Frequently Asked Questions

Estimating Canada is a team of construction estimators based in Toronto, Ontario. We measure your plans, price the work, and deliver bid-ready estimates and material takeoffs to contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and developers across Canada.

Our office is at 100 King Street West, Suite 804, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1A9. Our estimators work virtually, so we serve projects in every province and territory.

We work with general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, builders, developers, and renovators. If you bid on construction work, we can help you price it.

Our focus is Canadian projects, and we price for local conditions in every province and territory. We also support some clients in the USA, so just send us the details.

Material takeoffs, cost estimating, trade-by-trade estimating, material supplier lists, drawings and drafting, scheduling, and design-build support, plus IT services such as websites, apps, and AI automation.

Yes. Every estimate is prepared and checked by an experienced estimator. Our AI estimating software, which is still in development, is designed to assist estimators and not replace them.

We estimate, draft, and plan. We are not a construction contractor, which means our advice is independent and focused on getting your numbers right.

Absolutely. Call us, message us on WhatsApp, or email [email protected]. We are online and reply within minutes.

Our website is available in English, Spanish, and French, and we can communicate in English and French for projects in Quebec and New Brunswick.

Fast delivery, clear flat prices in Canadian dollars, itemised reports, local knowledge of each province, and a real estimator checking every result.

Yes. Our Canadian number is +1 (647) 556-5580 and our USA number is +1 (661) 581-1118. Both can also be used on WhatsApp.

We are online 24/7 across Canada and the USA, so you can send plans at any time and we will reply quickly.

You can submit plans whenever you like. For urgent bids, choose Rush or Same-Day turnaround and tell us your deadline so we can plan around it.

Yes. Our trade pages include a sample report so you can see how an estimate is organised before you order.

No. We are independent, so our quantities and recommendations are not tied to any supplier or product line.

Use the quote form on any page, email [email protected], call us, or message us on WhatsApp. We reply within minutes.

Fill in the quote form on any page, choose the service you need, and attach your plans. We review the scope and reply within minutes with next steps.

We are online and reply within minutes. Your estimate is then delivered within the turnaround you chose.

Yes. Requesting a quote does not cost anything and does not commit you to an order.

Send your drawings and specifications, your due date, the trades or scope you need, and the project location. Addenda and any special instructions are helpful too.

Yes. Send as many projects as you like. If you send 3 or more on the same day you save 20%, and 5 or more saves 40%.

No. You can simply submit the quote form. We handle the rest by email, phone, or WhatsApp.

Send what you have. We will tell you what is missing, and we can prepare a preliminary estimate from partial information if needed.

Yes. The quote form accepts files up to 100 MB, including PDF, images, Word, Excel, DWG, DXF, and ZIP.

Split them into several files or send a download link from your own cloud storage. Just mention it in the form and we will take it from there.

If you are unsure, select General Inquiry and describe the project. We will recommend the best service and price.

Yes. A quote is only an estimate of cost and time. You decide whether to go ahead.

Your plans are kept confidential by default. If you need a formal non-disclosure agreement, let us know and we will arrange it.

Yes. Call or WhatsApp us, or mention a preferred time in the quote form.

The Quote page lets you request an estimate with a due date, a service, project details, and an optional plan upload, all in one place.

We are happy to answer questions and recommend a scope before you order. Tell us about your project and we will guide you.

Yes. We are online around the clock, so send your plans and choose Rush or Same-Day turnaround.

We reply with a confirmation and any questions, agree the scope and price with you, and then start the estimate. You receive an itemised report on the agreed schedule.

Whichever you prefer. Tell us in the form, and we will use that channel.

Flat prices per project: $1,800 for Commercial GC estimating, $1,000 for Residential estimating, and $400 per trade for single-trade estimating. All prices are in Canadian dollars.

All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Prices are shown before taxes. Applicable taxes may apply and will be shown on your quote.

No. We use flat prices per project, so you know the cost before we start.

An estimate for one trade only, such as mechanical, electrical, concrete, or drywall. It costs $400 per trade, for example Mechanical at $400.

