Skip to main content
Author Estimation
  • Samples
  • Pricing
  • Services
  • How It Works
  • Get In Touch
  • Samples
  • Pricing
  • Services
  • How It Works
Get In Touch
Author Estimation

CSI MasterFormat estimates for US general contractors and specialty subcontractors. RSMeans-backed. 48-hour delivery. GA · NC · VA · TN · SC · OH.

RSMeans · PlanSwift · Bluebeam · CSI MasterFormat 2020
Navigate
  • How It Works
  • Samples
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Upload Plans
We Estimate
  • Commercial TI
  • Finishes — Div 09
  • MEP Allowances
  • Warehouse / Industrial
  • Multi-Family
  • Conceptual / Class D
Contact
  • info@authorestimation.com
  • +1 (307) 443-4667
  • Mon–Fri · 8AM–6PM

© 2026 Author Estimation LLC. All rights reserved.

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicySMS Policy
Ready to send plans? →
NC
New ConstructionConstruction Estimating

Expert Light Commercial New Build Estimation

Warehouse shell, multi-family 5–50 units, retail $1M–$8M. Full envelope through finishes. Heavy civil excluded.

Get an EstimateView Samples
What's Included
  • FoundationsLS / CY
  • StructureSF
  • EnvelopeSF
  • MEPSF
  • FinishesSF
New Construction

Light Commercial New Build

Our Light Commercial New Build estimating services cover the complete construction cost for warehouse shells, multi-family residential, and retail projects from $1M to $8M. We quantify the full project — foundations through finishes — with a clear scope boundary that excludes heavy civil work and states all exclusions explicitly.

Key Highlights of Our Light Commercial New Build Services

Site Concrete & Foundation Quantification

Foundations, grade beams, and site flatwork are measured in CY and SF with bearing conditions and reinforcement included.

Structural System Takeoffs

Core and shell structural systems — wood, steel, or CMU — are fully quantified in the appropriate unit of measure for accurate bid pricing.

Exterior Envelope Measurement

Walls, roofing, windows, and doors are measured and budgeted as a complete assembly, with energy performance requirements noted.

White Box Interior Build-Out

Interior rough-in finishes are quantified to white box standard, covering framing, drywall, paint, and basic MEP rough-ins.

Multi-Family Unit Breakdowns

For 5–50 unit residential projects, costs are summarized by unit type and building total, supporting unit economics analysis.

Warehouse Shell Efficiency

Shell-only warehouse estimates are structured by envelope component, making it easy to value-engineer wall systems or roof assemblies.

Retail Build-Out Scoping

Retail estimates account for front-of-house finishes and back-of-house functionality, with landlord work and tenant scope clearly delineated.

Heavy Civil Exclusions Stated

Site utilities, off-site improvements, and site grading are clearly excluded and noted, so the GC and owner know what remains.

Our light commercial new build estimates give developers and general contractors the full picture — complete, structured, and clear about what's in and what's out. With every scope covered and every exclusion documented, you can bid and build with confidence.

New Construction

Sample Line Items

Representative extract from a real Light Commercial New Build estimate — RSMeans-priced, CCI-adjusted.

Author Estimation — Light Commercial New Build Sample Extract
FORMAT: CSI MasterFormat 2020PRICING: RSMeans 2025 + CCI
Work ItemQtyUnitTotal
Site Concrete & Foundations1LS$120,000
Core & Shell Structure15,000SF$675,000
Exterior Envelope & Roof1LS$240,000
Interior Build-Out (White Box)15,000SF$450,000

RSMeans Online · CCI Applied · CSI MasterFormat 2020 · OH&P excluded by default

Sample Extract Only
Also Available

Related Services

Every division estimated to the same standard — CSI-coded, RSMeans-priced.

Div 02 · 03

Concrete & Demo

Demo quantities, slab-on-grade, footings, CIP walls — CY, SF, rebar weight, formwork. CCI-adjusted per state.

View service →
Div 04 · 05

Masonry & Structural Steel

CMU courses, brick veneer. Steel tonnage, connection plates, metal deck SF, bar joists by LF and weight.

View service →
Div 06 · 07

Framing & Thermal

Wood BF, cold-formed metal stud by LF + gauge. Roofing SQ, insulation R-value layering, air barrier, flashing LF.

View service →
Get Started

Ready for Your Light Commercial New Build Estimate?

Upload drawings and scope. We confirm turnaround and flat fee same business day — no invoice until you approve.

Email
info@authorestimation.com
Phone / Text
+1 (307) 443-4667
Turnaround
48–72 hours from scope confirmation
Upload PlansView Sample Estimates