Plumbing Estimating FAQ | Plumber Estimator

Question 1

What plumbing systems do you estimate?

Accepted Answer

We estimate domestic cold and hot water supply, sanitary drainage and vent, storm drainage, natural gas and LP gas distribution, medical gas systems (oxygen, vacuum, nitrogen), fire suppression rough-in, and specialty process piping. If a system appears on the plumbing drawings, we include it unless you specifically ask us to exclude it. We do not estimate HVAC, electrical, or structural work.

Question 2

Do you cover residential as well as commercial projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work across residential (custom homes, multi-unit, affordable housing), commercial (office, retail, healthcare, hospitality, multi-family), and industrial (manufacturing, warehousing, process facilities) project types. The level of detail in the estimate scales with project complexity — a custom home estimate is structured differently from a hospital or industrial plant.

Question 3

Can you estimate a single system rather than the full plumbing scope?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you only need a gas piping estimate, a medical gas takeoff, or a domestic water system cost, we can scope the work to that system alone. Just tell us which systems to include when you submit your request.

Question 4

Do you include labour in your estimates?

Accepted Answer

Our standard deliverable is a material cost estimate. Labour units (hours per unit of work) are available as an add-on — we can include productivity-based hour estimates alongside the material quantities. We do not provide fully loaded labour rates because those vary significantly by market, union status, and contractor overhead. If you need labour hours to apply your own rates, let us know when you submit.

Question 5

What is not included in a standard plumbing estimate?

Accepted Answer

Unless specifically requested, our standard estimate excludes: labour and installation costs, general conditions and overhead, permit fees, equipment rental, temporary facilities, and work shown on mechanical, HVAC, or electrical drawings. We also exclude systems that are shown as 'by others' on the plumbing drawings. All exclusions are documented in the scope summary delivered with your estimate.

Question 6

How do you price materials?

Accepted Answer

We use current supplier and distributor quotes wherever available. When a live quote is not available for a specific item — uncommon specialty materials, long-lead equipment, or items with high price volatility — we use a clearly labelled allowance based on recent market data. Every allowance is flagged in the estimate so you know exactly where to verify pricing before submitting a bid.

Question 7

Are your material prices current?

Accepted Answer

We source pricing at the time of estimate preparation. Copper, steel, and PVC pricing can move quickly, so we note the pricing date in the basis of estimate. For projects with a bid date more than 30 days out, we recommend confirming key material prices with your supplier before finalising your bid.

Question 8

Do you account for regional price differences?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Material pricing varies by region due to freight costs, local distributor pricing, and market conditions. We factor in regional pricing where we have current data. If your project is in a market with unusual pricing conditions — remote locations, high-cost urban areas, or areas with supply constraints — let us know and we will note it in the basis of estimate.

Question 9

How much does an estimate cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees are based on project scope and complexity. Submit your drawings through the quote request form and we will provide a fee quote along with a turnaround confirmation within one business day. There is no charge to request a fee quote.

Question 10

Do you offer rush turnaround?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days. Rush delivery (1–2 business days) is available for most project types and carries an additional fee. Let us know your bid date when you submit and we will confirm whether rush delivery is feasible for your project size.

Question 11

What do I receive when the estimate is complete?

Accepted Answer

Every estimate includes three documents: (1) an itemised estimate spreadsheet with quantities, unit costs, and extended totals organised by CSI MasterFormat division; (2) a scope summary listing inclusions and exclusions; and (3) a basis of estimate explaining the pricing methodology, any allowances used, and the drawing revision the estimate is based on.

Question 12

What file formats do you accept for drawings?

Accepted Answer

We accept PDF (preferred), DWG, DXF, Revit (RVT), and most other common CAD and BIM formats. If your drawings are in a format not listed here, contact us before submitting and we will confirm compatibility. We do not require full BIM models — PDF construction documents are sufficient for most estimates.

Question 13

How do I send my drawings?

Accepted Answer

After submitting the quote request form, reply to the confirmation email with your drawings attached, or email them directly to unionestimatingllc@gmail.com with your project name in the subject line. For large file sets, we can provide a secure upload link on request.

Question 14

What drawing stage do you need — design development or construction documents?

Accepted Answer

Construction documents (CDs) or permit-ready drawings produce the most accurate estimates. We can work from design development (DD) drawings for preliminary budgets, but we will note the drawing stage in the basis of estimate and flag areas where scope is not yet fully defined. Schematic drawings alone are generally not sufficient for a detailed estimate.

Question 15

Can you revise an estimate if drawings are updated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If addenda or revised drawings are issued before your bid date, we can update the estimate to reflect the changes. Revision fees depend on the extent of the changes. Minor addenda (clarifications, no scope change) are typically included at no additional charge. Major scope revisions are quoted separately.

Question 16

Do you provide estimates in Excel format?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The itemised estimate spreadsheet is delivered in Excel (.xlsx) format so you can sort, filter, and apply your own markup or labour rates. A PDF summary is also included. If you need the estimate in a specific template or format — such as your company's bid form — let us know when you submit.

Question 17

Are you a licensed plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

No. Plumber Estimator is a plumbing estimating and quantity takeoff service, not a licensed plumbing contractor. We prepare cost estimates and material takeoffs for use by contractors, owners, and project managers. We do not perform installation work, pull permits, or provide engineering services. Plumber Estimator is a division of Union Estimating LLC.

Question 18

Where are you located? Do you work on projects outside your area?

Accepted Answer

We operate remotely and work on projects across the United States. There is no geographic restriction — we estimate projects in all 50 states. All work is performed digitally from your submitted drawings, so location does not affect turnaround or pricing.

Question 19

Is my project information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We treat all project drawings, pricing, and client information as confidential. We do not share project details with third parties. Sample estimates we provide to prospective clients are fully redacted — client names, project addresses, and proprietary pricing are removed before sharing.

Question 20

Can I use your estimate to submit a bid directly?

Accepted Answer

Our estimates are prepared as a tool to support your bidding process. You should review the estimate, verify key material prices with your suppliers, apply your own labour rates and overhead, and confirm scope against the project specifications before submitting a bid. We recommend treating our estimate as a detailed starting point, not a final bid number.

Question 21

Do you work with general contractors as well as plumbing subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with plumbing subcontractors preparing bids, general contractors needing a plumbing budget for a GMP or lump-sum proposal, owners and developers building project budgets, and design teams preparing cost models during design. The deliverable format is the same regardless of who the client is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question?