Frequently Asked Questions

Matrix Estimating provides fully measured quantity take-offs, detailed construction estimates, priced and unpriced Bills of Quantities, trade-specific take-offs and preliminary cost plans. We support commercial and residential construction projects throughout Australia.

Our take-offs are built to be checked, not simply trusted. Every measured item is linked back to the project drawings through the RIB CostX Viewer — a free application you can download yourself — allowing you to see what has been measured, where it occurs and exactly what is included.

Accurate quantities. Traceable measurements. Scope you can verify.

We work with builders, subcontractors, developers, architects, owner-builders and homeowners. Our estimating services can be used for project budgeting, tender preparation, trade procurement, quotation comparisons and construction cost planning.

Depending on the service selected, your construction estimate may include a detailed cost breakdown, priced Bill of Quantities, editable unpriced Bill of Quantities, PDF cost summary, marked-up drawings and a CostX Viewer file containing the measured take-off.

The exact scope and deliverables will be clearly identified in our proposal before work begins.

A Bill of Quantities, commonly referred to as a BOQ, is a detailed list of the labour, materials and measured quantities required to complete a construction project.

A well-prepared BOQ helps builders and clients obtain comparable quotations, identify missing scope, manage their project budget and reduce the risk of unexpected variations during construction.

Preparing a Bill of Quantities is a core function of the quantity surveying profession. The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is the professional body representing quantity surveyors in Australia and sets out the scope and standards of the profession.

Yes. We can prepare a fully measured quantity take-off or unpriced Bill of Quantities that you can issue directly to subcontractors and suppliers for pricing.

We can also provide a fully priced construction estimate using current market rates if you require an independent assessment of the likely project cost.

The accuracy of a construction estimate depends on the quality and completeness of the available drawings, specifications and engineering documentation.

Rather than relying solely on broad square-metre rates, Matrix Estimating measures the individual components of the project and prices the defined scope in detail. Any assumptions, exclusions, provisional sums or allowances are clearly identified.

It is also worth understanding that construction input costs move over time. The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes Producer Price Indexes tracking material and construction cost movements, which is why an estimate reflects the market at the time it was prepared and should be reviewed if a project is delayed.

Yes. Through the free CostX Viewer, you can review the measured quantities directly against the project drawings and 3D take-off.

This provides a transparent and traceable record showing what was measured, where it was measured and what has been included in each quantity.

Most construction estimates are completed within approximately 7–10 business days after acceptance of our proposal, payment of the required deposit and receipt of all necessary project documents.

The delivery timeframe will depend on the size and complexity of the project and will be confirmed before we commence.

Please send us all available architectural drawings, structural and civil engineering plans, specifications, schedules, reports and tender documentation.

The more complete the documentation, the more accurate the estimate. Drawings and specifications should reflect the requirements of the National Construction Code, published by the Australian Building Codes Board, as compliance requirements directly affect what needs to be built and therefore what it costs.

We will review the information and confirm the recommended estimating service, fixed fee, deliverables and expected completion date.

The cost of a construction estimate depends on the project’s size and complexity, the quality of the available documentation and whether you require a take-off, Bill of Quantities, preliminary cost plan or fully priced estimate.

Send us your drawings and a brief description of what you need, and we will provide a fixed-fee quotation before commencing.

Yes. Matrix Estimating provides remote construction estimating and quantity take-off services for commercial and residential projects throughout Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

All drawings and documentation can be supplied electronically, allowing our estimating team to assist clients regardless of project location.

Yes. We prepare trade-specific take-offs for builders and subcontractors covering areas such as carpentry, concrete, reinforcement, brickwork, plasterboard, ceilings, painting, rendering, flooring and other construction trades.

Each service can be tailored to the specific tender package and pricing requirements.

Send us your project drawings, specifications and a brief description of the service you require. Our team will review the documentation and provide a fixed-fee quotation, proposed deliverables and estimated completion date before commencing.