About Sitework Estimate

Start with deliverables you can inspect

Our public civil sample portfolio contains two selected excerpts: 52 ground and exterior scope items and 26 underground utility items. The schedule distinguishes base quantities, adjusted quantities and original units. A cropped utility drawing provides context; it is not presented as an exact sheet match for every line.

These excerpts show a quantity schedule, including recorded assumptions. They are not complete project totals, priced bids, proof of project completion or a surface cut/fill report. Request the particular deliverable you need when discussing a project.

What the civil estimating scope covers

How to define a reviewable takeoff

1. Establish the baseline. Identify the drawing issue, revision dates, specifications and addenda. Record missing information and the bid deadline with its time zone.
2. Agree the boundaries. Identify included trades, measurement limits, alternates, temporary works and exclusions. Distinguish quantity-only work from a priced estimate.
3. Keep quantities traceable. Separate pipe length, structure counts, pavement areas and earthwork volumes. State whether a soil volume is bank, loose or compacted.
4. Check allowances and assumptions. Review subgrade offsets, bedding envelopes, pipe displacement, material reuse, waste and hauling factors against the project documents.
5. Review the handoff. Confirm file formats and drawing references, and resolve open questions before the contractor uses the quantities in a bid.

Read the takeoff process and contractor review checklist for further detail.

Project information determines the scope

A grading plan alone may not establish excavation below pavement sections, unsuitable soil limits or utility trench depths. Send the existing survey, proposed grading, utility profiles, sections, relevant details and available geotechnical information. If a required detail is missing, it must remain a stated assumption or request for clarification.

Fee, delivery date, revision scope and requested file formats are agreed after reviewing the information. Confirm any specialist model export or engineering-related requirement separately; a quantity takeoff does not replace design, field verification or a contractor’s review.

Contact the estimating desk

Published desk hours: Mon - Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST. Contact the desk before mailing physical documents. Drawings can be supplied through the project quote form; see the privacy policy for handling information.