Single-trade takeoff
A$350 to A$850
- One trade or ASMM / ANZSMM trade sections
- Quantities alone, or quantities plus prices
- Marked-up drawings
Delivered in 24 hours
Get a Quote
Pricing
Simple, Fixed-Fee Pricing
Each project has one price, which we agree before starting. We never bill by the hour.
Fees follow the amount of measuring involved: how many drawings and trade sections there are and how complete your documents are. The contract value does not matter, so a large job with a simple scope is not dearer just for being large.
Plans
Usual Fees by Project Type
Most projects fall inside these ranges. Your quote gives the exact amount for your drawings.
Multi-trade residential
A$850 to A$2,200
- Custom homes, extensions, townhouses and apartments
- Every trade priced for your postcode
- A page of assumptions and exclusions
Ready in 24 to 48 hours
Get a QuoteFull commercial, multi-trade
A$1,800 to A$3,600
- Every trade section, ASMM / ANZSMM
- Material, labour, equipment and margin
- Second-estimator review
Two days or longer, depending on job size
Get a QuoteMonthly retainer
from A$2,200/mo
- A fixed number of estimates each month
- Priority queue placement
- The same estimator every time
For builders who tender every month
Talk to Us
$0 extra
for anything on this list
Included as Standard
What Every Fee Covers
- Document review: we flag conflicts and missing details before measuring begins.
- Itemised quantity takeoff by ASMM / ANZSMM trade sections, measured digitally from your drawings.
- postcode pricing for materials and labour, from Rawlinsons-style Australian cost guides and our own up-to-date data.
- Equipment, margin, contingency and GST on separate lines you can change.
- A page of assumptions and exclusions noting every allowance and every gap in the scope.
- Second-estimator review covering the quantities, formulas and totals.
- Excel and PDF files, marked-up drawings, or your tender template completed.
- NDA on request and every document is kept private.
What Sets the Fee
What Makes a Fee Go Up or Down
These are the things you can change to keep the fee lower.
| Factor | Why it matters | How to keep it down |
|---|---|---|
| Number of drawings | The more sheets there are, the more we must measure and check. | Send only the drawings for the work you want priced. |
| Trade sections in scope | Each trade section needs its own takeoff, pricing and check. | Tell us which trades you are tendering. |
| Document completeness | Gaps take time to resolve and write up as assumptions. | Send the specifications and every addendum at the start. |
| Quantities or priced | Adding prices means researching local material and labour costs. | Order quantities only when you apply your own unit costs. |
| Turnaround | A very short deadline means we must reschedule other work. | Send the plans as soon as you decide to tender. |
| Output format | Putting the results into your template needs extra set-up time. | Keep using the same template for every project. |
The Real Comparison
Your Own Estimator Compared With Prime Estimation
Employing an estimator costs well over a hundred thousand dollars a year. Here is how the two options differ beyond salary.
| In-house estimator | Prime Estimation | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost structure | A fixed salary, benefits and overheads whether you are busy or not | You pay per project, and nothing in quiet times |
| Takeoff software | Licences and training that you buy and renew | Included: PlanSwift, Bluebeam and On-Screen Takeoff |
| Cost data | Subscriptions, plus keeping track of prices yourself | Rawlinsons-style Australian cost guides and our own regional data |
| Tender-season peaks | Overtime, or tenders you have to turn down | More people when deadlines bunch together |
| Quality check | Often a single person checks their own work | A second estimator reviews every estimate |
| Time to start | Weeks or months to recruit and train | Send plans today and have a quote within hours |
For most builders who send in fewer than twenty tenders a month, hiring does not make financial sense.
FAQ
Pricing Questions
Is the quote free?
Yes. Studying your drawings and quoting a set fee and delivery date costs nothing and commits you to nothing. You pay only for estimates you approve.
Do you bill by the hour?
No. We agree a fixed fee for each estimate before starting. If a job turns out harder than expected, the extra cost is ours.
Why does the fee not depend on the project value?
The effort of estimating comes from what has to be measured, not from what the building costs. An A$5M warehouse with a simple scope can take less time than an A$1M fit-out with detailed drawings.
What if an addendum changes the scope of work?
Pass it on to us and we adjust the affected items in the same estimate. We never charge for correcting our own work. If an addendum adds a large amount of new work, we tell you beforehand, so nothing is billed without your approval.
Can I save money by ordering only quantities?
Yes. A quantities-only job is cheaper than a fully priced estimate and works well if you use your own unit costs. Select it in the quote form or tell us in your message.
How does the monthly plan work?
You agree a monthly number of estimates for a flat monthly fee, from A$2,200. Your projects are first in line and are handled by the same estimator. Contact us to set up a monthly plan that matches how many tenders you do.
Ready to Get Started?
Find Out What Your Estimate Will Cost
Send us your drawings and we answer with a set fee and a delivery date, normally within hours. It is free and carries no obligation.