Cumulative to date
Canada · Europe · USA
100+
Projects estimated, concept screening through hard bid
30+
Owners, engineering firms and contractors served
$50B+
Cumulative installed value of the projects estimated
The work
Three things every defensible estimate needs.
01
Define the full scope
Build the Work Breakdown Structure from project definition, discipline interfaces, exclusions and delivery requirements so the complete scope is identified and priced.
02
Match the estimate to project stage
Select the estimating method, level of detail and supporting basis appropriate to the project stage, from early Class 5 screening through detailed Class 1 estimates.
03
Validate the number
Test the estimate against benchmarks, quantities, unit rates, productivity and comparable projects, with assumptions, exclusions and risks clearly documented.
Where is your project today
Pick a stage. See the class it supports.
The method, the deliverable and the risk all change with definition.
Estimate class
Class 5
0 to 2% defined
Method
Capacity factored, parametric models, judgement or analogy, after a scope discovery pass to find what is missing.
You get back
A range with the assumptions that drive it, and a list of what to define next.
Watch out for
A single number quoted from a range. At this stage the range is the answer.
Estimate class
Class 4
1 to 15% defined
Method
Equipment factored or parametric models on a developed WBS, bulks factored from process quantities.
You get back
Estimate, basis of estimate, contingency methodology and a benchmark comparison.
Watch out for
Scope that lives in conversations rather than in the WBS.
Estimate class
Class 3
10 to 40% defined
Method
Semi-detailed unit costs with assembly-level line items, quoted major equipment, crew-based rates on the significant accounts.
You get back
A fully documented estimate with risk analysis, validated against built projects.
Watch out for
Contingency set by habit instead of by method.
Estimate class
Class 2
30 to 75% defined
Method
Detailed unit cost with forced detailed take-off from drawings and models, crew-based pricing, market-tested rates.
You get back
A baseline structured for cost control, with the quantity basis traceable.
Watch out for
Productivity assumptions nobody wrote down.
Estimate class
Class 1
65 to 100% defined
Method
Detailed unit cost with detailed take-off from complete design, productivity and site-condition analysis, subcontractor pricing.
You get back
Bid-ready or check estimate at the tightest accuracy range, with the quantity basis fully traceable.
Watch out for
Treating a check estimate as a formality when the design has moved since the bid.
Representative work
The range, in three projects.
Carbon capture
CO₂ import, storage and transport hub
Class 4
Sweden
Role: Lead cost estimator for the Class 4 CAPEX and OPEX estimates.
Transport infrastructure
Floating bridge construction
Class 1
Canada
Role: Lead cost estimator for the detailed contractor bid estimate for the floating pontoon scope.
Water and wastewater
Wastewater treatment plant expansion and conveyance upgrades
Class 3
Canada
Role: Peer review of the full Class 3 cost estimate.
“Your expertise gave the client confidence. Your practical, grounded approach made a real difference to the project.”
Project Manager
Engineering firm
Feasibility, CO₂ capture and storage project