Construction Cost Estimating Services Designed to Help You Win More Bids
In the high-stakes world of commercial, residential, and industrial construction, success is not determined by enthusiasm, but by precision. Every financial projection and every bid submission represents a critical investment decision. Relying on outdated methods, incomplete data, or unqualified estimating firms is a direct path to profit erosion and catastrophic project overruns.
At Aris Estimating, we provide more than just numbers; we deliver a definitive financial strategy that transforms bidding uncertainty into competitive advantage. Operating across Texas and the broader United States, we are a strategic partner committed to optimizing project security, maximizing profitability, and significantly increasing our clients’ bid-hit ratio. We serve as the indispensable financial bridge, translating complex architectural and engineering blueprints into ironclad financial realities.
The Cost of Ambiguity: Mitigating Critical Project Risk
Specific Risks Professional Estimating Neutralizes:
- Material Price Volatility: We utilize sophisticated, real-time data integration, including RSMeans and proprietary databases, to forecast material price escalation. This allows for strategic purchasing and locking in costs before market shifts erode project margins.
- Labor Overruns and Productivity Gaps: Our estimates meticulously break down labor hours based on regional productivity factors and current union/non-union rates. We provide realistic labor cost models, preventing budgets based on idealized, unattainable efficiency levels.
- Scope Misses and Exclusions: The most common source of conflict is the failure to quantify hidden scope elements. Our estimators are trained to identify ambiguous details in Division 1 (General Requirements), allowances, and specialty systems (like seismic or fire suppression), ensuring all project costs are captured upfront.
- Inaccurate Contingency Allocation: Instead of using a generalized 5% contingency, our analysis quantifies known risks and recommends a specific, defensible contingency allocation. This frees up budget that might otherwise be unnecessarily reserved, making your bid more competitive.
The Aris Methodology: Precision Driven by Technology and Trade Mastery
Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology
We integrate industry-leading software to ensure speed and verifiable accuracy:
- Quantity Takeoff: Using PlanSwift and Bluebeam Revu, our estimators execute digital takeoffs that are verified through multi-step audit protocols, guaranteeing 100% material count precision.
- Cost Data Integration: We leverage the gold standard in construction costing RSMeans Data to localize pricing models to the specific project ZIP code, ensuring labor and material costs reflect true market conditions in the project locale.
- Modeling Capabilities: For complex projects, we utilize systems that facilitate faster change analysis, allowing us to generate reliable estimates for design alternatives in rapid succession.
Expertise Across All 16 CSI Divisions
Our team is composed of seasoned estimators who are not generalists but trade specialists. This depth of knowledge ensures that whether your project involves intricate MEP systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), complex structural metals, or specific thermal & moisture protection requirements, the estimate is validated by an expert in that specific trade. This rigorous internal review system is the foundation of our AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) adherence.
Strategic Deliverables: Actionable Intelligence at Every Project Phase
A successful project requires different financial tools at different milestones. We provide layered estimates designed for maximum utility from initial concept to final procurement.
| Estimate Type | Project Stage | Strategic Application for the Client |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual/Preliminary Estimate | Project Initiation (0-15% Design) | Feasibility & Securing Financing: Provides rapid, high-level cost models to determine project viability and set initial budget limits. |
| Schematic Design Estimate | Design Development (30-50% Design) | Value Engineering: Allows architects and owners to evaluate the cost impact of major system choices before costly decisions are finalized. |
| Design Development Estimate | Technical Detailing (60-80% Design) | Procurement Preparation: Provides detailed cost breakdown necessary for issuing RFPs and confirming procurement strategy. |
| Bid Estimate (The Definitive Estimate) | Final Bid Submission (100% CD) | Competitive Advantage: A fully quantified and localized estimate used for final bid submission. |
The Power of the Marked-Up Plan
Beyond the spreadsheet, every Aris Estimate includes our signature Visual Takeoff Markups. These color-coded graphical overlays on the architectural plans visually confirm every quantified component. This critical tool:
- Reduces miscommunication between the office and the field.
- Simplifies material verification upon delivery.
- Provides clear, defensible evidence of the scope should any contract disputes arise.
Partnership: Supporting the Entire Construction Ecosystem
Value Engineering (VE) Consultation
Tailored Services for Complex Projects
- Commercial & Mixed-Use: We excel in projects demanding intricate scheduling and complex inter-trade coordination, such as high-rise offices and multi-phase developments.
- Specialty Trades: We provide specialized support for niche industries like petrochemical and healthcare, where estimates must account for stringent compliance, unique equipment requirements, and high-specification materials.