A complete estimate for a general contractor bidding commercial work, with full-scope takeoff, costs organised by CSI division, an itemised report, and scope gaps flagged.

A foundation-to-finish takeoff and cost estimate for homes, multi-unit housing, or renovations, with allowances separated from firm pricing and an itemised report.

Yes. Send 3 or 4 projects on the same day and save 20%. Send 5 or more on the same day and save 40%.

Submit your projects together on one day and the discount is applied to all of them. It applies to flat per-project prices.

Yes. Basic is $1,000 a month for up to 5 single-trade projects, Standard is $2,000 for 8–10, and Premium is $3,000 for unlimited projects.

General contractors and subcontractors who send single-trade work regularly and want predictable monthly pricing.

Up to 5 single-trade projects per month for $1,000 CAD, about $200 per project, with itemised Excel and PDF reports.

8 to 10 single-trade projects per month for $2,000 CAD, about $200–$250 per project. It is our best-value plan.

Unlimited single-trade projects per month for $3,000 CAD, so you can send as many as you need.

Count how many single-trade projects you send in a typical month. Up to 5 suits Basic, 8–10 suits Standard, and more than that suits Premium.

Yes. Rush and Same-Day options are available with monthly plans, with the standard surcharge for faster delivery.

Rush adds 15% and delivers in 8–24 hours, with 3 rounds of revisions, priority email and phone, and a dedicated estimator.

Same-Day adds 30% and delivers in under 8 hours, with unlimited revisions for 48 hours, a direct line to the team lead, and emergency bid support.

No. Standard 24–48 hour turnaround is included in the price, with a full estimate package, 2 rounds of revisions, and email support.

Yes. The Pricing page has a calculator where you pick a project type, the number of projects, and a turnaround to see your estimated total.

No. The price in your written quote is the price you pay for the agreed scope. If the scope changes, we confirm the new price with you first.

We confirm payment details in your written quote before work begins.

If you are not satisfied with an estimate, tell us. We will work with you to correct it so it meets the agreed scope.

Most estimates are delivered in 6–24 hours: single-trade jobs in about 4–6 hours, and residential or commercial projects in about 20–24 hours.

Standard delivery is 24–48 hours and is included with every estimate.

Rush delivers in 8–24 hours for an extra 15% and includes 3 rounds of revisions and a dedicated estimator.

Same-Day delivers in under 8 hours for an extra 30%, with unlimited revisions for 48 hours and emergency bid support.

Turnaround starts when we receive complete plans and specifications. If something is missing, we will tell you right away.

Project size, the number of drawing sheets, the number of trades, how complete the documents are, and how many addenda have been issued.

Tell us your deadline in the quote form. We will confirm whether it is achievable and recommend Rush or Same-Day if needed.

Choose Same-Day, send your plans, and call or WhatsApp us. A direct line to the team lead is included.

By email, as an itemised Excel and PDF report. We can also share it through your preferred file-sharing link.

We confirm receipt, flag any questions early, and let you know when your estimate is ready. Rush and Same-Day customers get priority contact.

We are online 24/7, but plan ahead for large projects. Tell us your deadline and we will schedule around it.

Yes. We can prepare an early budget estimate from partial drawings so you can make decisions sooner.

Large, multi-storey, or highly detailed projects have more sheets to measure and check. We tell you the expected delivery time when you confirm the quote.

No. Rush and Same-Day estimates follow the same process and checks. They simply get priority and more of an estimator’s attention.

Contact us right away. We take deadlines seriously and will prioritise your project to get it delivered.

Same-Day is best for smaller scopes or single trades. For large projects, contact us with the plans and we will confirm what is possible.

PDF, JPG, PNG, WebP, Word, Excel, DWG, DXF, and ZIP files.

Each file can be up to 100 MB. For bigger sets, split the files or send a link.

The form takes one file at a time. Combine your documents into a ZIP, or send additional files by email after you submit.

Yes. DWG and DXF files are accepted, along with PDF exports of the drawings.

Please send PDF drawings and any model exports you can share. Tell us about the model in your message and we will advise.

Yes. Specifications describe materials and methods that the drawings do not show, and they help us price accurately.

