Construction Cost Estimating: A Step-By-Step Guide

Walk through all of the steps professional estimators use to determine costs on a project—from reviewing a bid package through accounting for contingency and profit.

Article content provided by Procore.

In a recent article published by Procore, authors Bruno Pasini and Daniel Gray cover how estimating project costs accurately requires detailed knowledge of construction materials, specifications, techniques, codes, and pricing trends.

Construction estimating is the process of calculating all of the required costs for a construction project, including direct costs (e.g. materials and worker wages) and indirect costs (e.g. equipment depreciation and office worker salaries). Professional construction estimators perform this essential step in the preconstruction process, which helps ensure that owners and contractors are able to complete a construction project profitably.

Estimating project costs accurately requires detailed knowledge of construction materials, specifications, techniques, codes, and pricing trends. We'll walk through all of the steps professional estimators use to determine costs on a project—from reviewing a bid package all the way through accounting for contingency and profit.

Read the full article to learn all of the steps professional estimators use to determine costs on a project—from reviewing a bid package through accounting for contingency and profit.

Please view the entire line of Procore technology solutions here.

Have a question for Procore? Contact Procore here.

Procore helps firms drastically increase project efficiency and accountability by streamlining and mobilizing project communications and documentation. This real time data and accessibility minimizes costly risks and delays—ultimately boosting profits.


Feb 29, 2024 Products & Services Update

Latest Articles


Tackling 62-Inch Ducts with Spiracoustic Plus®

Dec 9, 2025 - A sheet metal manufacturer successfully insulated massive 62-inch ducts using Johns Manville’s Spiracoustic Plus® duct liner.


NEW CDP Cable-Operated Dampers

Dec 9, 2025 - We are pleased to announce the release of the new CDP Cable-Operated Dampers for use on Titus products. 


Milwaukee Tool’s Dual-Trigger Braking Grinder Delivers Maximum Control

Dec 9, 2025 - Powered by the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, the M18 FUEL™ 4-1/2" / 6" Dual-Trigger Braking Grinder delivers 13A corded performance and achieves up to 135 cuts in ½” rebar on a single charge.