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Core Service • Early-Stage Budgets
Preliminary & Conceptual Estimating Services in Florida
Reliable early-stage budgets before construction documents are finished. ROM, feasibility and design-stage estimates for developers, owners, architects and lenders, built from sketches, programs and schematic drawings and adjusted for Florida market conditions.
- ROM & feasibility
- Schematic & DD budgets
- UniFormat systems
- AACE Class 5–3
- Lender-ready
Quick Answer
What Is a Preliminary or Conceptual Construction Estimate?
A preliminary (conceptual) construction estimate predicts a project’s cost early in design, when only a program, massing study or schematic drawings exist. Instead of measuring every item, the estimator uses parametric data, such as cost per square foot, per unit or per building system, together with key quantities and comparable projects.
Conceptual estimates help owners decide whether a project is feasible. They set a realistic target budget and help secure financing before the owner spends heavily on full design. Under AACE International guidance they are typically Class 5, 4 or 3 estimates.
| Design stage | Program, concept, schematic design (SD) and design development (DD) |
|---|---|
| Estimate classes | AACE Class 5 (screening), Class 4 (feasibility), Class 3 (budget authorization) |
| Organization | UniFormat building systems (substructure, shell, interiors, services, sitework) |
| Uses | Feasibility studies, pro formas, land acquisition, loan applications, design-to-budget |
| Clients | Developers, owners, architects, lenders, public agencies |
| Turnaround | Often 24–48 hours for ROM estimates |
Make Confident Decisions Before You Spend on Full Design
The most important cost decisions happen early. Site selection, building size, structural system and finish level decide most of a project’s final cost, often before anyone has drawn a detailed plan. A well-built conceptual estimate lets you test options and catch budget problems while they are still cheap to fix.
Our preliminary estimates combine Florida-specific cost data, historical projects and system-level quantities taken from whatever documents exist. We organize the budget by UniFormat building system, which makes it easy to compare alternatives: CMU vs. tilt-wall, TPO vs. metal roofing, or surface parking vs. a structured garage.
Every conceptual estimate clearly states its AACE class, what it is based on, and the design and estimating contingencies we recommend. As the design develops, we update the budget at each milestone and reconcile it with the previous version, so owners always know why the number moved.
When drawings are complete, we convert the budget into a detailed construction cost estimate and, if needed, apply value engineering to bring the project back to budget before bidding.
What's Included
What's Included in Our Preliminary estimating Services
Everything an owner or lender needs to make an early go/no-go decision.
Program-Based Budget
Costs built from gross area, unit counts, parking, amenities and building type.
UniFormat System Breakdown
Substructure, shell, interiors, services, equipment and sitework costs by system.
Site Development Costs
Grading, fill, utilities, stormwater, paving and off-site improvements.
Florida Code Allowances
Wind, flood, impact-glazing and HVHZ requirements that affect early budgets.
Soft Cost Allowances
Design fees, permits, impact fees, testing, insurance and financing assumptions.
Contingency & Escalation
Design and construction contingency plus escalation to the expected construction start.
Cost Benchmarks
Cost per square foot, per unit and per key, compared with similar Florida projects.
Option Comparisons
Side-by-side pricing of alternative sizes, systems or phasing plans.
Basis of Estimate
Written assumptions, exclusions and estimate class for lender or board review.
Early-Stage Estimates
Preliminary Estimates We Prepare
Every scope is measured and priced the way Florida crews build it.
Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)
Quick screening budgets for land deals and early decisions.
Feasibility Estimates
Budgets that feed pro formas and investment decisions.
Schematic Design Estimates
System-level budgets from SD drawings.
Design Development Estimates
More detailed budgets as systems and finishes are selected.
Construction Cost Estimating Services →Lender Budget Reviews
Independent budgets supporting construction loans.
Design-to-Budget Support
Milestone updates that keep design aligned with budget.
Value Engineering & Cost Consulting Services →Multifamily Pro Forma Budgets
Per-unit and per-square-foot budgets for residential developments.
Multifamily & Mixed-Use Estimating →Public Project Budgets
Early estimates for municipal and capital improvement planning.
Government & Municipal Estimating →Get Your Preliminary estimating Quote Today
Upload your plans and bid date. You’ll get a flat-fee quote and delivery date, usually within a few business hours.
Coverage
Estimating Coverage Across Every Sector, Trade & Project Type
Our preliminary estimating team works alongside estimators covering every CSI division, so full GC bids and single-trade scopes are both handled under one roof.