Addenda are changes issued during bidding. Send them as soon as you have them so your estimate stays current.

No, but drawings should include a scale or a known dimension. We check scales on every sheet before measuring.

We can usually work with scans, but clearer files give better accuracy. If a sheet is unreadable we will ask for a better copy.

Photos can work for small jobs, but proper PDF or CAD files are strongly preferred for accuracy.

We will point out missing sheets, such as an absent structural or mechanical set, so you can send them or we can note an exclusion.

Yes. Uploaded files are stored on our server and used only for your estimate.

Only our team members working on your project. We never share your documents.

Yes. Email them to [email protected] and mention your project name and deadline.

Yes. A download link from your cloud storage works well, especially for very large plan sets.

Yes. Location affects labour, material, and freight pricing, so please include the city and province.

A full estimate package: itemised quantities, unit costs, labour and material pricing, totals by division, and notes on assumptions and exclusions.

As an itemised Excel and PDF report.

Yes. Costs are grouped by CSI division, which matches how most bid forms and schedules of values are structured.

A report that lists every quantity measured from the plans, such as areas, lengths, counts, and volumes, grouped by trade.

Yes. We prepare supplier-ready lists for construction materials, lumber, drywall, lighting fixtures, concrete, and painting.

Yes. Labour hours are shown based on productivity rates for each trade and scope of work.

We can show overhead, profit, and contingency separately so you can adjust them to your own markups.

Yes. We note exclusions, assumptions, and unclear scope so nothing is hidden.

Yes. The Excel version is editable so you can adjust quantities and prices for your own bid.

Yes. Each line item shows quantity, unit, and unit price.

Tell us your preferred layout and we will match it where possible, such as a particular bid form.

Yes. Alternates, allowances, and unit-price items are shown separately when the bid documents require them.

Yes. We highlight scope gaps, conflicts between drawings and specifications, and other risk items we find.

On request, we can suggest cost-saving alternatives that keep the design intent.

Yes. A summary shows totals by division and overall, so you can review the estimate quickly.

Yes. We can include cost per square foot for budgeting and benchmarking.

A construction estimate predicts the cost of building a project by adding up materials, labour, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead.

A takeoff measures the quantities of materials needed for a project, such as square feet of drywall, cubic yards of concrete, or linear feet of pipe, directly from the drawings.

A takeoff gives quantities. An estimate takes those quantities and adds prices, labour, and markups to arrive at a cost.

CSI divisions are a standard way to organise construction work and specifications by category, such as concrete, masonry, or electrical.

An estimate complete and organised enough to submit with a bid, including quantities, pricing, assumptions, and exclusions.

The cost to install one unit of work, such as one square foot of flooring or one linear foot of conduit.

A single total price for a defined scope of work, as opposed to prices broken out by unit.

An allowance added to quantities for cutting, breakage, and overage so you order enough material.

A percentage added to cover unknowns and risk in the project.

Overhead covers the cost of running a business, and profit is the margin a contractor earns on top of costs.

An early budget estimate prepared before drawings are complete, used for feasibility and funding decisions.

A line-by-line estimate prepared from complete drawings and specifications.

Placeholder amounts for items not yet selected or defined, such as flooring or fixtures.

Optional changes to the base bid that the owner can choose, each priced separately.

A written change or clarification issued during bidding that can change scope or quantities.

The description of exactly what work is included, and not included, in a contract or bid.

Measuring quantities on-screen from digital drawings using software, which is faster and more traceable than paper measurement.

Underestimating loses money on the job, and overestimating loses the bid. Accuracy protects your margin and your win rate.

A breakdown of the contract price by work category, used to bill progress payments.

Reviewing a design to find less costly options that still meet the project’s needs.

All major trades: structural, concrete, masonry, framing, drywall, finishes, roofing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and sitework, among others.

Yes. Single-trade estimating is $400 per trade, for example mechanical, electrical, or drywall.

Yes. We estimate concrete volumes, formwork, reinforcing steel, finishing, and placing costs.

Yes. We prepare rebar takeoff and detailing support with bar lists and weights by size.

Yes. We quantify studs, joists, rafters, sheathing, and engineered lumber, and prepare lumber order lists.

