BIM · 5D Estimating

BIM Estimating

Quantities pulled from IFC and Revit models, checked against the drawings and then priced

A model carries quantities, but only as good as the modelling. Walls modelled as single elements, missing finishes and untagged items all need an estimator to interpret.

We take the quantities out of the model, compare them with the 2D drawings, measure by hand anything missing and send back a priced estimate along with a list of problems found in the model.

BIM model used for quantity extraction
24 to 48 hoursStandard scope turnaround
IFC and RevitModels accepted
Cross-checkedAgainst 2D
Gaps filledManual takeoff
Issues listedModel feedback
Deliverables

What You Actually Receive

DeliverableFormatDetail level
Model quantitiesExcelBy element type and level
Cross-check reportPDFModel versus drawings
Priced estimateExcel + PDFASMM / ANZSMM sections
Model issuesPDFFeedback for the design team
RevisionsExcelModel update pricing
Scope Coverage

BIM Scopes We Extract

Structure

  • Slabs and footings
  • Columns and beams
  • Walls
  • Stairs

Envelope

  • Roofs
  • Facade
  • Windows
  • Doors

Interior

  • Partitions
  • Ceilings
  • Floors
  • Fittings

Services

  • Pipes
  • Ducts
  • Cable trays
  • Equipment

Model checks

  • Clash detection
  • Missing elements
  • Naming
  • Levels
Our Process

How We Prepare Your Estimate

Five steps from your drawings to a BIM number you can defend in a scope review.

Start a Project →
  1. 01

    Scope review

    An estimator reads the architectural and engineering drawings and specification before touching a takeoff tool, and lists every assumption, exclusion and missing item as a query for you to confirm. Nothing is priced on a guess.

  2. 02

    Digital measurement

    Quantities are measured digitally in Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift or On-Screen Takeoff, in metric: metric quantities. Each measurement sits on a named layer, so the marked-up PDF you receive is a visual audit trail.

  3. 03

    Pricing

    We price the quantities using current Australian supplier quotes, subcontract rates and published benchmarks such as Rawlinsons, adjusted for your postcode and state. If you give us your own rates or a preferred supplier schedule, we use those.

  4. 04

    Senior QA review

    Before anything is sent, a second estimator compares the takeoff with the drawings and verifies the measuring rules, deductions, wastage allowances and productivity assumptions.

  5. 05

    Delivery

    Excel and PDF files reach your inbox within one to two days for standard jobs. One round of changes is included, and we remain available for tender queries and scope questions after the tender.

Tooling

Software We Work In

You do not have to hold a licence for these tools. We do the measuring with them and hand over the results.

Bluebeam Revu

Measuring, marking and comparing drawings on screen.

PlanSwift

Takeoffs made from ready-built assemblies, with quantities you can export.

On-Screen Takeoff

Layer-based measuring on big commercial drawing sets.

Rawlinsons-benchmarked rates

Up-to-date Australian unit rates, compared with supplier and subcontractor quotes.

Microsoft Excel

The final file, set out to match your cost codes and trade sections.

If you use Buildsoft, CostX, Estimate One, Procore or your own template, let us know and we will prepare the file so it imports straight in.

Turnaround & Pricing

Cost and Delivery Time

We quote a fee for each project before starting, in AUD excluding GST. We never bill by the hour, and you are never charged more than the quote.

Small / residential scope

24 hours

Small projects.

Typical fee A$350 to A$850

Mid-size commercial

24 to 48 hours

Mid-size projects.

Typical fee A$850 to A$1,800

Large / complex

48 to 72 hours

Large developments.

Typical fee A$1,800 to A$3,600

Monthly takeoff package

Ongoing

A set number of estimates every month, with your jobs placed first in the queue.

Flat monthly rate from A$2,200/mo

Estimators reviewing project drawings
Cost vs. Capacity

Why Builders Hand Bim Estimating to Us

A full-time estimator is a salary, super, software seats and training. A BIM takeoff from us is a per-project cost that only appears when you are actually tendering.

  • No software licences. Takeoff and cost-data subscriptions cost thousands of dollars per user each year. With us, you use ours.
  • Tender more, more selectively. Most builders do not lose jobs through bad pricing. They lose them because they run out of time to reach enough tenders before closing.
  • Site time stays site time. Items get overlooked when estimating at 9pm after a long day on site.
  • Independent accuracy check. Even builders with in-house estimators use us to sanity-check large or unfamiliar BIM scopes before they submit.
  • Moves up and down with how busy you are. Five takeoffs in a busy month and none in a slow one. You never carry a fixed cost.
Who We Work With

Who We Work With

Builders

Model-based tender estimates.

Developers

Cost plans.

Architects

Design-stage costs.

BIM managers

Model checks.

Engineers

Structural quantities.

Project managers

Budget tracking.

Sample Output

Sample Line Items

Every estimate has this much detail: quantities tied to elements and measured in metric, never lump sums.

ItemUnitQtyMaterialLabourTotal
Slabsm³620$$$
Wallsm²3,100$$$
DoorsNo.120$$$

These example items show only the layout and units. They do not come from a client project.

FAQ

Common Questions

Which model formats do you use?

IFC and Revit.

Do you rely on the model alone?

No. We always compare the model with the 2D drawings.

Can you price model revisions?

Yes.

Do you give modelling feedback?

Yes.

Which states and territories do you cover?

Every one. Prices are set for your project postcode and state, so a job in Darwin and a job in Melbourne get their own unit costs instead of one national average.

What does it cost?

A fee is quoted per project, in AUD excluding GST, before any work starts. You approve it in writing first. There is no hourly billing and no invoice larger than the quote.

How fast is turnaround?

Standard scopes ship in 24 to 48 hours. Large packages take 48 to 72 hours. If you are against a closing time, say so when you upload and we will tell you honestly whether we can meet it.

Are my project details kept confidential?

Yes. We keep drawings, specifications and tender figures private, and if you prefer we will sign your NDA before we receive any documents.

Ready to Get Started?

Ready for Your Next Bim Tender?

Send your drawings along with a short note on what the job covers. A fee and delivery date come back the same working day, and the finished estimate follows within one to two days of your approval.

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