SMA Estimating

Construction Cost Estimate Calculator

Did you know that 80% of construction projects exceed funds by 20-50%? So, it is a thought-provoking moment to plan your projects with accurate cost projections in the pre-construction phase. SMA Estimating LLC has developed a professional construction cost calculator for all AEC experts. This calculator provides precise budget estimates for residential, commercial, industrial, civil, and other projects.

Calculate Cost To Construct Your New Home

    What benefits can you expect from using the construction cost calculator?

    Remember: estimates provide a solid base for planning your project finances and timelines. But the exact cost depends on the current market conditions, contractor selection, and other factors. 

    Hence, use a construction cost calculator to get:

    • Establish realistic budget parameters
    • Compare different project approaches
    • Understand the cost implications of various choices
    • Prepare for financing discussions
    • Evaluate contractor proposals

    How Our Construction Cost Calculator Works?

    Our advanced calculator processes current market data, regional pricing variations, and industry standards. This guarantees accurate construction cost estimates. 

    Location and Site Factors

    • ZIP Code

    You need to understand that construction costs vary dramatically by region. Every area has its own labor rates, and in major cities, they can rise up to 30-50%. Not only that, the material price also fluctuates according to the market conditions and local suppliers.

    • Site Conditions

    Flat plots require fewer expenses as compared to sloped terrain because they require extensive grading, retaining walls, and utility extensions.

    Quality and Finish Levels

    • Economy Level 

    Economy level includes installing basic construction materials. It can be vinyl siding, laminate countertops, builder-grade fixtures, and standard appliances.

    • Standard Level 

    Standard level includes mid-range construction materials. These are fiber cement siding, granite countertops, upgraded lighting, and energy-efficient windows.

    • Premium Level 

    If you want to install high-end construction materials, then the premium level is for you. Hardwood flooring, stone countertops, designer fixtures, and premium appliances are usually installed.

    • Luxury Level 

    It is the most expensive category in the construction industry. It features premium natural woods, natural stone, high-end appliances, and architectural details.

    Essential Inputs for Accurate Estimates

    You just need to input your project details and then receive an instant quote to make the right decisions for your projects. You have to input:

    • Square footage
    • Location
    • Number of stories
    • Construction type
    • Quality preferences

    The calculator processes this information against our comprehensive database of material and labor costs. Plus, your estimates are adjusted for your specific region and project requirements.

    Understand Cost Breakdown

    There are two types of costs that you need to understand in planning your construction projects:

    Hard Costs

    • The foundation and structure expenses cover almost 20-25% of the total because they include the work of framing, roofing, foundation, and excavation.
    • Almost 15-20% of the total expense is required for the exterior part of the project. It depends on which quality you choose for siding, windows, doors, and weatherproofing materials.
    • Interior systems are more expensive, which covers 25-30% of the total because it includes Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

    Soft Costs

    • For every construction project, you need permits, which may cover 2-5% of the total.
    • Professional services such as architectural plans, engineering, and project management services cover 5-10%.
    • If you rely on professional construction estimating services, then for contingency planning, a 10-15% budget is allocated to prevent over-budgeting.

    Which factors affect construction Costs?

    Construction expenses are different for every project due to labor demand and material availability. Whereas, if you start your projects during off-peak season, then it may close you the best deals and save overall costs. 

    If your projects are complex, then you will require skilled labor. That means you have to pay increased labor wages and hourly rates. As a busy contractor, it is expected that you may not cover project expenses by following building codes. As a result, costly reworks are expected in the future. So, what is the solution? Use online construction cost calculators to get an idea of the total expense.

    However, the premium solution is to get experienced construction cost estimating services from reliable companies such as SMA Estimating LLC, which has 15+ years of experience in this field. So, stop losing construction bids due to inaccurate cost projections!

    When are Professional construction estimating services essential?

    Complex Projects

    Complex projects that are associated with multiple challenges require professional construction estimation assistance. With the help of our professional cost calculator, which processes real-time market conditions, you can get an idea for simple projects. But for detailed analysis for complex projects, you must outsource professional construction takeoff services from a reliable company.

    Commercial Construction Projects

    Commercial construction projects are huge in size, and they require special attention to cover all project components from start to finish. Especially, commercial-grade materials require accurate decisions to prevent budget overruns. Proper planning, expert coordination, and precise material selection are essential to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of these complex projects.

    So Now What?

    SMA Estimating LLC has developed this professional building cost calculator to provide you with exact information for informed project planning. However, for the projects that are complex, it demands professional estimation services to ensure accuracy and completeness.

    So, are you ready to move forward with the construction bidding calculator? Use a calculator to close the best deals with contractors, lenders, and architects. Point to be noted: Successful construction projects start with realistic budgets and thorough planning, so do not compromise on that!