Yes. We cover structural steel, welding and fabrication, and cold-formed steel such as metal stud walls and steel framing.

Yes. We take off brick, block, stone, mortar, reinforcement, and related items.

Yes. We measure board, framing, finishing levels, and accessories, and prepare drywall material lists.

Yes. We measure surface areas, calculate coatings and prep, and prepare painting material lists.

Yes. We take off every floor finish including hardwood, vinyl, carpet, and tile, with waste and substrate preparation.

Yes. We measure roof area and pitch, roofing systems, underlayments, flashings, siding, and eavestrough.

Yes. We count and price every opening from the door and window schedules, including frames, hardware, and installation.

Yes. We estimate cabinetry, casework, trim, stairs, and architectural woodwork.

Yes. We count and measure conduit, wire, panels, devices, and lighting from electrical plans.

Yes. We take off fixtures, piping, drainage, gas lines, and equipment.

Yes. We quantify ductwork, equipment, piping, controls, and insulation.

Yes. We count detection and notification devices and sprinkler heads and piping.

Yes. We estimate structured cabling, outlets, racks, and related connectivity.

Yes. We estimate land clearing, excavation, grading, utilities, paving, hardscape, landscape, and irrigation.

Yes. We estimate shoring and support of excavation systems from geotechnical and excavation drawings.

Yes. We take off thermal, acoustic, and fire-rated insulation across walls, roofs, floors, and mechanical systems.

Yes. A Commercial GC or Residential estimate covers the full scope across trades.

Yes. We estimate custom homes, subdivisions, townhomes, additions, and renovations.

Yes. We estimate offices, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, and tenant improvements.

Yes. We estimate warehouses, manufacturing plants, cold storage, and distribution centres.

Yes. We use unit-based takeoffs that scale accurately across the whole building.

Yes. We prepare estimates for municipal, provincial, and federal tenders with bid forms and unit-price schedules.

Yes. We separate demolition, structural changes, and new work, and allow for hidden conditions in older buildings.

Yes. We price the module package plus foundation, transport, crane set, and finishing.

Yes. We cover new builds, additions, and conversions, with servicing and permit allowances.

Yes. We estimate grading, drainage, roads, parking, and site utilities from civil drawings.

Yes. We estimate institutional projects, including the specialised systems they require.

Yes. We price tenant improvements including demolition, partitions, ceilings, finishes, and systems.

Yes. We estimate concrete and steel towers, including formwork, envelope, and building systems.

Yes. Single-trade and small residential projects are a regular part of our work.

We handle projects of all sizes. For very large projects, send the plans and we will confirm scope, price, and timing.

Yes. We include freight, camps, and seasonal access in estimates for remote and northern sites.

Yes. We estimate barns, shops, grain handling, and storage buildings.

All of them: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the three territories.

Yes. We estimate projects in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, including freight and seasonal access costs.

Yes. Pricing reflects the labour, material, and equipment costs of the region where you are building.

We work with the codes that apply in each province, such as the Ontario Building Code, the BC Building Code, and the Quebec Construction Code.

We add allowances for cold-weather concreting, heating, and reduced productivity where the season and location call for it.

Yes. We account for Quebec’s construction code and labour framework, and can communicate in English and French.

Yes. We consider seismic requirements, rain-screen envelopes, and island or remote delivery.

Yes. We account for long winters, industrial scale, and remote site mobilisation.

Yes. We estimate across the province, from Toronto high-rises to northern projects.

Yes. We cover Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with attention to frost depth and soil conditions.

Yes. We cover Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, with attention to coastal exposure and freight.

Yes. We have pages for many cities in every province, such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Halifax.

We include freight, shipping windows, and logistics in the estimate so the budget reflects the real cost of getting materials to site.

We can support some USA projects. Contact us with the location and scope.

Yes. Unit costs and labour rates are adjusted for the province and the specific region.

Yes. Use the map on the home page or the We Cover panel to open the page for your province.

We aim for 98%+ accuracy on quantities. Every estimate is checked against the drawings and specifications by an experienced estimator.