By Sector
By Project Type
Trades (CSI Divisions 02–33)
Florida Expertise
Florida Factors That Change Preliminary estimating Costs
Florida’s codes, climate and market conditions add costs that generic national estimating data routinely misses.
HVHZ & Wind Design
Miami-Dade and Broward fall under the Florida Building Code’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, with tested, NOA-approved products and stricter attachment. Wind design statewide drives connectors, sheathing and roofing costs.
Impact-Rated Openings
Wind-borne debris regions require impact windows and doors or approved shutters, often a major envelope cost. See door & window estimating.
Flood Zones & Elevation
FEMA flood zones change foundation design: elevated slabs, stem walls, flood vents and breakaway walls are measured, not treated as allowances.
Groundwater & Soils
High water tables, muck removal, fill import and dewatering are priced from the geotechnical report. See sitework estimating.
Condo Safety Laws
Milestone inspections and SIRS requirements drive concrete restoration and waterproofing budgets. See renovation estimating.
Storm-Season Pricing
Demand surge after hurricanes and June–November weather risk are reflected in escalation and contingency. See storm reconstruction estimating.
How It Works
How Our Preliminary estimating Process Works
Free Quote
We confirm scope, flat fee and delivery date, usually the same business day.
Takeoff & Pricing
Our estimators measure every quantity digitally and price it for your Florida county.
QA Review & Delivery
A senior estimator reviews everything. You receive Excel, PDF and marked-up plans, plus bid-day support.
What You Receive
- Editable Excel workbook organized by CSI division
- Summary PDF with totals and unit costs
- Color-coded marked-up drawings for every quantity
- Material, labor and equipment breakdown on each line
- Written assumptions, inclusions and exclusions
- Revisions for addenda and design changes
Who We Work With
- General contractors: complete bids, bid leveling and change orders
- Subcontractors: single-trade bids and material takeoffs
- Developers & owners: feasibility budgets and value engineering
- Architects & engineers: design-stage cost checks
- Restoration contractors & adjusters: Xactimate estimates
- Homeowners & builders: home and remodel budgets
How Much Do Preliminary estimating Services Cost?
We charge a flat fee per project, quoted free after we review your plans. The fee depends on project size, number of trades or systems, drawing complexity, required level of detail and your deadline. ROM estimates are the most affordable; design-development budgets require more detail.
There are no subscriptions or hidden charges, and you approve the price before we start. Most projects are delivered in 24 to 72 hours. Request your free quote.
Related Services
Related Construction Estimating Services
Construction Cost Estimating Services
Complete, bid-ready estimates priced by CSI division.
Value Engineering & Cost Consulting Services
Priced alternatives that cut cost without cutting performance.
Construction Takeoff Services
Digital quantity and material takeoffs from your plans.
Commercial Estimating Services
Offices, retail, restaurants, hotels and tenant improvements.
Residential Estimating Services
Custom homes, spec homes, additions and remodels.
Industrial Estimating Services
Warehouses, plants, cold storage and logistics facilities.
Bid Preparation & Bid Leveling Services
Bid packages, scope sheets and subcontractor bid leveling.
Change Order Estimating Services
Documented pricing for changes during construction.
Service Areas
Preliminary estimating Services Across Florida
We provide preliminary estimating for projects in every Florida county, priced for local labor, supplier, permitting and wind/flood conditions. View all service areas.
South Florida
Central Florida & Space Coast
Tampa Bay & Southwest Florida
North Florida & Panhandle
Bid More Projects Without Hiring an Estimator
Flat-fee preliminary estimating delivered to your bid date. Send your plans for a free quote.
Our Location
Visit or Contact Our Miami Estimating Office
Florida Construction Estimating Services
Our Miami estimating office serves contractors, developers and property owners in every Florida county, with remote delivery for projects nationwide.
- Address3339 Virginia St Apt 305, Miami, FL 33133
- Phone+1 (816) 683-1595
- Emailask@floridaconstructionestimatingservices.com
- Service AreaAll 67 Florida counties · View service areas
FAQs
Preliminary estimating: Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a conceptual estimate?
What do you need to prepare a preliminary estimate?
Can a conceptual estimate be used for a loan?
What is the difference between a ROM and a budget estimate?
Do you update estimates as the design progresses?
Can you compare different building options?
How fast can you deliver?
Is my project information kept confidential?
Ready to Bid With Confidence?
Send your plans today for a free, no-obligation quote on your construction estimate or takeoff, usually within a few business hours.
Florida Construction Estimating Services
3339 Virginia St Apt 305, Miami, FL 33133
+1 (816) 683-1595 | ask@floridaconstructionestimatingservices.com