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Estimating & Bidding

Budget Estimate

In Plain English

A rough early cost estimate used to decide whether a project is financially feasible.

Definition

A budget estimate is an early-stage cost projection prepared with limited design information to establish a project's financial feasibility. It typically carries an accuracy range of plus or minus 20–30% and uses historical cost data, square footage pricing, or assemblies-based pricing. Budget estimates help owners make go/no-go decisions before investing in full design.

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