Estimating by project type.
Every project type has its own estimating considerations. What works for a loft conversion may not suit a commercial fit-out. These guides explain the specific inputs, common scope items, and cost risks for each type.
Articles in this guide
A 19-guide reference covering the most common residential and commercial project types plus trade-specific estimating guides for specialist contractors.
Single-storey extension estimate
Rear and side single-storey extensions: foundations, roof, glazing, decoration, and services.
Two-storey extension estimate
Double-storey builds: structural steel, scaffolding, floor cassettes, drainage, and finishes.
Side return and wraparound extension estimate
Tight-access side returns, party wall implications, and combined wraparound pricing.
Loft conversion estimate
Velux, dormer, mansard, and hip-to-gable loft conversions: structural works and fit-out.
Dormer loft conversion estimate
Flat-roof, pitched-roof, and full-dormer loft conversions: steelwork, dormer structure, and finishes.
House refurbishment estimate
Full-house strip-out and refurbishment: rewiring, plumbing, plastering, joinery, and decoration.
New-build house estimate
New-build dwellings: groundworks, frame, cladding, first and second fix, external works.
Basement conversion estimate
Underpinning, tanking, waterproofing, ventilation, and M&E for basement conversions.
Commercial fit-out estimate
Office and retail fit-outs: M&E, partitioning, finishes, landlord requirements, and CDM.
Kitchen refurbishment estimate
Kitchen strip, first-fix, plastering, tiling, joinery, and appliance installation.
Bathroom refurbishment estimate
Bathroom strip, plumbing, tanking, tiling, sanitaryware, and ventilation.
Painting and decorating estimate
Prepping, painting, wallpapering, and decorating: measured by area, linear metre, or item.
Flooring estimate
Screed, underlay, timber, tile, LVT, and carpet flooring: subfloor prep and material waste.
Tiling estimate
Wall and floor tiling: substrate prep, tanking, tile types, pattern cutting, and grouting.
Plumbing small works estimate
Bathroom/heating installations, boiler swaps, radiator adds, and trace-and-repair plumbing.
Electrical small works estimate
Rewires, fuse board upgrades, extra sockets, lighting, testing, and certification.
Carpentry and joinery estimate
First and second fix carpentry, kitchen fitting, staircases, skirting, and architraves.
Roof repair and replacement estimate
Roof coverings, felt, battens, tile/slate repair, lead work, and scaffold pricing.
Daywork and small works pricing
Pricing smaller trade jobs and daywork arrangements with agreed rates.
Create a project estimate
Use the Construction Estimator to build a detailed estimate for any project type, or send your project details to Max on WhatsApp for a review-ready draft.