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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a construction estimator. Feel free to use our construction estimator job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a construction estimator.

 

Who is a Construction Estimator?

Construction estimators are one of the most important but underappreciated members of the construction team. Prices aren’t ascribed to construction projects. A construction estimator’s task is to develop a list of supplies in order to determine the anticipated cost of a construction project. Construction estimating, as simple as it may appear on the surface, is actually tedious, time-consuming, and needs a high level of ability from estimators. An estimator is in charge of calculating a building project’s final cost. Validating the project’s Scope of Work is the first step in this process. The Scope of Work is a document that outlines all of the tasks that must be completed in order to complete the construction project. The scope documents, along with the construction plans and specifications, provide a starting point for a quantity takeoff, which is a list of materials that will be required to construct the project.

A construction estimator is a contractor who bids on public works projects that have been put up to tender. Estimators in the civil engineering, construction project management, or construction supervision fields are the most common. Estimators are in charge of acquiring tenders, obtaining material costs, and calculating tenders while taking project management and overheads into account. An estimator’s job can be stressful, and it necessitates a high level of attention, which may necessitate unpredictable office hours in order to meet tender deadlines. A construction estimator is a person who prepares a project’s total estimate. This estimate takes into account the project’s many components, the contractor’s general circumstances, as well as fees and overheads. To arrive at these figures, the construction estimator collaborates extensively with vendors, clients, engineers, and architects.

A construction estimator, often known as a cost estimator, calculates the amount of materials, labor, and equipment required to accomplish a building project. Estimating construction costs can cover a wide range of projects, from single-family homes to high-rise buildings and civil works. Estimators and quantity surveyors both need to have a history in the building sector. Construction estimators are often known as cost planners in the industry. They are often involved in the early stages of a project while competing with other firms. Based on drawings and requirements, they estimate the cost of a project. They’re one of the elements that determine whether a company wins or loses a project bid. To those outside the construction sector, construction estimate appears simple. On the contrary, it is a time-consuming and occasionally tedious procedure.

Every project requires the input of construction estimation. While it is impossible to precisely match the expenditures incurred in a project, construction estimators provide the roadmap required to prepare appropriately for a project. Construction estimate is a lucrative vocation that demands a great deal of talent and rewards those who thrive in a demanding setting.

Predicting the future is the most difficult aspect of an estimator’s work. Because the building projects they’re estimating won’t begin for another six to 18 months after the estimate is completed, it’s not enough to make estimates that are accurate to current expenses. Construction estimators are continually chasing a moving target as a result of this. Estimators must stay on top of market trends because prices and availability for materials, equipment, and labor are constantly changing. Even if the estimate was accurate to market prices at the time it was generated, shortages in materials or labor might drive prices up past usual rates and damage an estimate’s accuracy by the time the project starts ground. The following are examples of different sorts of construction estimating roles:

1. Chief Estimator: A chief estimator is a person who develops cost estimation methodologies that others can use. They are continually analyzing past cost estimation project results and upgrading criteria for future initiatives. With at least 10 years of experience in the area and various industry credentials, you can rise to the position of a chief estimator.
2.  Estimating manager: Estimating managers make sure that the team they supervise prepares accurate cost estimates and that deliveries are made on time. In this profession, being detail-oriented is an important ability to have in order to provide effective supervision. Even in other areas, someone with relevant skills in the industry and some managing experience can become an estimating manager.
3. Estimator coordinator: The primary responsibility of an estimator coordinator is to provide the research material that guides the estimating department’s cost evaluations. Because their employment mostly entails administrative tasks, organizational and IT abilities are advantageous in this position.
4. Electrical estimator: An electrical estimator’s job is to assess a building’s electrical work and estimate how much it will cost to complete it. Having experience with a variety of building sizes, both industrial and commercial, can aid in the creation of more realistic estimates. Knowledge of electrical materials, such as metals and wiring, is a must for this position.
5. Mechanical estimator: A mechanical estimator’s job entails interpreting mechanical designs in order to determine how much a project will cost when completed. Working in this position necessitates a thorough understanding of machine parts and their cost.
6. Printing estimator: In the printed book industry, a printing estimator determines both labor and material costs associated with binding books. They can also collaborate with traditional ad agencies to evaluate the costs of printing publications and billboard signs.
7. Collision estimator: A collision estimator’s job is to figure out how much it will cost to repair a car that has been in an accident. These experts are often well-versed in the spare parts of various vehicles, as well as their costs. In addition, prior car repair expertise is required to begin a career as a collision estimator.
8. Landscape estimators: Landscape estimators work with both commercial and individual clients to figure out how much a landscaping job would cost. They frequently analyze aspects like soil type and property size as part of their investigation. People who want to work in this sector have a strong background in horticulture and a strong desire to protect the environment.

