Career
Estimator
Preconstruction & Estimating
Prices the job before anyone breaks ground, so the bid actually makes money instead of just winning the work.
What is a Estimator?
An Estimator figures out what a project will cost before construction starts, so the company can submit a competitive bid that still leaves room for profit. That means measuring quantities directly off the drawings (a "takeoff": how much concrete, how many linear feet of wall, how many doors), then pricing each one using current material costs, labor rates, and subcontractor quotes.
What they do
- Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural and engineering drawings
- Solicit and compare pricing quotes from subcontractors and material suppliers
- Build a complete bid, choosing lump sum, unit price, or cost-plus pricing depending on what the owner asked for
- Track historical unit costs (cost per square foot, per linear foot, etc.) to sanity-check new bids
- Identify scope gaps or ambiguities in the drawings before they become expensive change orders later
- Hand off the winning bid's assumptions to the project manager so the budget they inherit is accurate
A typical day
- 8:00 AMReview a new project's drawings and specs to scope out what needs a takeoff
- 9:30 AMMeasure quantities off the drawings using takeoff software
- 11:00 AMCall two subcontractors to clarify quotes that came in with different scope assumptions
- 1:30 PMBuild the bid summary, checking the total against a similar recently-completed project
- 4:00 PMWalk the near-final bid with a senior estimator before it goes out the door
Skills
Quantity takeoffCost estimatingReading drawings and specificationsNegotiationSpreadsheets and estimating software
Software
BluebeamOn-Screen Takeoff
Education
- Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field
- Helpful:
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) credential
- Not necessary:
- A specific estimating degree; many estimators move into the role from the trades or from a project engineer track rather than starting there
Career progression
- 1.Assistant Estimator
- 2.Estimator
- 3.Senior Estimator
- 4.Chief Estimator or Preconstruction Manager
Who hires for this role
General ContractorsSubcontractorsConstruction Management Firms
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