The process
How It Works
Getting a professional construction estimate is straightforward. Here's exactly what to expect from start to finish.
A simple, transparent process
We've designed our process to be as easy as possible for architects, building designers, builders and homeowners. No complicated onboarding, no surprises — just clear communication and accurate estimates delivered on time.
Send us your plans and project details
Email your documentation to info@smartae.com.au and tell us about your project.
Send your architectural drawings, floor plans, elevations and any relevant specifications to info@smartae.com.au. The more detail you can provide, the more accurate your estimate will be.
We accept PDF plans, AutoCAD files, Revit files and scanned drawings. If your documentation is at an early stage — concept drawings or a DA set — that's fine too. Just let us know where you're up to and we'll tailor the estimate accordingly.
Include a brief description of the project: the type of work, the location, any known site conditions, and what you need the estimate for (budgeting, tendering, feasibility, etc.) and note any special allowances and specific client requests. If you want to receive your estimate costed in stages, please advise us of this in your project description.
What to include
- Architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections)
- Specifications or finishes schedule (if available)
- Project location and type
- What the estimate is needed for
- Any known site conditions or constraints
We review your project and send a fee proposal
Within 2 working days, you'll receive a clear, obligation-free fee proposal.
Once we receive your plans, we review the scope and complexity of your project and prepare a fee proposal. This outlines exactly what we'll deliver, the cost of the estimate, and the expected turnaround time.
The fee proposal is obligation-free. There's no commitment required until you approve it. If you have questions about the scope or fee, we're happy to discuss before you decide.
Fee proposals are returned within 2 working days of receiving your documentation. For larger or more complex projects, we'll let you know upfront if additional time is needed to assess the scope.
We prepare your estimate and deliver it on time
Once approved, we get to work and deliver a detailed, accurate estimate by the agreed date.
After you approve the fee proposal, we begin work on your estimate. Every estimate is prepared by our Australian team using current, constantly updated market rates — no offshore systems, no automated pricing tools.
Your estimate is delivered as a clear, itemised document broken down by trade or element, depending on the type of estimate. It's formatted to be easy to read and ready to use — whether you're presenting to a client, briefing a builder, or comparing tenders.
We deliver by the agreed date, every time. If anything changes during the process — revised drawings, scope changes — we'll let you know how that affects the estimate and timeline before proceeding.
What you receive
Your information is safe with us
All documentation you send us is treated with complete confidentiality. Your plans, specifications and project details are never shared outside our office and are never sent overseas. We take the trust you place in us seriously.
Ready to get started?
Send us your plans and project details and we'll have a fee proposal back to you within 2 working days.
Email your project details