Utilities estimating & takeoff services
Site utility takeoffs from civil plans and profiles: pipe by size, material and depth, structures by the each. Trenching, bedding, backfill, connections and testing are carried separately.
How we estimate site utility
Site utilities are priced by depth as much as by length. We measure water, sanitary, storm, gas and electrical duct bank from the utility plans and profiles, band each run by depth, and carry trench excavation, bedding, pipe zone backfill and surface restoration as separate lines because they usually cost more than the pipe.
Manholes, catch basins, valves, hydrants, cleanouts and detention structures are counted by the each with depth or size noted. Connections to existing mains, tapping sleeves, and utility company requirements are separated so tap and connection fees can be tracked against the owner's budget.
- Drawings used
- C-400 utility plan, C-410 utility profiles, C-500 storm drainage plan, C-600 utility details, Spec 33 11 00 / 33 31 00 / 33 41 00 / 33 71 00
- Reported in
- LF · EA · VF · CY · SF · LS
- Format
- Editable Excel workbook, division tab with sheet references; PDF summary; written exclusions and assumptions.
- Turnaround
- Confirmed after we review the set and the project date.
Excluded by default
- Utility company tap, connection and capacity fees
- Rock excavation unless indicated
- Dewatering beyond stated allowance
- Work within public right-of-way requiring traffic control
- Building plumbing within 5'-0" of the structure (Division 22)
- Easement acquisition and permitting
Line items in a site utility takeoff
Every group below is a separate section of the workbook. Units shown are the units the estimate reports in.
Water distribution
LF · EA- Water main by size and material, depth bandedLF
- Domestic and fire servicesLF
- Gate valves and valve boxesEA
- Fire hydrant assembliesEA
- Tapping sleeves and connectionsEA
- Thrust blocks, restraints and testingEA / LS
Sanitary sewer
LF · EA · VF- Gravity main by size and materialLF
- Depth bands for trenchingLF
- Manholes by diameter and depthEA / VF
- Cleanouts and lateralsEA / LF
- Force main and lift station where shownLF / EA
- Connection to existing and core drillingEA
Storm drainage
LF · EA- Storm pipe by size and materialLF
- Catch basins, inlets and area drainsEA
- Storm manholes and junction boxesEA / VF
- Headwalls, end sections and rip-rapEA / CY
- Underground detention or retention systemsCY / EA
- Water quality units and outlet structuresEA
Dry utilities
LF · EA- Electrical duct bank by conduit countLF
- Pull boxes, vaults and transformer padsEA
- Gas service by sizeLF
- Telecom and fiber conduitLF
- Site lighting conduit (coordinate Div 26)LF
- Utility company coordination allowanceLS
Trenching & backfill
LF · CY- Trench excavation by depth bandLF / CY
- Bedding and pipe zone materialCY / TON
- Backfill: native or selectCY
- Compaction and testingCY
- Shoring and trench safetyLF
- Dewatering allowanceLS
Restoration & testing
SF · LS- Pavement cut and patchSF
- Curb, walk and landscape restorationLF / SF
- Pressure testing and disinfectionLS
- CCTV inspection of gravity linesLF
- Mandrel and air testingLF
- As-built surveyLS
A site utility takeoff, as delivered
| Description | Qty | Unit | Sheet | Material | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" DIP water main, 4'-6' depth | 640 | LF | C-401 | 44,800 | 32,000 | 76,800 |
| Hydrants (2), valves (4), tapping sleeve | 1 | LS | C-601 | 21,400 | 9,800 | 31,200 |
| 8" PVC sanitary @ 0.5%, 6'-10' depth | 820 | LF | C-411 | 16,400 | 45,100 | 61,500 |
| Sanitary manholes, 48" dia., 4 EA, 32 VF | 32 | VF | C-601 | 12,800 | 9,600 | 22,400 |
| 15" RCP storm, 3'-5' depth | 1,140 | LF | C-501 | 31,920 | 39,900 | 71,820 |
| Catch basins & storm structures, 9 EA | 9 | EA | C-501 | 27,000 | 13,500 | 40,500 |
| Division 33 subtotal | 154,320 | 149,900 | 304,220 | |||
Specific to this trade
Why are pipes banded by depth?
Because trench cost rises sharply with depth: more excavation, more shoring, more backfill, slower production. A 10-foot-deep sanitary run costs far more per foot than a 4-foot water line of the same diameter.
Are connection fees included?
No. Tap fees, capacity charges and utility company work are owner costs that vary by jurisdiction. They are listed as exclusions so they are not forgotten in the owner's budget.
Do you read the profiles or just the plan?
Both. The plan gives horizontal length; the profiles give invert elevations, depth and slope. Estimating from the plan alone under-prices deep runs.
Utilities bid due soon?
Send the relevant sheets and we'll come back with a price and a date.