, metres of pipe or the number of light fittings. Takeoffs form the foundation of every estimate and BOQ.

A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) lists each item of work with a description, unit and measured quantity. It allows contractors and subcontractors to price the same scope consistently and is widely used in tendering.

Usually the drawings for the trades you are pricing — architectural and structural drawings, plus services drawings (electrical, plumbing or mechanical) where relevant — together with specifications and schedules, the scope or trade packages you need estimated, and any tender documents or addenda. If you have preferred rates, templates or a deadline, include those too. For civil and earthworks jobs, also send survey data and any geotechnical reports. If something is missing, we will let you know. On the estimate request form, paste a download link (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or WeTransfer) or email the files to info@visionestimators.com.

Standard estimates are typically delivered within 48 hours. Larger or more complex projects take longer — after reviewing your drawings and scope we confirm the delivery date before work begins, and urgent tender deadlines can be discussed up front.

Yes. We work with contractors, subcontractors and builders in Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and beyond. The measurement method, units, currency and pricing assumptions are agreed at the start so the estimate suits your market.

Yes. PDF drawing sets are the most common format we work from. We also work from CAD files (DWG/DXF), specifications, schedules and addenda — and, for civil and earthworks jobs, survey and design surfaces (LandXML). Clear, scaled drawings help us measure efficiently.

Takeoffs and BOQs are delivered as formula-linked Excel workbooks, with marked-up PDF drawings showing what was measured and a schedule of assumptions, exclusions and clarifications. When pricing is requested, the cost estimate breaks down material, labour and plant, using your rates if you prefer. Where earthworks are in scope, we also provide cut/fill and site-balance reports. We can follow your own templates and formats on request.

We estimate roofing, cladding, structural (steel, concrete and framing), electrical, plumbing and mechanical packages, and prepare complete whole building estimates covering every trade. We also offer civil and earthworks estimating. See Services for the full list.

Yes. A dedicated estimator works on your projects on an ongoing basis, learning your standards, templates and pricing approach. See Dedicated Estimator for how it works.

Yes. We can prepare quantities, BOQs, priced estimates and clarification schedules to support your tender or trade quote. Your team remains responsible for reviewing and submitting the final tender or quote.

Vision Estimators Private Limited is a construction estimating company. Our engineering-qualified estimators have served clients worldwide for more than five years, working with contractors, subcontractors and builders in Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and beyond. Our contact details are on the Contact page.

Our own team of estimators, all qualified to engineering degree level or equivalent. Every estimate is checked before it is delivered.

We measure to the method your market and contract require — for example ASMM in Australia, NRM2 in the UK, CSI MasterFormat in the USA, MasterFormat or the CIQS method in Canada, and NZS 4202 in New Zealand — or to your own BOQ template. Units (metric or imperial) and currency are agreed at the start.

Takeoffs are measured digitally in Bluebeam and PlanSwift, and roofing takeoffs in RoofWizard. Deliverables are provided in Excel and PDF, so you do not need any special software to use them. For earthworks jobs, volumes are calculated from the existing and design surfaces.

Yes. Drawings and documents you send are used only to prepare your estimate and are not shared with other clients or used for any other purpose. See our Privacy Policy for details.