What Is Earthwork in Construction and the Role of Accurate Service
What is earthwork in construction and why does it matter? Explore earthwork estimating, site preparation, and how accurate service keeps your project on time and budget.
Read ArticleSitework and Excavation Estimating
Earthwork, grading, excavation and site utility estimates that quantify cut, fill, trenching and haul.
Sitework and Excavation Estimating Overview
Sitework costs depend on volumes: how much soil is cut, filled, imported or hauled away, and how many feet of trench each utility needs. We compare existing and proposed grades from the civil drawings to estimate earthwork volumes, and measure utilities by size, material and depth.
Paving, fencing and landscaping each have their own pages; this page covers what happens in and under the ground.
Scope of Work
What Our Sitework & Excavation Estimating Covers
Systems, materials and components we measure and price from your project documents.
Earthwork and grading
- Clearing, grubbing and topsoil stripping
- Cut and fill volumes from existing and proposed grades
- Building pad, footing and basement excavation
- Import, export and haul quantities
Utilities and erosion control
- Storm, sanitary and water lines by size and material
- Manholes, catch basins, inlets and structures
- Trench excavation, bedding and backfill
- Silt fence, inlet protection and stabilized construction entrances
What You Receive
- Cut and fill volumes with method noted
- Utility lengths by size, plus structure counts
- Erosion control quantities
- Priced sitework estimate with equipment and labor
See the level of detail: Earthwork estimate sample (PDF) , Grading estimate sample (PDF) , Site works estimate sample (PDF)
What We Need From You
- Civil grading and drainage plans
- Utility plans and profiles
- Existing topographic survey
- Geotechnical report for soil and groundwater conditions
Projects We Estimate
- Commercial site development
- Residential subdivisions and lots
- Parking lots and site expansions
- Utility extensions and connections
How It Works
How We Prepare Your Sitework & Excavation Estimate
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Send your plans
Upload drawings, specifications and addenda through the quote form, email or WhatsApp.
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Confirm scope and fee
We confirm what will be measured, the estimate format and the delivery date before work starts.
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Takeoff and pricing
Quantities are measured from the drawings, then priced for material, labor and equipment as requested.
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Review together
We walk you through the estimate, answer questions and adjust it to your bid.
Construction Estimating FAQ
Sitework & Excavation Estimating Questions
We compare existing and proposed surfaces from the grading plan, using a grid or cross-section method, and adjust for topsoil, pavement sections and building pads. The method and any shrink or swell factors are stated in the estimate.
Site utilities run to the building connection points. Plumbing inside the building is part of plumbing estimating.
Related Services
Related Estimating Services
Scopes that are often estimated together with this one.
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From initial takeoff to final bid, our estimators prepare detailed construction cost estimates for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the United States.
- 24–48h Typical Turnaround
- All Trades Takeoffs Across CSI Divisions
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