Conceptual & Preliminary Estimates

Preliminary Estimating Services in Arizona

Name: Preliminary Estimating Services
Brand: Arizona Cost Estimating

Conceptual and preliminary construction budgets for owners, developers, architects and builders who need reliable numbers before the design is finished. Test feasibility, compare options and set realistic budgets for Arizona projects early, when changes are still inexpensive.

Overview

Reliable Budgets Before Design Is Complete

Quick answer: A preliminary construction estimate, also called a conceptual or order-of-magnitude estimate, forecasts project cost using early information such as the building program, square footage, quality level, sketches and site data. Estimators apply cost-per-square-foot benchmarks, systems pricing and allowances, then add contingency that reflects how much of the design is still unknown. It is used to test feasibility, set budgets and guide design decisions.

The most important cost decisions are made at the start of a project: which site to buy, how big to build, what level of finish to target and which structural and mechanical systems to use. Those decisions are hard to reverse once drawings are complete. A good preliminary estimate makes sure they are made with realistic numbers.

We build preliminary estimates from benchmark data for comparable Arizona projects, adjusted for location, size, quality and building type. As the design progresses, we update the estimate at each milestone, so the budget and the design stay aligned. When documents are complete, our Construction Cost Estimating Services and Bid Estimating Services take over.

Developers often combine preliminary estimates with our Developer Cost Estimating Services for pro forma and lender packages, and with our Value Engineering Services to compare design alternatives before they are locked in.

What Your Preliminary Estimating Includes

Cost per square foot, unit or key
Systems and assemblies breakdown
Site and infrastructure allowances
Soft cost allowances when requested
Design and construction contingency
Escalation to the expected start date
Clear basis of estimate and assumptions
Option and scenario comparisons
Excel workbook and PDF summary

Get a Fixed Quote Today

Send your drawings and receive a fixed fee and delivery date, usually the same business day.

Scope of Work

Preliminary Estimates We Prepare

Feasibility Studies

Construction cost inputs for land purchases, pro formas and go or no-go decisions.

Order-of-Magnitude Budgets

Fast budgets from program areas and quality levels when only a concept exists.

Schematic Design Estimates

Systems-based budgets that check whether the design is on target.

Design Development Estimates

More detailed budgets with key quantities as drawings and specifications develop.

Option Comparisons

Side-by-side costs for structural systems, envelopes and MEP choices. See Value Engineering Services.

Site Comparison Budgets

Cost differences between candidate sites, including soils, utilities and off-site improvements.

Lender and Investor Budgets

Budget summaries formatted for construction loan and investor review.

Phased and Master Plan Budgets

Multi-phase budgets for campuses, master-planned communities and multi-building sites.

Budget Reconciliation

Comparison of design-team and contractor estimates to explain differences.

In Depth

How We Estimate Without Complete Drawings

Early estimates rely on judgment and data. This is how we keep them reliable when information is limited:

Benchmarks from comparable projects

We start with cost data from similar Arizona buildings by type, size and quality, adjusted to the current date and the project location. Benchmarks are a starting point, not the answer.

Systems-based pricing

Instead of a single cost per square foot, we price the building as systems: foundations, structure, exterior walls, roofing, interiors, MEP, fire protection and site work. That shows where the money is and which decisions matter most.

Allowances for the unknown

Items that are not designed yet, such as finishes, specialty equipment or off-site utilities, are carried as clearly labeled allowances with the basis for each amount.

Contingency that matches design maturity

Design contingency covers scope that will be added as drawings develop. It is higher at concept stage and shrinks as the design matures. Construction contingency for field risks is shown separately.

Documented basis of estimate

Every preliminary estimate includes a written basis: what was provided, what was assumed, what was excluded and which benchmarks were used. That makes later updates and reconciliation straightforward.

At a Glance

Estimate Classes and Design Maturity

The AACE International classification system links estimate accuracy to how complete the design is.

Class	Design Maturity	Typical Purpose	Expected Accuracy Range*
Class 5	0% to 2%	Concept screening	Low: -20% to -50% / High: +30% to +100%
Class 4	1% to 15%	Feasibility study	Low: -15% to -30% / High: +20% to +50%
Class 3	10% to 40%	Budget authorization	Low: -10% to -20% / High: +10% to +30%
Class 2	30% to 75%	Control or bid	Low: -5% to -15% / High: +5% to +20%
Class 1	65% to 100%	Check estimate or bid	Low: -3% to -10% / High: +3% to +15%

*Ranges from AACE International Recommended Practice 18R-97. Actual accuracy depends on project complexity, data quality and market conditions.

