ACE Talks

In construction, the fastest way to lose money or trust is to price a project off of assumptions. Yet many contractors still do it. They throw out a number based on rough square-foot pricing, and a quick glance, or whatever their gut says that day.

At ACE Construction, we approach estimating differently.
We price the project the same way we build it: one defined scope line at a time.

This is scope-driven, line-item estimating—and it’s the backbone of accurate budgets, predictable schedules, and successful builds.

Why Scope Matters More Than Square Feet

As we covered in our last blog, square-foot pricing is a myth that refuses to die. It makes everything look simple, but it hides the true complexity of a project.

Two projects can have the same square footage and be priced wildly differently because of soil conditions, access limitations, structural requirements, material choices, site prep, utilities, engineering changes, and owner selections. Square footage doesn’t tell you any of that; scope does. When we estimate, we break down exactly what will be performed, in what order, using which materials, and with what equipment. Every item is intentional. Line items create accuracy and a real estimate is a list of tasks.

Example:
Instead of saying “Install fence – $12,000,” we break it down:

• Mobilization
• Material delivery
• Post-hole excavation
• Concrete footings
• Setting posts
• Panel installation
• Gates and hardware
• Cleanup and haul-off

Every line item represents:
✔ labor hours
✔ material quantities
✔ equipment usage
✔ subcontractor inputs
✔ overhead
✔ risk allowance

When you build the price from the ground up, the total is no longer a guess.
It’s a reflection of the work required.

Transparency: The Client Sees the Same Thing We See

Because everything is itemized, our clients understand exactly what they are paying for. There’s no fog, no mystery, no “trust me bro” pricing.

This clarity builds trust early and prevents disputes later.

When something changes, we adjust the scope, not the story.
Clients don’t feel blindsided because we show them precisely where the cost shifts occur.

That level of honesty is rare in this industry, but it’s how ACE operates.

The ACE Advantage: Predictability Creates Performance

When you estimate by scope and line items:

• Schedules tighten
• Change orders decrease
• Material waste drops
• Crews know exactly what’s expected
• Project costs stay predictable
• Owners feel confident, not anxious

This is why ACE projects run smoothly.
We’re not improvising; we’re executing a plan.

Scope-Driven Estimating Protects the Budget

Most jobs that “run over budget” don’t actually run over.
They were never estimated correctly in the first place.

The budget was a rough guess disguised as a number.

By contrast, a line-item estimate is a miniature build plan.
It predicts effort, challenges, logistics, and solutions before the project even starts.

It’s the difference between:

Contractor A: “We should be close on that price.”
ACE Construction: “Here is the documented scope and the exact cost for each component.”

Why We Don’t Apologize for Thorough Estimating

Some people expect a contractor to fire off a price within 10 minutes.
That’s not estimating—that’s gambling.

At ACE, we slow down.
We ask questions.
We measure twice.
We confirm details.
We verify utilities, access, codes, and constraints.

And yes, our estimates take more work.
Because your project deserves accuracy, not assumptions.

Conclusion: Build with Precision, Price with Purpose

Scope-driven, line-item estimating is more than a method—it’s a mindset.

It says:
We respect our craft. We respect your investment. And we refuse to guess when it comes to your project.

This is how ACE Construction delivers predictable, professional results—job after job, year after year.