Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the questions we hear most often from Canadian contractors, developers and renovation firms. If yours isn’t here, just reach out we respond within a few hours.
We provide construction takeoff services and construction cost estimating services to contractors, subcontractors, developers and renovation firms across Canada. Our work is used exclusively for bidding and tendering purposes. We do not participate in on site construction, project management or site supervision, we are purely a pre bid estimating resource.
We work across residential, commercial, industrial and institutional (ICI) project types. This includes new builds, tenant improvements, infill developments, multi unit residential and renovation and remodeling projects. We cover all major CSI Master Format trade divisions.
Yes. We serve contractors in all major Canadian provinces including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Our cost estimates use province specific pricing benchmarks to ensure your bid is competitive in your local market.
We work with PDF plan sets, CAD files (.DWG, .DXF), scanned drawings and printed plans photographed at a legible resolution. The more complete and current your drawing package, the more precise your takeoff will be.
Standard turnaround is 8 to 24 hours for all estimates. If you need a faster turnaround, we offer a rush service (12 to 18 hour delivery) at an additional rate. Contact us with your deadline before submitting and we’ll confirm availability.
Bidding & Estimating
A construction takeoff is the process of measuring and quantifying materials, labour units and scope items from your drawings, it tells you how much of everything is needed. A cost estimate applies current Canadian pricing to those quantities to produce a dollar figure you can submit in a bid. We offer both individually or as a combined package.
Yes. Our estimates are formatted specifically for bidding use. You’ll receive a clean and organized breakdown (in Excel or PDF) structured by trade or CSI division, with quantities and pricing presented in a format your client, general contractor or tender authority can easily read and evaluate.
Our estimates are prepared by certified estimators using current regional pricing data. We target a margin of accuracy within 3 to 5% of actual material quantities under normal conditions. Accuracy depends significantly on the completeness of the plans provided. We flag any gaps in the drawing set before starting work.
Yes. We understand the formatting and documentation standards required for government and institutional tenders in Canada. Our estimates can be structured to align with MERX, MERX regional portals or specific provincial procurement requirements as needed.
Renovation & Remodeling
Absolutely. Renovation and remodeling estimates are one of our core service areas. We handle kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement finishing, full home remodels, exterior envelope work and tenant improvements for commercial spaces. We provide line item takeoffs and cost estimates tailored to the scope of your specific renovation project.
Yes, through our Xactimate estimating service. We prepare Xactimate formatted estimates for fire, water, wind and impact damage claims. These reports are structured to meet insurer review standards and include scope of loss documentation, depreciation and line item costing compatible with major Canadian insurance carriers.
Yes. We have Xactimate Level 2 certified estimators on our team who prepare restoration and renovation estimates in Xactimate format. These are used by restoration contractors, public adjusters and renovation firms submitting insurance claims across Canada. Contact us to discuss your specific Xactimate requirements and receive a custom quote.
In some cases, yes, particularly for insurance restoration work where Xactimate is used and field measured data is the standard. For larger renovation bids, we recommend providing at minimum a site sketch with measurements. We can advise you on what documentation is sufficient once we review your project scope.
Pricing & Process
For $199, we deliver a complete quantity takeoff and cost estimate for one CSI trade division from your drawings. For example: concrete only, framing only or electrical only. It’s a flat rate that includes one revision round and is delivered in 8 to 24 hours. There are no hidden fees.
The monthly retainer gives you up to 10 single trade takeoffs per month at a bundled rate. This is ideal for contractors who bid regularly and need a reliable estimating partner. It includes priority turnaround, unlimited revisions, Xactimate estimating access and a dedicated estimator assigned to your account.
All plans include at least one revision round. If you feel something wasn’t captured correctly or want a scope adjustment, we revise promptly. Our goal is accuracy and your confidence in the numbers. If there’s an error on our side, we correct it at no additional charge.
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