Our Process

How Our Construction Estimating Process Works

From the moment you send your plans to the day you submit your bid, here is exactly what happens, how long it takes and what you receive.

Overview

A Simple, Transparent Process

Quick answer: Working with Arizona Cost Estimating takes six steps: send your documents, receive a fixed quote and delivery date, approve the quote, let our estimators complete the takeoff and pricing, receive the reviewed estimate in Excel and PDF, and get support for questions and addenda until bid day. Most estimates are delivered within 24 to 48 hours of approval.

We designed our process to remove uncertainty. You know the price and delivery date before any work begins, you can see exactly how every quantity was measured, and you can reach the estimator who built your numbers.

The same process applies whether you need a single-trade takeoff or a full commercial bid. Only the size of the team and the timeline change. For the technical side of how we build and check estimates, see our Estimating Methodology.

What You Can Expect

Get a Fixed Quote Today

Ready to start? Send your plans and get a fixed quote today.

Step by Step

Six Steps From Plans to Bid-Ready Estimate

01

Send Your Documents

Email drawings, specifications, addenda, bid instructions and any reports to ask@arizonacostestimating.com, or share a download link. Tell us the trades you need and your deadline.

02

Scope Review

An estimator reviews the documents, confirms what is included and lists any missing information or questions.

03

Fixed Quote and Delivery Date

You receive a fixed fee, a written scope and a firm delivery date, usually the same business day.

04

Takeoff and Pricing

Quantities are measured with digital takeoff tools and priced with current Arizona material, labor and equipment costs.

05

Independent Review

A second estimator checks quantities, unit costs, scope coverage and math before anything is delivered.

06

Delivery and Support

You receive Excel and PDF files with marked-up drawings. We answer questions and update for addenda until bid day.

Getting Started

What to Send With Your Request

The more complete your documents, the more accurate and faster your estimate. Helpful items include:

  • Complete drawing set: architectural, structural, civil, landscape, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection as applicable
  • Specifications or project manual, including finish and equipment schedules
  • All addenda issued to date
  • Geotechnical report for site work and foundations
  • Bid form, instructions and any owner requirements
  • The trades or CSI divisions you want priced, and whether you need takeoff only or full pricing
  • Your estimate template, labor rates or supplier quotes if you want them used
  • Your bid date and preferred delivery date

For remodels and insurance work, clear photos and measurements can replace some drawings. See Renovation Estimating Services and Xactimate Estimating Services.

Timelines

Typical Delivery Times

These are typical times after quote approval. Rush delivery is available when scope and schedule allow.
Estimate TypeTypical Delivery
Single-trade takeoff (residential or small commercial)Same day to 24 hours
Residential estimate (home, addition, remodel)24 to 48 hours
Small commercial or tenant improvement2 to 3 business days
Large commercial or multi-trade bid3 to 7 business days
Industrial, data center or complex MEP1 to 2 weeks
Addendum updateUsually within 24 hours
Change order estimate1 to 2 business days

Deliverables

What You Receive

Excel Workbook

Editable workbook with quantities, unit costs and formulas intact, organized by CSI division or your template.

PDF Summary Report

A clean summary with totals, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions and clarifications.

Marked-Up Drawings

Color-coded PDF drawings showing exactly what was measured and counted.

Scope Sheets

Trade scope definitions for bid leveling, included with bid estimates.

Estimator Support

Answers to your questions and updates for addenda until bid day.

Revisions

Corrections for our errors at no charge. See our Refund and Revision Policy.

FAQs

Process FAQs

Email your plans to ask@arizonacostestimating.com, call 1 (928) 406 4646 or use the form on our Contact Us page.

Payment terms are stated in your quote. Most projects are invoiced on delivery; larger or recurring engagements may require a deposit. See our Terms and Conditions.

Yes. You can reach the estimator who prepared your estimate with questions before and after delivery.

Send the addendum or revised sheets and we will update the affected quantities and pricing, usually within 24 hours.

Often, yes. Tell us your deadline when you send the plans and we will confirm whether rush delivery is possible.

Yes. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle project documents.

Keep Exploring

Learn More About Working With Us

Ready for an Accurate Arizona Construction Estimate?

Send your plans today and receive a fixed quote, a clear scope and a delivery date, usually within a few business hours. Every estimate is priced for Arizona labor, materials and site conditions.

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

Estimating Desk Hours

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

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