Bid day
Competitive bid estimating
Hard-bid estimates across all divisions—self-perform and subcontracted scopes, general conditions, and markups—built to your format.
Primary service · Commercial general contractors
Outsourced construction estimating for general contractors
Commercial bid estimating services, GMP budget estimating, quantity takeoffs, and bid leveling—an extra estimator on your team when the bid calendar outruns your staff.
Why GCs outsource
Overflow estimating without adding headcount
Most commercial general contractors staff estimating for an average month, not a peak one. When three bids land the same week, something gets rushed or passed on. PenCo plugs in as an outsourced estimating desk: you send the documents and the bid date, and you get back a bid-ready number or package—scoped, fixed-fee, and on time.
The work comes from the GC side of the table. Chris Pendleton has 12+ years as an estimator and project manager, including GMP descoping and buyout at AECOM Hunt on a $207 million LEED convention center and preconstruction, GMP, and value engineering with a regional commercial general contractor Since 2020, PenCo has estimated commercial, civil, and industrial projects from preliminary budget through bidding, bid leveling, and award.
Services
Commercial estimating services for GCs and CMs
Precon
GMP budget estimating
Conceptual, schematic, and GMP budgets with qualifications, allowances, alternates, and VE options that help owners hit financing targets.
Quantities
Quantity takeoffs
On-screen takeoffs in Bluebeam and PlanSwift by division or for the full project, with AI-assisted quantity checks.
Buyout
Bid leveling & sub scope review
Scope-aligned subcontractor bid comparisons that flag gaps, exclusions, and plugs before you carry a number.
Capacity
Overflow estimating
Take more bids during peak season—PenCo picks up whole projects or individual divisions so your team can focus on the ones you most want to win.
Risk
VE & constructability review
Drawing, specification, and constructability risks identified before bid, with value-engineering options priced.
Deliverables
What you get back
- Estimate in Excel (or your template), organized by CSI division
- Takeoff quantities with marked-up drawings (Bluebeam)
- Qualifications, assumptions, allowances, and exclusions
- Bid-leveling sheets with scope gaps and recommended carry numbers
- General conditions and overhead priced against a preliminary schedule
- Follow-up support through award and buyout when engaged
How to start
Start small: one takeoff or one bid-leveling package
The easiest way to evaluate an outside estimator is on a real bid. Send one upcoming project—a division takeoff or a set of sub bids to level—and judge the work before committing to more. Typical starting points: bid leveling from $1,500 and GMP budget packages from $3,500; takeoffs and full hard-bid estimates are quoted fixed-fee per project after a quick plan review.
Fully remote: drawings in by email or file link, estimate back before your bid date. Send your plans or call 859-536-3104.
FAQ
Common questions
What does outsourced construction estimating cost?
Work is quoted as a fixed fee after a plan review. Typical starting points are bid leveling from $1,500 and GMP budget packages from $3,500; takeoffs and full hard-bid estimates are quoted per project.
Can PenCo work in our estimating format?
Yes. Estimates can be delivered in your Excel template or organized by CSI division, with takeoff markups in Bluebeam.
Do you work with GCs outside your home market?
Yes. PenCo is fully remote and supports commercial general contractors and construction managers nationwide.
What project types do you estimate?
Commercial building work across all construction divisions and delivery methods, including competitive hard bids, negotiated work, and GMP / CM-at-risk budgets.
Send your plans
Have a bid coming up?
Email your drawings, specs, addenda, and bid date for a fixed-fee quote.
- Email[email protected]
- Phone859-536-3104
- Service areaServing contractors nationwide — remote estimating