JLG Estimating provides remote, plan-based commercial MEP takeoff and bid estimating support for contractors bidding projects in Chicago. The takeoff is built from the drawings, schedules, specifications, and addenda you provide; code compliance and permit filing remain with the architect, engineer of record, and Chicago Department of Buildings.
Request plan-based quantities or priced estimating support for your bid package. Most Chicago commercial estimates are typically $150–$1,000. Most of those packages come back in 24–48 hours, depending on project size and scope. Start with the scope and fee guide and the drawing-revision checklist.
Remote commercial MEP estimating and quantity takeoff support for contractors bidding projects in Chicago. Start with the project address, requested trades, current drawings, specifications, schedules, bid instructions, and addenda.
JLG measures and organizes the agreed estimating scope from supplied project documents. JLG does not determine the permitting jurisdiction, design systems, certify code compliance, submit permits, or imply a local Chicago office or field team.
The City of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces the Chicago Construction Codes, which include distinct municipal mechanical and electrical provisions such as rigid conduit requirements under Title 14E. For commercial estimating, project address, building occupancy, frost-depth requirements (60 inches), and local grease basin details provide essential preconstruction context before quantities are locked.
| Context type | How to use it for estimating |
|---|---|
| State requirement | Use the parent Illinois estimating hub for sourced statewide context; confirm the applicable edition for the project. |
| City / AHJ requirement | The cited Chicago material applies only when that authority and review path govern the project. Confirm the address and project type first. |
| Utility requirement | Do not assume a utility scope. Include it only when the bid documents or the responsible utility identify the interface. |
| General construction context | Treat market or project-type observations as intake context, not as code or permit requirements. |
Jurisdiction note: The cited material describes City of Chicago DOB procedures and Title 14 provisions. It does not establish jurisdiction for every metropolitan-area address, certify code compliance, or replace review by the responsible design professionals and applicable authorities.
Choose the trade scope that matches the bid package. JLG's estimating work is based on the supplied drawings, specifications, scope, and revisions; the project team remains responsible for design and code decisions.
Fixture schedules, piping scope, and municipal utility boundaries.
Mechanical equipment, ductwork, and hydronic piping takeoffs.
Sheet-metal quantities measured from the project drawings.
Rigid conduit, EMT raceways, power distribution, and panel schedules.
Estimating is performed from the project information supplied by the contractor. A clear package helps keep scope, revisions, and assumptions visible through the takeoff; it does not transfer design or code responsibility to the estimator.
Read the estimating methodology · See illustrative deliverable structure
No. JLG provides remote preconstruction takeoff and estimating support based on supplied drawings. Permitting and code certification belong to the project design team and DOB.
We measure conduit linear footages, pull boxes, and raceway fittings according to the engineer's electrical schedules, factoring Chicago Title 14E conduit requirements.
Send the complete architectural and MEP plan set, equipment schedules, specifications, issued addenda, and any documented utility connection requirements.
Send the project scope, current drawings, specifications, and addenda to discuss estimating support.
Contact JLG Estimating