Complete construction estimating and cost management system. Use when preparing project estimates, bid proposals, cost breakdowns, value engineering, change order management, or construction budget tracking. Covers residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Trigger on 'estimate', 'construction cost', 'bid', 'takeoff', 'cost breakdown', 'change order', 'value engineering', 'construction budget', 'unit pricing', 'RSMeans'.
Complete construction estimating methodology — from quantity takeoff to bid submission. Zero dependencies.
| Project Stage | Estimate Type | Accuracy | Basis | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept | Order of Magnitude | -30% to +50% | SF/unit costs | Go/no-go decisions |
| Schematic | Conceptual/Budget | -15% to +30% | Assembly costs | Budget approval |
| Design Dev | Detailed | -10% to +15% | Quantity takeoff | GMP/bid preparation |
| Construction Docs | Definitive/Bid | -5% to +10% |
| Full QTO + subs |
| Lump sum bid |
| Construction | Control | Actual costs | Committed + forecast | Cost management |