Professional Estimating Services
For Metal Stud Framing, Drywall, Acoustical Ceilings & More

Luster Estimating provides detailed commercial takeoffs and estimates for metal stud framing, drywall, insulation, acoustical ceilings, and related scopes.

Estimating Services

Experience Behind The Estimate

I'm Kent Luster, owner of Luster Estimating LLC. My experience in commercial construction began long before I became an estimator. Growing up around my father's construction company, I was introduced to drywall construction at an early age—starting out sweeping jobsites and hauling scrap gypsum board to the dumpster.Over the years, that early exposure developed into hands-on field experience with metal stud framing, drywall, exterior sheathing, insulation, and acoustical ceilings. I later moved into estimating, initially performing takeoffs the traditional way—with paper plans, a scale rule, highlighters, a yellow pad, and spreadsheets I developed myself. That process forced me to understand every takeoff and what needed to be quantified—not simply measure lines on a set of plans.My career eventually progressed into an estimator/project Manager role for a commercial subcontractor specializing in metal framing, gypsum board, and acoustical ceilings. In that role, I juggled it all: my responsibilities extended beyond estimating and bidding to material ordering, project management, jobsite coordination, and the day-to-day demands of keeping commercial projects moving.

What You Receive

The finished product is more than a simple summary of quantities and pricing. You will receive a detailed, organized spreadsheet showing the takeoff items identified for the project, their associated components and quantities, and the material and labor rates used to develop the estimate.The spreadsheet is designed to remain useful after delivery. Material and labor rates can be easily adjusted to reflect your company's actual costs, with the estimate automatically recalculating to reflect those changesThe goal is to provide an estimate you can review, understand, adjust, and use—with enough detail to see how the individual conditions come together to form the project as a whole.

Why Luster Estimating?

Every takeoff is personally performed and reviewed using professional digital takeoff software—never generated by automated or AI-assisted takeoff tools. This hands-on approach means each condition is evaluated against the drawings, specifications, and project requirements rather than relying solely on automated quantity extraction.Having worked as both an estimator and project manager for a commercial subcontractor, I understand the estimate from the subcontractor's side of the desk. I know what information I would want to receive and how I would want it presented. More importantly, I know what I would need to confidently review, verify, and use an estimate prepared by someone outside the company.I also understand the reality of having several bids on the calendar while current projects still demand your attention—material orders need to be placed, jobsites need to be visited, pay applications need to be completed, and deadlines don't move.When your estimating workload starts competing with the projects already on your plate, Luster Estimating can step in. Whether you need help getting through a busy bid schedule or simply want more time to focus on your ongoing work, I can take the estimating workload off your desk and provide a detailed estimate you can confidently review and use. I treat every estimate as if it were for my own company—something I would personally need to review, trust, and rely on to bid the project.

Contact

For questions or additional information, please send a message below.

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