FAQ
Common questions
Straight answers about HYKSOS formwork takeoffs, construction estimates and site classification reports.
What types of projects do you estimate?
We specialise in formwork and concrete structures (suspended slabs, columns, walls, cores, and podiums) for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. We also offer Class 3 construction Budget Estimates for developers, builders and owners testing feasibility before tender, plus engineering classification reports for site and geotechnical work. We don't compete with QS firms on tender-stage BOQs.
How long does a takeoff take?
Most formwork takeoffs are returned within 3–5 business days from receipt of a complete drawing pack. Complex or multi-stage projects may take longer: we'll confirm a turnaround time when we review your drawings. If you have a tender deadline, let us know upfront and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What do you need from us to get started?
A complete drawing pack: structural plans, elevations, sections, and any relevant specifications. PDFs are preferred; we also accept DWG. If drawings are issued in stages, send what you have and we can scope the work progressively. A brief description of the project type and tender deadline helps us prioritise.
What format is the estimate delivered in?
You'll receive a structured Bill of Quantities in Excel: item-level formwork components broken down by element (slab, column, wall, etc.), with quantities, labour units, and pricing columns ready for your own rates. We can also provide a summary sheet formatted for direct inclusion in your tender submission.
Do you provide labour pricing or just quantities?
Quantities are the core deliverable: an item-level BOQ with rate columns built in, ready for your own labour and material pricing. If you need a total dollar figure rather than quantities, ask about our Class 3 Budget Estimate, which applies current market rates to produce a priced budget. Let us know which you need when you send the drawings.
How much does a formwork estimate cost?
Project-based, quoted before any work begins. Pricing depends on project size, complexity, and turnaround requirements. Send us your drawing pack and we'll come back with a fixed-fee quote, typically within a few hours.
Are my drawings kept confidential?
Yes. We treat all project drawings, specifications, and tender documents as strictly confidential. We do not share, reproduce, or reference your project information outside the scope of preparing your estimate. If a formal NDA is required, we're happy to execute one before receiving drawings.
Can you work to our tender deadline?
We do our best to accommodate tender timelines: tell us your deadline when you make contact. For tight turnarounds, we may be able to expedite depending on current workload. We'll always be upfront if we can't meet a deadline rather than deliver a rushed estimate.
Do you cover projects outside NSW?
Yes, we estimate Australia-wide. We've completed work for subcontractors and builders across NSW, VIC, QLD, and WA. All estimates are delivered digitally, so location is no constraint.
What's the difference between a takeoff and a full estimate?
A takeoff (or measured quantity survey) counts and measures every component from the drawings (formwork area, concrete volume, reinforcement, etc.) without applying rates. A Class 3 Budget Estimate takes quantities and applies rates to produce a total dollar figure. We offer both: subcontractors and builders tendering usually want the takeoff and price it with their own rates, while developers and owners who need a whole-project number take the Budget Estimate.