CSI Division 31 · Civil & Sitework
Earthwork Estimating
Cut, fill and export by state, with shrink and swell treated as three different numbers, and haul distance and disposal that usually cost more than the digging.
- CY
- cut, fill, export by state
- AC
- clearing, stripping, seeding
- LF
- erosion control, silt fence
- SF
- stabilisation and matting
Scope
What we measure.
Measured from
Grading plans, existing and proposed surfaces and the geotechnical report
- 01Cut · Common
- 02Fill & Compaction
- 03Export / Haul Off
- 04Clear & Grub
- 05Erosion Control
Where bids go wrong
What other earthwork estimates miss.
Shrink and swell factors between bank, loose and compacted volumes — three different numbers.
Topsoil strip, stockpile and respread, which is volume handled twice.
Haul distance and disposal fees, which usually cost more than the excavation itself.
Dewatering, undercut and unsuitable material, carried as an allowance with a stated basis.
Sample takeoff
How earthwork line items come back.
Every quantity is traceable to the sheet it came from, in the units the trade buys in.
- Quantities traced to the sheet they came from
- Waste and productivity carried as visible lines
- Formulas intact — edit any rate
| CSI | Line item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 31 23 16 | Cut — common | 4,820 CY |
| 31 23 23 | Fill & compaction | 3,140 CY |
| 31 23 19 | Export / haul off | 1,680 CY |
| 31 10 00 | Clear & grub | 2.4 AC |
| 31 25 00 | Erosion control | 1,840 LF |
FAQ
Earthwork Estimating, answered.
Talk to an estimator
Not a salesperson. Same-day answers on working days.
+1 518 974 7222[email protected]Do you calculate cut and fill from surfaces?
Yes. Volumes are calculated from existing and proposed surfaces, with shrink, swell and topsoil stripping stated as factors.
Is import or export included?
Yes. After balancing, net import or export and haul quantities are listed.
Can you use our cost book and labor rates?
Yes, and we prefer it. Your historical costs reflect your crews and your suppliers better than any published average. Send the template and we work inside it.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is per project and quoted before any work starts — no retainer, no minimum volume and no subscription.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. Drawings, specifications and pricing are treated as confidential by default, and we sign your NDA on request before any documents change hands.
Start a quote
Need earthwork numbers for your next bid?
Pick your project type and send the drawings. We confirm the fee and delivery date within the hour on working days.