Cut and fill volumes
across the site, by area if needed
Divisions 31 to 33, Sitework
Sitework Estimating Services for Earthwork, Utilities & Paving
Sitework is where a lot of construction risk lives: under the ground, out of sight on most drawings. The volume of dirt you move, whether it stays on site, what's waiting at the bottom of the trench: those questions decide whether a site package makes money.
Our sitework estimating services cover earthwork, site utilities, paving, and site improvements (CSI Divisions 31, 32, and 33), with volumes, soil factors, and assumptions stated plainly.
Divisions 31 to 33Earthwork, utilities and paving
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
ZIP-code pricedLocal material and labor rates
24 to 48 hoursTypical turnaround
Earthwork: Cut, Fill & Balance
Earthwork quantities come from comparing the existing ground surface (from the survey) with the proposed finished surface (from the grading plan), adjusted for the depth of pavement sections, slabs, and topsoil.
We calculate:
Stripping
of topsoil and organic material
Building pad
excavation and fill
Overexcavation and undercut
where the geotechnical report requires removing unsuitable soil
Import or export
needed to balance the site
Fine grading
by area
A site that balances on paper may not balance in practice once soil factors and unsuitable material are accounted for, which is why the next section matters.
Bank, Loose & Compacted Volumes
Soil changes volume as it's dug, hauled, and compacted:
Bank cubic yards
soil in its natural, undisturbed state
Loose cubic yards
after excavation; typically larger (swell), and what trucks carry
Compacted cubic yards
after placement and compaction; typically smaller (shrink)
Swell and shrink factors depend on soil type. We use the geotechnical report where available, or state the factors assumed. Getting this right decides how many truckloads are hauled and how much fill must be imported.
The Risks That Live Below Grade
Rock
Whether rock is expected, at what depth, and whether it rips or needs blasting.
Groundwater
Dewatering for excavations and trenches.
Unsuitable soils
Undercut and replacement quantities from the geotechnical report.
Existing utilities and structures
Demolition, relocation, or protection.
Contaminated soil
Special handling and disposal, if identified.
When the geotechnical report addresses these, we price from it. When it doesn't, we list them as assumptions or exclusions so the risk is visible on bid day.
Site Utilities
Storm drainage
pipe by size and material, structures (inlets, manholes, headwalls), detention systems
Sanitary sewer
gravity pipe, manholes, cleanouts, and force mains
Water
mains, services, valves, hydrants, and fire lines
Trenching
excavation, bedding, backfill, and compaction based on pipe depth and trench width
Testing and connections
taps, tie-ins, and pressure or video testing
Trench quantities are calculated from pipe inverts and finished grades, not just pipe length.
Paving & Site Improvements
- Asphalt paving: base, binder, and surface courses
- Concrete paving, sidewalks, curb and gutter
- Aggregate base by thickness
- Pavement markings, signage, and wheel stops
- Site concrete: dumpster pads, retaining walls, ramps
- Fencing and gates
- Site lighting bases (electrical by others unless included)
Erosion Control
Silt fence, inlet protection, construction entrances, sediment basins, and stabilization: usually defined in the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) and frequently left out of site bids.
Planting, irrigation, and hardscape finishes are covered in our landscaping estimates. Landscaping estimating →
Who Uses Sitework Estimating
- Excavation and grading contractors
- Utility contractors
- Paving contractors
- General contractors pricing site packages Building estimating →
- Developers checking site development costs Budget estimating →
Checklist
What to Send
- Civil drawings: grading, drainage, utility, paving, and erosion control plans
- Topographic survey
- Geotechnical report
- Specifications (Divisions 31 to 33)
- CAD files or surfaces, if available
Send Your Files
Upload the drawings through our quote form, share a Google Drive or plan-room link, or email them. Large sets travel best as a shared folder.
Upload Your Plans →Or email info@primeestimation.com.
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
Deliverables
What You Receive
- Cut/fill summary with import/export
- Volumes in bank, loose, and compacted units where relevant
- Utility quantities by system, size, and depth
- Paving and site improvement quantities
- Erosion control quantities
- Pricing for material, labor, and equipment
- Clarifications and exclusions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate cut and fill?
By comparing the existing ground surface from the survey with the proposed surface from the grading plan, adjusted for pavement, slab, and topsoil thicknesses.
Do you account for shrink and swell?
Yes. We apply soil factors from the geotechnical report or state the assumed factors.
Can you estimate from PDF grading plans?
Yes, using contours and spot elevations. CAD files speed the work and improve detail.
Is landscaping included?
Landscaping and irrigation are separate. Ask if you need both.
Do you include rock excavation?
Only when the geotechnical report supports a quantity. Otherwise, we list it as an exclusion or a unit-price item.
Ready to Get Started?
Get Your Site Package Priced
Send the civil drawings, survey, and geotech report. We'll quote the estimate and delivery date.