SMA Estimating

Preliminary Estimate Services

SMA Estimating LLC is the top company that offers to assist contractors for the starting phase, middle phase, or anywhere in between! We provide professional Preliminary Estimate Services to our clients to keep their projects on track!

Do you know about Preliminary Estimate Services?

Preliminary estimate services are designed to evaluate project costs on limited required information. How much progress have you made on your drawing plans? Are you still in the initial stages, halfway through, or nearing completion? SMA Estimating LLC is eager to provide accurate preliminary estimation services to our clients. We have employed the top preliminary estimators who know exactly how to handle residential, commercial, and industrial projects. As we have more than 15 years of experience in serving the US industry. Our engineers, estimators, and quantity surveyors are trained to provide quick and spot-on preliminary estimates. We calculate costs based on the area, either per square foot or per square meter! So do not fret at all! Our company promises to deliver top-class quality results without compromising on the quality of the estimates.

Who Hire Us for Preliminary Estimation Services?

Our company has clients from all over the United States. We are glad to serve clients and provide them with the most accurate construction takeoffs! Once you connect with our team, you will never switch to anyone because of our outstanding results. Even if you are on the low budget, our cost estimators adjust estimates without compromising the quality of your project. If you want assistance with construction estimating services, we are here to help you 24/7. Let us show you the list of our clients that is not limited to it only. 

  • General contractors
  • Trade contractors
  • Architectural firms
  • Engineering design firms
  • Real estate developers
  • Homeowners
  • Venders
  • Retailers
  • Lenders
  • Appraisers

If you want to have more clarity about our Preliminary Estimate Services process, you can visit the following pages

Why a Preliminary Estimate Matters More Than You Think

Most construction projects don’t go over budget by accident. Research shows that most projects run over budget, often by close to 28% more than originally planned.

A preliminary estimate is your first line of defense against this. Unlike a detailed estimate, which needs finished drawings and full specifications, a preliminary estimate works with the information you already have. It can be in the form of square footage or any site condition. This gives you a real idea of costs even before the design is finished.

Getting this early understanding of cost helps you catch cost issues and adjust your budget. No more after contracts are signed and construction has already started.

How Our Estimates Align with AACE International Standards

Our preliminary estimates follow the AACE International Class 1–5 system. It is the standard the industry uses to measure how accurate a cost estimate is.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • Rough Order of Magnitude aligns with AACE Class 5. It is used for initial feasibility screening
  • Ballpark Estimate aligns with AACE Class 4, commonly used to secure preliminary financing
  • Budget Estimate aligns with AACE Class 3, used to anchor the official project budget
  • Definitive Estimate aligns with AACE Class 1-2, used for bid submission and contractor comparison

Referencing this classification system gives general contractors a clear understanding of exactly how much confidence they can place in the numbers at each project stage.

We use the Advanced Preliminary Estimating Software!

Our preliminary cost estimation services are processed with the help of our expert opinions and advanced software. This use of estimating tools guarantees error-free calculations. That is why our preliminary estimate services are super accurate and closest to the budget!

We use the following preliminary estimate software:

  • Cost Works Value
  • FastPIPE
  • Planswift
  • FastDUCT
  • Trimble

  • Bluebeam

  • RS Means
  • Quest Estimating
  • Xactimate
  • RFMS

What type of Preliminary Estimation Services do we offer?

Rough Order Magnitude Estimate

A rough order magnitude estimate, or ROM, is the initial effort to estimate throughout the project’s lifespan. It is used to assess the project’s viability, which aids in the project’s selection and allocation. It has a range of -50% to +50% accuracy.

Ballpark Estimate

Contractors produce a ballpark estimate to outline the scope of work for their customers so that owners may make decisions based on their budget. It is calculated using preliminary designs and specifications, and it is accurate to within 20% of the actual cost.

Budget Estimate

The range of budget estimates lies from -10% to +25%. When the project is in the planning stage, the budget estimate is created utilising data and plans from previous initiatives. Each line description describes the expenses connected with the critical components of the project, such as materials and labour costs. 

Definitive Estimate

A definitive estimate, sometimes called a digital cost estimate, features a full itemized breakdown of the project’s components. It’s made with the help of well-thought-out project designs and has a precision range of 5% to 15%.

How Can Our Preliminary Estimate Benefit You?

With the help of our preliminary estimation services, you can have a rough and most accurate estimate with limited project information. With us by your side, you can

  • Map out the forthcoming stage.
  • Easily manage the project budget and start construction with confidence!
  • Establish the budgetary constraints for architects and designers.
  • Estimate the approximate costs of materials and labour.
  • Our preliminary estimators negotiate well with contractors and subcontractors
  • Our qualified preliminary estimators are certified by American organizations AACE and AIQS.

Are there different Preliminary Estimation Methods and Units?

Building

Per Square Foot

Our preliminary cost estimation assesses the cost of construction for each square foot of the built-up area. Multiple factors like materials, labour, and overhead costs are kept in consideration. 

Per Resident

Our competent preliminary estimators calculate cost by considering occupancy load, amenities, and services provided.

Per Cubic Foot

Our services include the volume of space including walls, floors, and ceilings within the building.

Per Room

Our per-room preliminary construction estimate accounts for variations in size, function, and finishes.

Highways & Roads

Pace Per Kilometer

For highways and roads, the cost evaluation is based on the length of the route, with expenses calculated per kilometer. 

Thickness of Levels

The cost of your preliminary estimate services depends on the thickness of pavement layers, including base, sub-base, and surface treatments.

Relation to Construction Material

Expenses are influenced by the type and quality of construction materials used, such as asphalt, concrete, or gravel.

Irrigation Channels

Per Kilometer Basis

For irrigation channels, we conduct cost estimation services on a per-kilometer basis, considering factors such as length, width, depth, and lining materials. 

Per Hectare

In fewer projects, the cost is evaluated according to the area of land served by the irrigation channel.

Our Preliminary Estimating Services Process

  • First and foremost, all of your incomplete project data is analyzed carefully. If something is missing, our estimators look into the details very closely
  • After looking into the details, our preliminary estimation team gathers all the past project data that are similar to the client project.
  • Our derived preliminary cost estimates are based on time, location, and size.
  • In the end, we deliver you with all the detailed estimates and how we have made assumptions and all!

What Outsource our Preliminary Cost Estimate Services?

  • Our top Construction preliminary estimate Services consistently deliver the fastest turnaround time within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Online 24/7 customer support at hand through live chat and emails
  • Exact estimates give the client a clear understanding of the entire plan
  • Detailed assistance on bid filing as per client-given format
  • SMA Estimating LLC estimates are unique to meet the best value for your investment
  • Our company has an outstanding bid-hit ratio as high as 92%

Preliminary Estimate Services Near Me?

SMA Estimating LLC delivers precise preliminary estimations to all builders, contractors, and homeowners. Are you searching for preliminary estimate Services Near Me? Our services include all the states of the US: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Austin, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Columbus, Fort Worth, Charlotte, Seattle, Denver, Washington, D.C., Boston, Detroit, Nashville, Memphis, Portland, Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Baltimore, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Orlando, Raleigh, Cleveland, Austin, Kansas City, San Jose, Oakland, Albuquerque, Milwaukee, Omaha, Tulsa, Wichita, Bakersfield, and Honolulu are just a few of the many cities.