How Bid Sharp Pricing Works

Every project is different, so we price each job individually after reviewing your documents. You receive a firm price and a turnaround time in writing before we start, so there are no surprises. This page explains what drives the price of construction estimating, quantity takeoff, shop drawings and permit drawings.

What affects the price of a construction estimate

• Project size and complexity: square footage, number of floors, building systems and level of detail in the drawings.
• Number of trades and CSI divisions: a single-trade takeoff costs less than a full-project estimate across Divisions 01–33.
• Drawing quality: complete, coordinated documents are faster to measure than incomplete or conflicting ones.
• Deliverables: quantities only, a priced estimate, scope sheets, bid leveling or a full proposal package.
• Wage requirements: prevailing-wage and Davis-Bacon projects require wage-rate application and administrative allowances.
• Turnaround: standard turnaround is about 48 hours; rush schedules around a tight bid date are available.
• Revisions and addenda: addenda that change quantities require updated takeoffs.

Takeoff only, or a complete priced estimate

You can order the takeoff only — measured quantities with marked-up plans — and price it with your own unit costs and subcontractor quotes, or order a complete priced estimate with labor, material, equipment, subcontract pricing, markups, alternates and unit prices. Many contractors use takeoff-only for trades they price in-house and a full estimate for the rest.

What is included in a quote

• Written scope: trades, drawings, specification sections and addenda covered
• Firm price and delivery date
• Deliverables: Excel, PDF, marked-up plans
• Assumptions, inclusions, exclusions and alternates
• Support for questions and addenda after delivery

Drawing services pricing

Shop drawings, structural drafting, permit drawings and solar plan sets are priced by sheet count, complexity and revision rounds. Residential and repeat-volume work, such as solar permit sets for installers, can be agreed as a per-project or volume rate in the quote.

How to lower the cost of an estimate

• Send complete drawings, specifications and addenda in one package.
• List the trades and scope you actually need priced.
• Tell us the real bid date early so we can schedule the work.
• Use takeoff-only for scopes you can price quickly yourself.

Get a firm quote

Upload your plans or call +1 (323) 524-3123. We reply with scope, price and turnaround — free and with no obligation. See also our FAQ and process.

Frequently asked questions

Do you give a fixed price before starting?

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Yes. After reviewing your plans and scope we send a firm price and turnaround before any work starts.

Is the quote free?

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Yes. Quotes are free and carry no obligation.

What makes an estimate cost more?

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Larger projects, more trades, incomplete drawings, tight turnaround, and detailed services such as prevailing-wage pricing or shop drawings.

Do you offer rush service?

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Yes. Tell us the bid due date when you request a quote and we will confirm what is achievable.

Can I order only a takeoff?

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Yes. Takeoff-only and priced estimates are both available.