Professional cost estimators are widely used by architects during the design phases of a project to provide preliminary cost estimates. These estimates may begin at the conceptual design phase and are prepared at regular intervals through the construction document phase. Estimating professionals are frequently tasked with "selling" the importance of design-phase cost estimates to clients, both architects and owners. It is important to review and assess some of the common reasons or "excuses" why these parties choose not to obtain designphase cost estimates. Architects should in almost all situations engage independent estimators throughout design. In fact, third party design-phase cost estimates are so important, architects should sell the benefits of this service to their clients for both their benefit as well as the owner's. This article presents some of the common excuses and their shortcomings, from the cost estimator's perspective. Excuses involve time, money, resources, and value-added benefits.