Commercial bid support
Commercial Construction Estimating
A commercial construction estimate prices an issued bid by trade and work package. Separate base work, alternates and vendor quotes for tenant improvements, building shells and ground-up projects.
The hard part of a commercial bid is often finding where one subcontractor’s scope ends and the next begins. A tenant fit-out might reuse a panel, replace rooftop equipment and add a new ceiling on the same set. We break out demolition, new work and existing-to-remain items so you can compare subcontractor coverage before entering a total on the bid form.
Identify work supplied by the landlord or owner.
What the scope can include
- Division and package subtotals
- Demolition and protection
- Architectural and MEP interfaces
- Alternates and allowances
What to send with your plans
Send the architectural and MEP sets, finish schedules, landlord criteria and the GC bid form. Tell us which trade quotes are already covered.
Frequently asked questions
Should base bid and alternates be combined?
Keep a base bid subtotal and show the scope and net cost of each alternate separately. Use the owner’s bid form for the final order.
Can you separate vendor quotes from estimator allowances?
Yes. Quote amounts can sit on their own lines with the supplier, scope and exclusions identified. Where pricing is missing, an allowance can be labeled for follow-up rather than treated as a firm quote.
Request an Estimate View Estimating Samples
What the estimate can show
- Scope and quantity detail arranged by the trade, system, phase or bid item.
- Document references so scope questions can be traced to the applicable plans or specifications.
- Assumptions and exclusions kept visible, with separate pricing or allowances when requested.
Have a bid set ready?
Tell us what you need priced, which drawings govern the bid and when it is due.