Preconstruction since 1986
For 40 years we have helped owners and builders plan, price, and schedule their projects. We do it with people, and now with software too.
Start here
I own or run a building
A church, school, nonprofit, business, or developer. We help you set a budget, check the design, pick a builder, and stay on track.
Preconstruction help →I estimate or build
Contractors and estimators. Our software writes scopes, measures drawings, and gives you more time to check your numbers.
See our software →I have years of job records
Your past jobs hold real costs and real schedules. We build tools that use them to price and plan your next job better.
Custom data tools →Preconstruction
Mistakes cost the least to fix on paper. That is where we help most.
What can we afford?
A real cost number early, so the design fits your money.
What will it really cost?
A new, more exact estimate as the drawings get more complete.
Is anything missing?
We read the drawings and specs and find gaps before builders price them.
How long will it take?
A step-by-step schedule that shows what has to happen first.
Who should build it?
We help you ask for prices, compare them fairly, and pick the builder.
Who is on my side?
We work for you, not the builder, from first idea to move-in.
Churches, nonprofits, and small owners often build only once. We explain every step in plain words.
PAC Intelligence software
Made by an estimator, for estimators and builders. Three are ready now. Three more are on the way.
Scope
Reads your drawings and specs and writes the scope of work for each trade. Lists what is missing and the questions to ask.
$249a month
See ScopeGenQuantities
Measure lengths and areas and count items right on your PDF drawings. Send it all to Excel.
$499one time · 7-day free trial
See Takeoff StudioLearn
The book. How to build an estimate, step by step, from scope to final review.
$49.95paperback
See the bookCost
Quick budget prices for comparing choices, like one material versus another. Each price shows where it came from. For budgets, not bids.
Learn moreQuantities, faster
AI helpers for Takeoff Studio. It traces walls, finds rooms, and counts doors and fixtures. You check every number.
Learn moreTime
Answer simple questions about your job. Get a clear, professional schedule. No scheduling degree needed.
Learn moreWhy trust us
David Jackson started as a cost estimator in 1986. He went on to run large projects across Chicago, worked as an owner's representative, and taught estimating at the College of DuPage.
Every service and every tool we offer comes from real jobs.
Find everything that drives quality, cost, and time. Then keep each one under control. — David V. Jackson, Founder
New book
Estimating Fundamentals walks you through a real estimate in the order the work happens.
The first talk is free. David reads and answers every message himself.