Preliminary Estimate
Are you struggling with 30%, 60%, or 90% drawing plans?
Are incomplete drawings slowing down your estimating process?
Need a quick preliminary estimate to confirm whether the project fits within your client’s budget?
Or are suppliers delaying price quotes?
AIM Estimating is here to assist you with fast, detailed, and highly accurate preliminary estimates using square-foot and square-meter cost analysis. Our services help you evaluate project feasibility and confidently move forward with your clients.
With over 15 years of experience in the AEC industry—covering commercial, residential, private, and public sector projects—AIM Estimating delivers precise preliminary estimates backed by historical project data, advanced software, and updated cost databases.
We use professional tools such as RSMeans, Craftsman, and industry-leading estimating software along with our vast location-based cost databases and vendor relationships to produce accurate Bill of Materials and pricing.
What Is a Preliminary Estimate & Why It Matters?
A preliminary (conceptual) estimate forecasts project cost before detailed drawings are developed. It helps:
Contractors
Real estate developers
Home builders
Property owners
This estimate is critical for budget allocation, funding decisions, and evaluating design alternatives—all before investing in complete drawings.
Because these estimates are created at early stages, they rely heavily on historical data, adjusted for time, location, scope, and engineering principles.
Types of Preliminary Estimates
Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)
Used in the earliest phase to assess feasibility.
Accuracy: –50% to +50%
Ballpark Estimate
Helps owners understand the project scope based on initial drawings.
Accuracy: ±20%
Budget Estimate
Prepared during the planning phase using past project data.
Accuracy: –10% to +25%
Definitive Estimate
A detailed digital estimate prepared from fully developed plans.
Accuracy: –5% to +15%
How Our Preliminary Estimates Help You
Efficient budget management
Support in loan processing
Setting cost limits for architects/designers
Understanding material & labor needs
Planning the next project phases
Negotiating with contractors/subcontractors
What You Get in Our Preliminary Estimate
Our Bill of Materials includes:
Total project area (sq. ft. / sq. m.)
Linear measurements (walls, structural components)
Unit areas (rooms, floors, etc.)
We cover divisions such as:
Preliminaries
Substructure (foundations, footings)
Superstructure (walls, roofs, floors, doors, windows)
Internal & external finishes
Fittings
Mechanical (HVAC, ductwork)
Plumbing (fixtures, drains, pipes)
Electrical (cables, lighting, conduit)
Labor & Man-hours
Contingency
Project schedule
How AIM Estimating Prepares Your Estimate
Review provided drawings and understand project scope
Collect data from similar past projects
Apply adjustments for time, location, project type, and scale
Apply contingencies
Document all assumptions, specifications, and adjustments
Factors Affecting Preliminary Estimates
Time index (inflation, labor rate changes, material cost changes)
Location index (regional cost variations)
Project type & size
Material quality (e.g., CMU, brick veneer, framing types)
Why Outsource to AIM Estimating?
Highly reliable & precise estimates
Affordable rates
Quick turnarounds (24–48 hours)
Monthly takeoff packages
Expert estimators certified by AACE & AIQS
24/7 customer support
AIM Estimating – Office Locations
🇬🇧 UK Office
AIM Estimating (UK Division)
2nd Floor, College House
17 King Edwards Road
RUISLIP, London HA4 7AE
📞 07403 804117
🇺🇸 USA Office
AIM Estimating (USA Division)
6479 US HWY 93 S, Unit 445
Whitefish, Montana 59937
📞 +1 406-316-0085
If you’re looking for reliable construction estimating services, we’re here to help!
Call us at +1 (406) 316-0085 (USA) or +44 7403 804117 (UK)
Or upload your plans using the link below to receive a detailed quote within 5 minutes.
Our Services
- Cost Estimating
- Construction Estimating
- Construction Take Off
- Industrial Estimating
- Residential Estimating
- Commercial Estimating
- Electrical Estimating
- Metals Estimating
- MEP ESTIMATING