Build a Commercial Estimating Requirements List
A commercial estimate can span several trades, drawing revisions and subcontractor scopes. Start with the work to be delivered, not a revenue band or a software label. List the drawing register, estimate structure, cost inputs, exports, review responsibilities and separate payment-document requirements.
For each trade, record the drawing reference, included work, exclusions, alternates and assumptions. Reconcile the combined scopes with the project requirements. Shared general conditions, temporary work and items shown in more than one discipline deserve an explicit owner so that they are neither omitted nor counted twice.
Separate Quantity Review From Contract Administration
CyanBuild provides a PDF takeoff first pass, drawing overlays, quantity exports and estimating tools. Test the quantities, units and exports you need on a representative scope. PDF uploads are limited to 50 MB and the remaining monthly page allowance; uploading a PDF is not proof that every commercial discipline or project requirement is covered.
Check the payment-application format specified by the contract. If it calls for AIA G702/G703 documents or a Schedule of Values, verify how those documents are prepared, reviewed and reconciled in the system you intend to use. An estimating workflow does not by itself establish automatic payment applications or subcontractor billing consolidation.
For subcontractor quotes, compare the same scope, drawing revision, inclusions, exclusions and qualifications. Keep the award decision and accepted amount identifiable when entering the estimate. Demonstrate any proposed automatic handoff rather than assuming two modules share the same data.
Compare Products on a Representative Project
- Choose a checked scope with the drawing types and revisions you commonly receive.
- Verify takeoff coverage, correction effort, estimate structure and required exports.
- Ask each vendor to demonstrate required integrations and provide a current quote for the actual modules and users.
- Record training, migration, review and administration work as well as the subscription price.
A residential or enterprise label is not enough to establish a product’s limits. Use current vendor documentation and a demonstrated workflow rather than blanket claims about price, missing features or required IT staffing.
Free includes 3 PDF pages per month. Paid monthly plans are Starter $29 for 30 pages, Pro $99 for 120 pages, and Enterprise $299 for 400 pages. Review current plan features and terms on the pricing page.
An Explicit Estimate Sensitivity Example
Illustrative example, not a typical project result: fixed contract revenue is $5,000,000 and planned total cost is $4,750,000, leaving $250,000 of planned profit. An additional $250,000 of cost removes that profit. An additional $350,000 creates a $100,000 loss. These are arithmetic consequences of the stated assumptions, not an error probability or a claim about savings from software.
Use your own contract value, cost plan and risk allowances for the decision. Measure complete estimating time and the defects found in review. More processed drawings or submitted bids do not by themselves establish a higher win rate or better margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CyanBuild handle a $20M ground-up commercial project?
Project value alone does not establish suitability. Test the drawings, scope and exports you need. PDF uploads are limited to 50 MB and the remaining monthly page allowance; verify any required Schedule of Values or payment-application workflow separately.
How does CyanBuild compare to ProEst or Sage?
Compare the required workflow, integrations and subscription entitlements in each vendor’s current documentation and quote. CyanBuild provides PDF takeoff output and estimating tools for review. Confirm cost inputs and exports in a representative trial rather than assuming every module is interchangeable.
Is CyanBuild just for GCs or can subs use it too?
General contractors and specialty contractors can evaluate the PDF takeoff and estimating workflow against their own scope. That does not imply a separate subcontractor portal, automatic payment submission or any ranking of customer usage.
What types of commercial projects should I test?
Choose a representative scope with the drawings, revisions and trade boundaries you commonly handle. Check quantity coverage, file limits, units and exports. The ability to upload a PDF does not by itself establish support for every project requirement.
Can I try CyanBuild before I commit?
Yes. Free includes 3 PDF pages each month without a credit card. Use a small scope from a real drawing, review the extracted quantities, and compare the result with a checked reference before choosing a paid monthly plan.