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Where Our Numbers Come From
Cost Data Methodology
How we source, localize and verify the labor, material and equipment costs in every North Carolina construction estimate.
Answer First
How Do You Determine Construction Costs in North Carolina?
National averages are a starting point, not an answer. A cubic yard of concrete, a ton of steel or an hour of electrician labor costs different amounts in Charlotte, the Triangle, the Triad, the coast and the mountains. This page explains how we account for those differences.
Every estimate records:
- Pricing date
- Project location & county
- Labor rate basis
- Material price sources
- Sales tax applied
- Escalation assumptions
Materials
How We Price Materials
- Volatile materials — lumber, steel, copper, electrical gear and roofing — are checked against current supplier pricing for each estimate.
- Stable materials use recently verified price lists, updated regularly.
- Waste factors are applied by material and installation method.
- Delivery distance and site access are considered for coastal, mountain and rural projects.
- Sales tax uses North Carolina’s 4.75% state rate plus the applicable county and transit rates.
Labor
How We Price Labor
Labor costs combine a wage rate, burden (taxes, insurance and benefits) and productivity. We use regional rates for the Charlotte, Research Triangle, Piedmont Triad, coastal and Western North Carolina markets, and adjust productivity for building height, access, occupied-building work, weather and schedule. Federally funded projects may require Davis-Bacon wage determinations, which we apply when specified. Subcontractors can ask us to apply their own rates through our Subcontractor Estimating Services.
Escalation & Contingency
How We Handle Price Changes and Uncertainty
If construction will start months after the estimate date, we can include an escalation allowance and state the assumption. Early-stage estimates include design and construction contingencies that decrease as drawings become more complete, following the AACE International estimate classification approach. See Preliminary Cost Estimating Services for early budgets.
Limitations: An estimate is a professional opinion of probable cost. Actual bids and costs can vary with market conditions. See our Terms and Conditions.
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Our Location
Visit Our Charlotte, North Carolina Office
North Carolina Cost Estimating
314 N Caldwell St, Charlotte, NC 28202, US
Phone: 1 (980) 538 1118
Email: ask@northcarolinacostestimating.com
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (ET)
Plan uploads are accepted 24/7.
Our Uptown Charlotte office serves builders, contractors and developers across all 100 North Carolina counties, with dedicated estimating support for the Charlotte metro, the Research Triangle, the Piedmont Triad, the Coast and Western North Carolina.