The Engineer’s Estimate is a tabulated listing of construction bid items that documents the project's total estimated construction cost. The listing includes the description, unit bid price and quantity of each bid item for the major categories of work. The major categories of work are further defined in the .

A properly prepared Engineer’s Estimate also identifies all different types of work that are to be included in the contract. This includes work to be performed by state or other forces, work eligible or ineligible for federal participation, and joint bid work such as utility work, drainage, bridge, pedestrian, landscaping, etc., that may be desired to be let in the project. The designer needs to carefully consider all aspects of design requirements, project agreement obligations, and federal requirements in identifying and composing the item of work in a construction contract. It is better to invest the time in clearly defining all anticipated aspects of work before the letting than to negotiate a dispute or item of work with a contractor that is not prepared to perform an overlooked aspect of work after signing the contract.

The preparation of an Engineer’s Estimate is a constantly evolving process that begins with plan preparation and continues throughout the course of project development. The following sections provide the process for the preparation of an Engineer’s Estimate.

Refer to TxDOT’s for further guidance on developing an Engineer’s Estimate.