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Trade Estimating Services in Virginia
Quick Answer
What Is Trade Estimating?
Trade estimating prices one scope of work, such as concrete, electrical or drywall, in full detail. Subcontractors use trade estimates to bid general contractors, and general contractors use them to check subcontractor pricing and fill scope gaps. Each trade estimate includes measured quantities, labor hours, material costs and clear exclusions. For whole-project pricing, see Construction Cost Estimating Services.
Trade Group
Structure & Site
Sitework and Excavation Estimating
Sitework and excavation estimating services calculate earthwork cut and fill, excavation, trenching, grading, erosion control, stormwater systems and underground utilities.
Concrete Estimating Services
Concrete estimating services calculate the volume of concrete, quantity of reinforcing steel, formwork area, finishing and labor needed for footings, foundation walls, slabs, columns, beams and site concrete.
Masonry Estimating Services
Masonry estimating services quantify and price brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), stone, mortar, grout, reinforcing and accessories for walls, veneers, chimneys and site walls.
Structural Steel Estimating Services
Structural steel estimating services calculate the tonnage of beams, columns, braces, joists and metal deck, along with connections, miscellaneous metals, fabrication, erection and coatings.
Lumber and Framing Estimating
Lumber and framing estimating calculates the studs, plates, headers, joists, rafters, trusses, sheathing, engineered lumber and hardware needed to frame a building.
Demolition Estimating Services
Demolition estimating services price the removal of buildings, structures, interiors and site features, including selective demolition, hauling, disposal fees, salvage and abatement allowances.
Trade Group
Building Envelope
Roofing Estimating Services
Roofing estimating services calculate roof area in squares, along with underlayment, flashing, ridge, valleys, drip edge, ventilation and accessories, then price materials and installation labor.
Siding Estimating Services
Siding estimating services calculate the wall area to be clad, subtract openings, and quantify siding, trim, soffit, fascia, house wrap, flashing and accessories.
Insulation Estimating Services
Insulation estimating services calculate the area and type of insulation needed for walls, attics, floors, foundations and roofs, along with air sealing, vapor retarders and labor.
Doors and Windows Estimating
Doors and windows estimating services count and price every door, frame, hardware set, window, storefront and glazing system on a project, using the door and window schedules and elevations.
Trade Group
MEP Systems
Mechanical Estimating Services
Mechanical estimating services price the piping, equipment and systems that move heat, water and air through a building or plant.
Electrical Estimating Services
Electrical estimating services count and price every electrical component on a project, including service and distribution equipment, panelboards, feeders, conduit, wire, devices, lighting fixtures, fire alarm and low-voltage systems.
Plumbing Estimating Services
Plumbing estimating services count fixtures and equipment and measure domestic water, sanitary, vent, storm and gas piping by size and material, then price installation labor.
HVAC Estimating Services
HVAC estimating services price heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, including rooftop units, air handlers, split systems, heat pumps, VRF systems, ductwork, diffusers, exhaust fans, controls and refrigerant piping.
Fire Protection Estimating Services
Fire protection estimating services price automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, backflow preventers, alarm valves and specialty suppression systems.
Trade Group
Interiors & Finishes
Drywall Estimating Services
Drywall estimating services calculate gypsum board area by type and thickness, metal or wood framing, joint compound, tape, corner bead, fasteners and finish levels for walls and ceilings.
Painting Estimating Services
Painting estimating services measure all surfaces to be painted or coated, such as walls, ceilings, doors, trim, steel and exterior siding, and price primer, finish coats, surface preparation and labor.
Flooring Estimating Services
Flooring estimating services calculate floor areas by finish type, including carpet, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic and porcelain tile, hardwood, laminate, polished concrete and resilient base.
Millwork and Cabinetry Estimating
Millwork and cabinetry estimating services price architectural woodwork, casework, cabinets, countertops, interior trim, paneling and built-ins.
Trade Group
Exterior Site Finishes
Asphalt and Paving Estimating
Asphalt and paving estimating services calculate paving areas, base stone, asphalt tonnage, concrete paving, curbs, striping and signage for parking lots, roads and driveways.
Landscaping Estimating Services
Landscaping estimating services price plantings, trees, shrubs, sod, seeding, mulch, topsoil, irrigation and hardscape such as pavers, walls and site furnishings.
Reference
How Each Trade Is Measured
| Trade | CSI Division | Main Units of Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Estimating Services | CSI Division 03 | Cubic yards, tons of rebar |
| Masonry Estimating Services | CSI Division 04 | Units, square feet of wall |
| Structural Steel Estimating Services | CSI Division 05 | Tons, piece count |
| Lumber and Framing Estimating | CSI Division 06 | Board feet, pieces, sheets |
| Roofing Estimating Services | CSI Division 07 | Squares (100 sq ft) |
| Drywall Estimating Services | CSI Division 09 | Square feet of board |
| Mechanical Estimating Services | CSI Divisions 22 / 23 | Linear feet of pipe, equipment |
| Electrical Estimating Services | CSI Division 26 | Devices, linear feet of conduit and wire |
| HVAC Estimating Services | CSI Division 23 | Tons, pounds of duct |
| Sitework and Excavation Estimating | CSI Divisions 31–33 | Cubic yards of cut and fill |
| Asphalt and Paving Estimating | CSI Division 32 | Square yards, tons of asphalt |
| Flooring Estimating Services | CSI Division 09 | Square feet or square yards |
How It Works
Our 5-Step Trade Estimating Process
1. Send Plans
Email or upload drawings, specs and your bid date.
2. Fixed Quote
We confirm scope, fee and delivery time.
3. Takeoff & Pricing
Estimators measure and price with Virginia rates.
4. Quality Review
A second estimator checks quantities and scope.
5. Delivery
Excel and PDF reports, with revisions supported.
Service Areas
Trade Estimating Across Virginia
FAQs
Trade Estimating FAQs
What trades do you estimate?
All major trades: sitework, concrete, masonry, steel, framing, roofing, siding, insulation, openings, drywall, painting, flooring, millwork, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, paving, landscaping and demolition.
Who uses trade estimates?
Subcontractors bidding general contractors, and GCs checking sub pricing. See Subcontractor Estimating Services.
Do you use my labor rates?
Yes, if you provide them; otherwise we use current Virginia rates for your region.
How fast are trade estimates?
Most single-trade estimates are delivered within 24 to 48 hours; MEP trades on large buildings may take a few days.
Do you estimate multiple trades at once?
Yes. Multi-trade estimates are available, or choose Construction Cost Estimating Services for full projects.
Our Location
Visit Our Virginia Estimating Office
Virginia Cost Estimating
4041 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Phone: 1 (571) 732 1030
Email: ask@virginiacostestimating.com
Our Fairfax office serves contractors, developers and homeowners across the Commonwealth, from Northern Virginia and Richmond to Hampton Roads, Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Valley. Plans are reviewed remotely, so location never slows down your estimate.