We verify scales, cross-check drawings against specifications and schedules, and review totals against typical benchmarks.

Yes. Standard includes 2 rounds of revisions, Rush includes 3, and Same-Day includes unlimited revisions for 48 hours.

Send the addenda and we will revise the estimate to reflect the changes.

Reply to the email with your estimate or contact us directly, and tell us what changed.

Standard includes email support. Rush adds priority email and phone, and Same-Day adds a direct line to the team lead.

Yes. We are happy to explain assumptions, quantities, and pricing.

Tell us right away. We will review it and correct the estimate if there is an error.

No one can guarantee that. We give you accurate, well-organised numbers so you can bid with confidence.

An estimate is a prediction based on the documents. Market prices and site conditions can change, so we state our assumptions clearly.

Estimates use current regional pricing. Prices can move, so we note the date and any volatile items such as lumber and steel.

With Rush and Same-Day, one estimator is assigned to your project so you have a single point of contact.

Same-Day customers get help with urgent bid deadlines, including quick questions and last-minute changes.

Yes. We can review your own estimate or takeoff and flag errors or missing scope.

Yes. Monthly plans give contractors a steady, predictable working relationship.

Contact us any time. Feedback helps us improve our service.

Yes. We handle your plans and bid documents confidentially and do not share them.

Only the estimators working on your project.

Never. We do not share client information, pricing, or documents with anyone.

Yes. Let us know and we will arrange an NDA.

Files are stored on our server and used only for your estimate. We use secure connections on our website.

We keep files for as long as needed to complete and support your estimate. Contact us if you want files removed.

Yes. Send us a request and we will arrange it.

Yes. The website uses HTTPS, which encrypts the information you send.

We collect the contact details and project information you submit so we can respond and prepare your estimate.

Yes. We prepare structural, architectural, and MEP drawings, shop drawings, and 3D models.

Plans are top-down views such as floor plans. Drawings include elevations, sections, and details. Blueprints refer to the full issued set of drawings and specifications.

Yes. We prepare foundation, framing, and structural detail drawings with supporting calculations.

Yes. We produce mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings and coordination layouts.

Yes. We create floor plans, elevations, sections, details, and permit or tender sets.

Yes. We create 3D models, photorealistic renderings, and walkthroughs.

Detailed drawings used by fabricators and installers, such as for steel, millwork, curtain wall, and rebar.

Yes. We prepare baseline schedules with critical path analysis, resource planning, and cost-loaded options.

Yes. We provide early budgeting, constructability input, and progressive estimating for design-build teams.

We can prepare drawing sets organised for municipal submission. Check requirements with your local authority.

Please contact us about engineering or architectural stamps, as requirements vary by project and province.

Yes. We can update drawings to reflect final field conditions.

Contact us with your drawings and we will advise what is possible.

Yes. We provide conceptual and preliminary estimates that guide design decisions before drawings are complete.

Yes. We build websites, web and mobile apps, e-commerce stores, and automations, and offer design and digital growth services.

Custom-coded websites, dynamic web apps, mobile apps, WordPress and WooCommerce sites, and API integrations.

Yes. We build AI agents and chatbots that handle requests, look up information, and complete tasks for your team or customers.

Yes. We use tools such as n8n to connect apps and automate steps like quotes, follow-ups, and invoicing.

Yes. We offer SEO, Google and Meta ads, graphic design, and other digital growth services.

It is AI-assisted estimating software we are building to read plans and speed up takeoffs, with an estimator reviewing the results.

It is in development. Join the waitlist on the AI Estimating Software page to hear first.

Not at our company. Our software is designed to help estimators work faster, and an experienced estimator checks every result.

Open the AI Estimating Software page and use the Join the Waitlist form.

Landing pages start around $100–$500, business websites $500–$1,500, e-commerce stores $1,000–$5,000, and custom web applications from $3,000. See the IT Services page for details.

Landing pages take about 3–7 days, business websites 2–4 weeks, and larger projects longer.

Yes. We offer revisions after launch and optional support packages.

Yes. The IT Services page shows logos of projects we have delivered.

Use the quote form and choose an IT service. Tell us what you need and we will reply within minutes.