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Services

Every stage of preconstruction, one partner

From first look at the drawings to the sealed bid package — Qostara delivers quantity takeoffs, cost models, and proposal support built for the bid calendar.

What we do

Estimating services built for the bid calendar

Each service includes a named estimator, dual review, and deliverables your supers can trace back to the drawing set.

  • Construction Cost Estimation

    Full project estimates that combine quantity takeoffs with live pricing so you know exactly what to bid — and where the margin lives.

    • CSI-formatted cost breakdowns
    • Regional labour and material rates
    • Risk and contingency modelling
    • Revision tracking across addenda
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  • Material Takeoff

    Layer-by-layer takeoffs from PDF, CAD, and Revit drawings. Every length, area, and count is tagged to a clear source sheet.

    • PDF, DWG, and Revit inputs
    • Colour-coded measurement layers
    • Waste factors by trade
    • Export to Excel and Bluebeam
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  • Quantity Surveying

    Independent verification of scope and quantities — used for feasibility, value engineering, and change-order defence.

    • Feasibility and concept budgets
    • Bill of quantities (BOQ)
    • Value-engineering options
    • Change-order validation
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  • Bid Preparation

    From bid calendar to final submission package. We assemble the takeoff, the pricing, and the clarifications that keep you competitive.

    • Bid calendar management
    • Scope clarification letters
    • Subcontractor quote review
    • Submission-ready binders
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  • Design-Build Estimates

    Progressive estimating for design-build and IPD teams — conceptual, schematic, and construction-document priced as one continuous model.

    • Concept through CD pricing
    • Design-option comparisons
    • Target-value design support
    • Shared cost models for teams
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  • Labor Cost Analysis

    We model crew composition, productivity factors, and overtime so your labour line holds up when the schedule compresses.

    • Union and open-shop rates
    • Crew productivity factors
    • Overtime and shift premiums
    • Regional wage databases
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Why teams choose Qostara

The advantages that show up on every deliverable

Accuracy, speed, and transparency — without the overhead of a full in-house department.

  • Highly Accurate Estimates

    Dual review on every takeoff. Average variance under two percent against awarded jobs.

  • Fast Turnaround

    Most commercial packages return in 3–5 business days. Rush windows available.

  • Certified Estimators

    AACE and ASPE-credentialed leads on every account, not just the sales call.

  • Latest Pricing Database

    Regional cost libraries refreshed weekly across labour, materials, and equipment.

  • Dedicated Support

    One named estimator for your account. Same person from kickoff through award.

  • Cost Saving Strategies

    Value-engineering options flagged before you bid, not after you lose the job.

How it works

Six steps from drawings to a sealed bid

A clear process, a named estimator, and a deliverable your supers can actually use on site.

  1. 01

    Submit Drawings

    Upload plans, specs, and addenda. PDF, DWG, and Revit are all welcome.

  2. 02

    Project Review

    A senior estimator scopes the set, flags missing sheets, and confirms the bid date.

  3. 03

    Detailed Quantity Takeoff

    Every trade is measured layer by layer with colour-coded source references.

  4. 04

    Pricing Analysis

    Current regional rates, subcontractor quotes, and productivity factors are applied.

  5. 05

    Final Estimate

    You receive a CSI-formatted cost report, Excel export, and mark-up PDFs.

  6. 06

    Delivery & Support

    We walk the numbers with your team and revise for addenda until the bid is sealed.

Why Qostara

Fewer jobs. Higher standards. Numbers you can defend.

We take fewer accounts than the big outsourcing shops so every takeoff receives a peer review before it leaves the desk. Dual review, CSI-formatted deliverables, and a named estimator from kickoff through award — that is the Qostara difference.

Learn about our team

FAQ

Questions, answered

Everything teams ask before they send the first set of drawings. Still unsure? We reply within one business day.

Ask us anything

Ready when you are

Ready to win more bids?

Upload your drawings and we will scope a free preliminary review within one business day — no commitment required.