Expert Guide

What to Provide for a Preliminary Estimate

You do not need complete drawings, but the more you can share, the tighter the estimate will be. Helpful information includes:

Site address, size, survey and any geotechnical information
Building program: uses, areas, number of floors, units or rooms
Concept sketches, massing studies or schematic plans
Target quality level or comparable buildings you like
Preferred structural, exterior and mechanical systems, if known
Expected construction start date and duration
Any owner requirements, brand standards or sustainability goals

How estimates evolve with the design

Most projects benefit from an estimate at each design milestone: concept, schematic design, design development and construction documents. Each update compares the new number with the previous one and explains the differences, so the owner can make decisions before costs are locked in. Accuracy ranges follow the AACE International classification system shown below.

Arizona Factors

Arizona Factors That Matter Most at the Early Stage

Early budgets often miss site and jurisdiction costs that are specific to Arizona. We include them from the start.

Water Supply

In the Phoenix Active Management Area, assured water supply rules shape which new subdivisions can be approved and may affect infrastructure costs.

Off-Site Infrastructure

Edge-market sites in Buckeye, Queen Creek and other growth areas may need road, water and sewer extensions.

Impact and Development Fees

Development impact fees vary widely between Arizona cities and can be a large line item on residential and commercial projects.

Soils and Caliche

Without a geotechnical report, we carry allowances for over-excavation, caliche removal and foundation upgrades.

Escalation to Start Date

Early budgets are escalated to the expected construction start, which matters in a market with volatile material prices.

Climate-Driven Systems

Cooling-heavy HVAC, cool roofs and shading devices are included at the systems level from day one.

How It Works

How Our Preliminary Estimating Process Works

Every project follows the same transparent four-step process. Read the full walkthrough on our How It Works page or see how we build and check numbers on our Estimating Methodology page.

Send Your Documents

Email drawings, specifications, addenda and the bid date, or share a download link for large sets.

Approve a Fixed Quote

We confirm scope, fee and delivery date in writing, usually the same business day.

Takeoff and Pricing

Quantities are measured digitally and priced with current Arizona labor, material and equipment costs.

Review and Delivery

A second estimator checks the work before you receive Excel and PDF files with marked-up drawings.

Service Areas

Preliminary Estimating Services Across Arizona

Our Preliminary Estimating Services are available for projects in every Arizona city and county. Our main markets have dedicated pages that explain local permitting, cost drivers and the project types we estimate there. Projects anywhere else in the state are listed on our Service Areas page.

FAQs

Preliminary Estimating Services FAQs

What is a preliminary construction estimate?

A preliminary estimate is a budget prepared before the design is complete, using program areas, quality level, sketches and benchmark costs. It helps owners decide whether and how to proceed.

How accurate is a preliminary estimate?

Accuracy depends on how much information is available. A concept-stage estimate can carry a wide range, while a design development estimate is much tighter. We state the expected range and the basis of estimate on every budget.

What information do you need?

At minimum, the site location, building type, approximate size and quality level. Sketches, a program, a survey and a soils report all help improve accuracy.

Can you update the estimate as the design progresses?

Yes. Many clients ask for an estimate at each design milestone. Each update explains what changed from the previous estimate and why.

Is a preliminary estimate good enough for a loan?

It can support early lender discussions, but most construction loans require a detailed estimate from construction documents. See our Developer Cost Estimating Services.

Do you include soft costs?

Yes, on request. We can add allowances for design fees, permits, impact fees, financing, insurance and other soft costs to give a total project budget.

Keep Exploring

Related Services, Trades and Resources

Related Estimating Services

Related Trades We Estimate

Helpful Resources

Get Accurate Preliminary Estimating Services in Arizona

Send your plans today for a fixed quote and a firm delivery date. Every estimate is priced with current Arizona labor, material and equipment costs and checked by a second estimator.

Location & Contact

Our Phoenix Office Serves Contractors Across Arizona

Arizona Cost Estimating works from Midtown Phoenix and supports builders, contractors and owners statewide. Send plans by email, call our estimating desk, or use the map below for directions to the office.

Office Address

413 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Midtown Phoenix, Maricopa County

Phone

1 (928) 406 4646

ask@arizonacostestimating.com

Estimating Desk Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Arizona Time (MST, no daylight saving)