Consulting · a light secondary service
Estimator consulting — build the capability, not just the number.
TCMG helps architecture, engineering, and agency teams stand up estimating capability of their own: department build-out, estimator mentoring, and independent review of estimates already in hand. Estimating only — the work TCMG actually likes doing.
Estimating department build-out
Stand up an in-house estimating capability — process, structure, and the CSI MasterFormat discipline that keeps estimates complete division to division.
Estimator mentoring
One-on-one mentoring for estimators who want to learn the craft properly, from someone who has done it for 30+ years.
Estimate review / QC
An independent second set of eyes on an estimate already in hand — checking the takeoff, the assumptions, and the number before it goes up the chain.
Who consulting is for
Usually a firm that has decided estimating should be done in-house, and has realized that buying software is not the same as having the capability. Sometimes it is an agency or a design team with an estimator who is good but green, and nobody senior to learn from. Occasionally it is a team that wants one experienced pass over an estimate before it goes out, without handing the work to someone who might bid against them.
How an engagement runs
It starts with what already exists — the process, the templates, the last few estimates, and where the numbers have gone wrong before. From there the work is practical: putting a CSI MasterFormat structure in place so estimates come out complete and comparable division to division, setting up a review step that actually catches missing scope, and working alongside the team's estimators on live projects rather than in a classroom.
Engagements are deliberately small and finite. The goal is a team that no longer needs the help — not a standing retainer.
The same track record behind every engagement
- 30+ yrs estimating buildings
- >$1B estimated in construction value
- within 5% estimate accuracy
- $500K–$900M project range
Hundreds of estimates delivered.
Estimating rigor: CSI MasterFormat (Divisions 00–33).
Frequently asked questions
What is estimator consulting?
TCMG helps teams build their own estimating capability — standing up an estimating department, mentoring estimators, and independently reviewing estimates already in hand. Estimating only.
Talk to us about consulting
Standing up estimating capability, or need a second set of eyes on an estimate? Start here.