General Policy & Terms of Service

Updated at: May 14, 2026

These terms govern all service engagements between Author Estimation LLC and its clients. By requesting or receiving services, you agree to these terms in full.

1. Company Information

Author Estimation is a remote construction estimation consultancy serving general contractors and specialty subcontractors across the United States. Our services are delivered remotely by a professional estimating team. Correspondence and project communications are conducted via email, our website contact form, and agreed project channels.

Contact: info@authorestimation.com | authorestimation.com

2. Scope of Services

Author Estimation provides the following professional services to contractors, developers, and construction businesses in the USA:

• Cost Estimation & Budgeting — detailed material, labor, and equipment cost estimates using RSMeans pricing
• Quantity Take-Offs & Material Estimation — measurement-based takeoffs from drawings using PlanSwift and Bluebeam
• CSI MasterFormat 2020 Structured Deliverables — estimates organized by CSI division (Div 01–26)
• Conceptual / Class D Estimates — $/SF feasibility estimates by building type without drawings
• MEP Allowances & Itemized Estimates — plumbing, HVAC, and electrical allowances or itemized breakdowns
• Technical Documentation — assumptions & exclusions tabs, PDF summary exports

3. Engagement & Project Initiation

All engagements commence upon written confirmation of scope, fee, and timeline agreed between the client and Author Estimation. Written confirmation includes email acknowledgment, signed proposal, or formal purchase order.

3.1 Client Responsibilities

The client agrees to:

• Provide complete, legible, and accurate project drawings, specifications, and reference documents in a timely manner
• Respond to clarification requests within a reasonable timeframe (typically 2 business days)
• Notify Author Estimation of any changes to project scope, design, or requirements prior to deliverable completion
• Ensure that shared documents and files do not contain third-party proprietary information without proper authorization

4. Deliverables & Turnaround

Author Estimation will define the estimated turnaround time in the project proposal or quotation. Timelines are contingent upon timely receipt of complete and accurate project documents from the client. Delays caused by incomplete submittals, scope changes, or client non-response will extend turnaround accordingly. Author Estimation will communicate any timeline adjustments promptly.

5. Revisions

Each engagement includes one revision round as specified in the project proposal. A revision is defined as a modification to the deliverable based on information provided in the original scope. Revisions resulting from scope changes, additional items not included in the original takeoff, or updated drawings will be quoted separately. Author Estimation does not guarantee identical results if input documents are altered after work has commenced.

6. Fees & Payment

All fees are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise agreed. Payment terms are as specified in the project proposal. Author Estimation reserves the right to withhold final deliverables until payment has been received in full. For recurring or long-term engagements, a payment schedule will be agreed in writing prior to commencement.

6.1 Late Payment

Invoices unpaid beyond the agreed due date may incur a late fee of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance. Author Estimation reserves the right to suspend services on accounts with outstanding balances without prior notice.

6.2 Refund Policy

Fees for work already commenced are non-refundable. If a project is cancelled by the client prior to commencement, a full refund will be issued. If cancelled after partial completion, a pro-rated charge reflecting work completed will apply.

7. Intellectual Property

All deliverables produced by Author Estimation, including estimates, takeoff sheets, schedules, and reports, are provided for the exclusive use of the client for the specific project described in the engagement. Author Estimation retains the right to use anonymized or aggregated project data for internal quality assurance and business development purposes.

The client may not resell, redistribute, or represent Author Estimation's deliverables as independently produced work without prior written consent.

8. Confidentiality

Author Estimationtreats all client-submitted project documents, drawings, specifications, and business information as strictly confidential. This information will not be disclosed to third parties without the client's written consent, except as required by applicable law. Clients are similarly expected to treat Author Estimation's proprietary methodologies, pricing structures, and templates as confidential.

9. Accuracy & Disclaimer

Author Estimation's estimates, takeoffs, and analyses are based on the project documents and information provided by the client. They represent professional opinions based on standard industry practices and RSMeans pricing data and are not guarantees of actual construction costs or outcomes. Author Estimation is not liable for discrepancies arising from incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated client-supplied information, changes in market rates, or field conditions.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Author Estimation's total liability arising from any engagement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the client for the specific project in question. Author Estimation is not liable for indirect, consequential, incidental, or punitive damages, including but not limited to lost profits, project delays, or contractor bid losses, regardless of whether Author Estimation was advised of the possibility of such damages.

11. File Uploads & Data Handling

Files uploaded through our website contact form (PDF, DWG, DXF, ZIP, and image files) are used exclusively for preparing estimates and deliverables for the associated project. Uploaded files are stored securely and are not shared with third parties. Files are retained for the duration of the engagement plus three (3) years, after which they are securely deleted. Maximum file upload is limited to 10 files per submission.

12. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, the dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration administered under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), with proceedings conducted in English. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.

13. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to conflict of law principles. For California-based clients, applicable California Consumer Protection laws are additionally recognized.

14. Modifications to This Policy

Author Estimation reserves the right to update this General Policy at any time. Updated policies will be posted on our website at authorestimation.com with a revised updated date. Continued engagement with Author Estimation after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.