From Zillow to Moving Day: A Guide to OOM and Class Estimates

If you’ve ever bought a home, you know the process starts with curiosity and ends with movers in the driveway. Project estimating works the same way — each step gives you more clarity, more detail, and more confidence. Here’s how the three main estimate classes line up with the home-buying experience.

Order of Magnitude (OOM): The Zillow Scroll

Just like checking Zillow to see what homes might cost, an OOM estimate gives you a quick, early look at whether a project idea is even worth exploring.

OOM estimates provide:

• A high-level, directional cost

• Based on benchmarks and past projects

• Used for early “Is this worth it?” decisions

• Fast, low-investment, and perfect for go/no-go conversations

Class 30–20: Touring Homes & Setting a Budget

Once you’re serious about moving, you start touring homes to figure out what fits. Class 30–20 estimates serve that same purpose.

Class 30–20 estimates:

• Use early layouts, sketches, and basic design inputs

• Compare different project options and their costs

• Help stakeholders align on scope, direction, and budget

• Avoid costly surprises later

Class 10: Making the Offer & Calling the Movers

When you’ve found the right house, you make an offer — and once it’s accepted, you’re all in. That’s Class 10.

Class 10 estimates:

• Are detailed, reliable, and based on real data

• Use vendor quotes, takeoffs, schedules, and finalized design

• Support funding approvals, procurement, and construction kickoff

• Become the project’s cost baseline

Ready to Start Your Project?

Whether you’re in the “just browsing” stage or gearing up to move, we’re here to help you understand your options and make confident decisions.
Reach out to Baisch to start your next project off with clarity, accuracy, and the right level of detail — from concept to construction.