Independent cost estimating · the core of the practice
Independent cost estimating, without contractor bias.
TCMG works as an independent cost estimating consultant to public and private project teams that need reliable budgets, third-party estimate reviews, and construction cost validation — from someone with no stake in who wins the work.
- 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).
Why teams bring in an independent estimator
- They need an independent cost opinion before committing to a budget.
- They need an estimate reviewed against contractor pricing or design-team assumptions.
- They need third-party cost validation for public accountability.
- They need quantity takeoffs and pricing support during design or preconstruction.
- They need value engineering ideas before final decisions are made.
What TCMG estimates
Every engagement is structured to CSI MasterFormat, Divisions 00–33, so the number is complete and comparable division to division.
| Service | What it means | Buyer value |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual Estimates | Early-stage cost opinions for planning, feasibility, and funding. | Helps teams understand realistic budgets before decisions are locked in. |
| Design Phase Estimates | SD, DD, and CD estimates as drawings progress. | Keeps design decisions aligned with budget expectations. |
| Independent Estimate Reviews | Third-party review of contractor, architect, engineer, or internal estimates. | Creates confidence that pricing is reasonable and complete. |
| Quantity Takeoffs | Detailed measurement of construction scope. | Supports accurate pricing and reduces missed scope. |
| Budget Validation | Independent confirmation of budgets and cost assumptions. | Supports public agencies, owners, and design teams with defensible numbers. |
| Value Engineering | Review of systems, finishes, details, and scope alternatives. | Identifies cost-saving options without undermining project intent. |
The difference
Field experience, not just spreadsheet pricing
TCMG’s estimating work is informed by real construction experience, not just spreadsheet pricing. This field-based perspective helps identify missing scope, unrealistic assumptions, constructability concerns, and budget risks earlier in the process.
Proof, in the format buyers know
What a TCMG estimate looks like
A TCMG estimate in CSI MasterFormat — Cover and Summary shown, the Div 00–33 detail protected.
Sample K-12 Facility — 60% CD
- Project
- Sample K-12 Facility (illustrative)
- Phase
- 60% Construction Documents
- Estimate basis
- CSI MasterFormat, Divisions 00–33
- Gross area
- ~85,000 SF (illustrative)
- Prepared by
- TCMG — independent cost estimate
Color legend
- Inputs
- Formulas
- TBD
- Owner-provided
- Alternates
Summary of probable cost
| Div | Description | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | General Requirements | — |
| 03 | Concrete | — |
| 05 | Metals | — |
| 09 | Finishes | — |
| 23 | HVAC | — |
| 26 | Electrical | — |
| Total probable cost | — protected — |
Values neutralized for this preview. A real estimate carries fully priced Div 00–33 line items.
Division 03 · Concrete — detail view
How one division is measured underneath the summary above.
| Line | Description | Qty | Unit | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 30 53.10 | Continuous footings, 3,000 psi | 42.6 | CY | — |
| 03 30 53.20 | Spread footings, 3,000 psi | 18.4 | CY | — |
| 03 30 53.40 | Foundation walls, 8 in. | 1,240 | SF | — |
| 03 21 11.60 | Reinforcing steel, #5 bars, continuous | 12,300 | LB | — |
| 03 30 53.55 | Slab on grade, 4 in., welded wire fabric | 26,800 | SF | — |
| 03 15 16.20 | Expansion and control joints | 940 | LF | — |
| 03 35 13.30 | Power trowel finish | 26,800 | SF | — |
| 03 39 23.13 | Curing compound, membrane | 26,800 | SF | — |
Divisions 00–33 continue. Full detail supplied with the estimate.
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Frequently asked questions
What does TCMG do?
TCMG — The Construction Management Group of CO, LLC — is an independent cost estimating practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It prepares unbiased construction cost estimates for buildings, and also offers estimator consulting and estimator training for contractors.
What is an independent cost estimator?
An independent cost estimator prepares a construction cost estimate that isn’t tied to a contractor bidding the work, so the owner or design team gets an unbiased number for budgeting and bid comparison.
How accurate are TCMG’s estimates?
TCMG estimates land within 5%, backed by 30+ years of experience and more than $1 billion of construction estimated across hundreds of estimates.
What kinds of projects does TCMG estimate?
Buildings first — commercial, institutional, healthcare, educational, public safety, and similar — typically ranging from $500K to $900M, along with the utility, civil, and sitework scopes that come with them.
Where does TCMG work?
Nationwide. TCMG is based in Colorado Springs and estimates projects across the United States, including base estimating work for general contractors operating in multiple states. The estimate is built from the drawing set, so the work travels even where the office does not.