9. Power plant estimator: After analyzing the diagrams on the plan, a power plant estimator determines the cost of constructing a power plant.
10. Civil engineering estimator: A civil engineering estimator is in charge of calculating the cost of laying the foundation for construction projects, such as foundations and drainage. Estimating the cost of infrastructure projects, such as road networks, may also be part of their responsibilities.
11. Building estimator: The job of a building estimator is to estimate the cost of constructing the rest of the structure above the foundation level. To generate a thorough report for the client, their study can take into account the civil engineering estimator’s estimation. Quantity surveyors are another name for these specialists.

 

Construction Estimator Job Description

Below are the construction estimator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a construction estimator job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a construction estimator include the following:

• Checks completeness and best practices on the drawings.
• Consults with customers’ vendors, staff from other departments, or construction supervision to discuss and generate estimates and resolve concerns. Consult with customers’ vendors, staff from other departments, or construction supervision
• Examines blueprints, construction drawings, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Estimates cost to be used in choosing vendors or subcontractors.
• Changes and modifications to cost estimates are discussed with engineers, designers, owners, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Analyzes the budget for direct and indirect costs.
• Monitors construction, examine contractors’ payment requisitions and suggest the release of construction money during frequent site visits.
• Ensures that the as-built conditions are in general accordance with the contract drawings and specifications.
• Examines building timelines, payment breakdowns by trade, job cost reports, and payment requisitions.
• Advises customers on how to employ bonding procedures to reduce construction risk.
• Maintains a high degree of contact and communication with clients.
• Manages numerous projects at the same time.
• Assists the departments of sales and operations.
• Gives customers and outside vendors quotes.
• Obtains pricing and gathers information from suppliers in order to create detailed bids.
• Understands, develops, compiles, and presents high-level cost estimates for a variety of projects.
• Establishes detailed cost estimates and communicates with multiple stakeholders about cost drivers and value engineering opportunities in all trades as the design progresses.
• Uses effective and attractive communication tools to elevate risks and communicate opportunities.
• Maintains a positive attitude by ensuring that all stakeholders are involved and committed to the program’s objectives.
• Creates what-if scenario estimations for program strategy and decision-making.
• Establishes and maintains a local client base capable of referring losses. The majority of the clients are insurance adjusters, although they may also include local company owners, schools, and municipalities.
• Uses Xactimate Sketch, to create precise floor plans.
• Understands work ethics of appropriate building codes
• Creates and sticks to reasonable budgets, and deals with overruns as they arise.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of all applicable local construction codes.
• Maintains a construction timeline and collaborates with trades and management to get the job done on time. When additional resources are required, identify and provide solutions.
• Examines the breadth and value of the plans and specifications. It is your responsibility to guarantee that the drawings and specifications are accurate. Determine the extent of work required to finish each project and give subcontractor recommendations.
• Examines the bid packets that will be distributed to potential subcontractors. Complete the scope sheets that will be included in the bid packages and keep track of the bids’ progress to ensure that all proposed bids are received on time.
• Examines the location and current conditions.
• Checks the scope, amount, accuracy, and completeness of all proposals.
• Performs amount take-offs and collaborates with staff estimators to ensure that all quantity take-offs are correct and complete.
• Subcontractors and vendors should be interviewed about project scope and capability to ensure that they have the necessary ability, manpower, and resources to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Examines and ranks all subcontractor bids to ensure that pricing comparisons are correct and that any potential missing elements are addressed.
• Determines the project’s final cost (GMP).
• Collaborates closely with the Marketing Department to evaluate pricing and assist in the production of final proposal documents for client presentations.
• Assists the Project Manager in preparing an estimate for incorporation into the job cost.
• Assists the Project Manager in comparing actual and expected costs.
• Looks for new subs, suppliers, processes, equipment, and so on for competitive advantages.

