Construction Project Scoping Survey

The survey evaluates five dimensions: project type (new build, renovation, commercial, ADU, infrastructure), scope of work in square footage, total budget range, target completion timeline, and current planning stage. It routes you to one of five paths: early planning, bid-ready, commercial scoping, budget-conscious build, or fast-track construction.

A cost calculator estimates pricing based on specific measurements and material choices. This survey assesses your overall project readiness and identifies whether your budget, timeline, and planning stage are aligned before you engage contractors. It prevents the common mistake of collecting bids before specifications are complete enough to produce accurate pricing.

ENR 2025 data shows projects bid from concept sketches receive bids with 15 to 20% more variance than those with complete specifications. Knowing your planning stage determines whether the right next step is investing in design or collecting contractor bids. Bidding too early wastes both your time and the contractors time.

Yes. The survey covers renovations, new builds, ADUs, commercial build-outs, and infrastructure projects. Renovations particularly benefit from scoping because unforeseen conditions (structural issues, outdated wiring, asbestos) are common and the survey helps you budget appropriate contingency before engaging contractors.

The survey identifies your project type and scope, then recommends comparing 3 to 5 bids on line-item detail rather than total price. A $180,000 bid with inferior materials is more expensive long-term than a $210,000 bid with quality materials and proper contingency. The survey output includes specific comparison criteria for your project type.

NAHB Cost of Constructing a Home Survey data places typical US custom-home build timelines at 12-24 months from groundbreaking, with additional months ahead for design, permitting, and lot preparation.

AGC of America Project Delivery research consistently identifies five pre-construction foundations: all required permits and approvals (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HOA if applicable), complete construction documents with finish selections made, fully secured financing with documented contingency reserve, contractor under contract with subcontractors and suppliers committed, and site prep complete with a documented project schedule.

A general contractor manages construction execution after design is complete (or after an architect is engaged separately) and coordinates subcontractors, scheduling, and permitting.

Industry guidance from NAHB and custom-home community resources consistently identifies a tipping point when renovation cost approaches 60-70% of new-build cost for the same square footage on the same lot.

Commercial build-out costs vary substantially by space type and finish level.