 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a closely related subject is required.
• Construction administration, architecture, engineering, or comparable experience of one to five years.
• Knowledge of construction costs estimation software such as RS Means, Timberline, Procore, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience working on big commercial or industrial construction projects is necessary, as well as 3+ years of estimation experience (All trades preferred).
• Prior experience as a general contractor and estimator.
• Knowledge of cost estimation software.
• Construction processes, pricing, and procedures are all familiar to you.
• Vendor management, procurement, and construction management experience.
• Membership in ASPE and AACE International is preferred, as is qualification as a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE).
• Estimating experience with civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems is required.

 

Essential Skills

• Negotiation skills with contractors.
• Ability to assemble estimations from sparse data.
• Ability to read and develop take-offs from blueprints.
• Construction contracts are something you should be familiar with.
• Working knowledge of the estimating program HCSS.
• Experience with scheduling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Working with electronic documents and Onscreen Takeoff is a skill.
• Ability to estimate in a conceptual manner.
• Improve your efficiency by taking a creative approach to your work.
• Ability to arrive on time and prepared to work.
• Candidates must also be adept in estimating software and have solid computer abilities.
• Strong understanding of SABER and JOC contracts.
• Work history that has been stable.
• A strong desire to be meticulous and well-organized.
• Word, Excel, and Outlook skills are required.
• Literacy and fluency in the English language.
• Construction experience on the job site is preferred.
• Understanding of MSDS Data Sheets and its applicability to Jobs
• Extensive experience in customer service.
• Advanced Microsoft Office abilities and Xactimate expertise are required.
• Excellent telephone skills, professional manner, and look.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others and keep a professional demeanor when dealing with coworkers and vendors.
• Team-Focused.
• Experience with construction management is preferred, as is a basic understanding of how things are built.
• Willingness to get your hands dirty in order to have a better understanding of the causes you support.
• Have a curious and open mind when it comes to new ideas, as well as a desire to keep learning.
• Strong orientation of the client.

 

How to Become a Construction Estimator

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

Earn a bachelor’s degree in a comparable discipline to start your path to becoming a building cost estimator. A degree in construction management, for example, may make you more enticing to businesses. This is because they provide information on topics such as construction law, building rules, construction processes and materials, and other topics relevant to your field. Consider taking classes in finance, economics, and other business-related subjects as well.

Look for opportunities to obtain relevant experience while pursuing your bachelor’s degree. Examine the career opportunities on building sites. Complete an internship in a construction company if possible to have a better understanding of all areas of the construction process.

2. Get a job as a cost estimator

Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, you can start looking for work. Some candidates are offered a job by the company where they conducted their internship. You will be required to work under the supervision of an experienced estimator for on-the-job training in order to gain a better understanding of the position.

3. Work experience

In order to work in the construction sector, you must have prior work experience. You could learn this at school or by working as an estimator on weekends and holidays for a firm or a relative. Work experience stated on your CV will always impress potential employers. It is advantageous to have prior expertise estimating the type of job you will be estimating. The highest criterion for making successful estimations is experience.

4. Attain certification

In order to work as a construction cost estimator, you do not need to be certified. It may, however, aid in demonstrating your expertise and skillset to prospective employers. Certifications in construction cost estimation are available from a number of organizations. They are as follows:

The American Society of Professional Estimators: To become a Certified Professional Cost Estimator with the American Society of Professional Estimators, you must exhibit competency in communication and writing, have at least 5 years of experience, attend a workshop, and pass a test.

The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering: To become a Certified Estimating Professional with the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, you must have 8 years of experience and/or a bachelor’s degree, as well as pass their exam.

 

Where to Work as a Construction Estimator

Construction estimators work primarily in offices, but they also spend time on the job site assessing progress and meeting with project stakeholders. They collaborate with construction supervisors and managers to ensure that reports are correct and up to date. Residential, commercial, and industrial building companies, as well as major electrical, mechanical, and trade contractors, use them. Estimators may be self-employed in some situations, and in smaller businesses, they may also do other duties.

 

Construction Estimator Salary Scale

As of, the average Construction Estimator pay in the United States was $73,368; however, salaries frequently range from $65,110 to $83,918. Salary ranges rely on a variety of things, including schooling, certifications, supplementary talents, and the number of years you’ve worked in your field. In Nigeria, a Construction Estimator can expect to earn around 194,000 NGN per month on average. Salaries range from 89,100 NGN to 308,000 NGN (lowest to highest) (highest). This is the monthly average pay, which includes housing, transportation, and other benefits. Salary for construction estimators varies greatly depending on experience, abilities, gender, and region.

Architecture, Building and Construction

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