Estimator, Construction, Quantity Surveyor

Job Title:

Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator plays a key role in the estimating and preconstruction process for residential construction and outdoor living projects. This position prepares detailed cost estimates, supports proposal development, coordinates with subcontractors and vendors, and ensures accurate project handoff to operations and project management teams. The Estimator uses Buildertrend and Microsoft Excel to manage pricing, documentation, and project tracking while collaborating closely with sales and field teams to align estimates with execution capabilities and client budgets.

Responsibilities

* Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for residential construction, outdoor living, landscaping, and pool construction projects.

* Analyze plans, specifications, and project requirements to develop clear and comprehensive scopes of work.

* Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, and subcontractors.

* Develop and present proposals, budgets, and bid packages for review by internal teams and clients.

* Maintain and update pricing databases, cost history, and estimating templates within Buildertrend.

* Collaborate with operations and field teams to ensure estimates align with construction methods and execution capabilities.

* Solicit and evaluate bids from subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive and complete pricing.

* Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners and vendors.

* Verify scope coverage, pricing accuracy, and timelines within subcontractor proposals.

* Assist in negotiating pricing and scope with subcontractors and vendors when needed.

* Partner with sales and leadership teams to support proposal development and sales efforts.

* Assist in reviewing project scope and pricing with homeowners as needed, providing clear explanations and guidance.

* Provide value engineering options to help align project scope with client budgets while maintaining quality.

* Ensure accurate and complete turnover of awarded projects to operations and project management teams.

* Document all scope details, assumptions, and pricing within Buildertrend for seamless project handoff.

* Support change order pricing and scope adjustments as needed once projects are underway.

* Utilize Buildertrend for estimating, budgeting, documentation, and project tracking.

* Maintain organized records of estimates, proposals, and supporting documentation for easy reference and auditing.

* Use Microsoft Excel for cost tracking, quantity takeoffs, and financial analysis.

* Participate in estimating reviews, pipeline discussions, and forecasting meetings to support business planning.

Essential Skills

* 3-5+ years of estimating experience in residential construction, outdoor living, landscaping, pool construction, or general contracting.

* Proven experience preparing detailed project estimates for construction and outdoor living projects.

* Demonstrated ability to manage bid processes from solicitation through evaluation and selection.

* Experience working closely with subcontractors, vendors, and construction teams.

* Strong proficiency in construction estimation, bidding, and cost analysis.

* Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, and project requirements.

* Experience using Buildertrend or similar construction management and estimating software.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for cost tracking, quantity takeoffs, and data analysis.

* Strong attention to detail and accuracy in calculations, documentation, and scope definition.

* Effective communication skills for collaborating with sales, operations, field teams, and homeowners.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Background in residential construction, outdoor living, landscaping, pool construction, or general contracting.

* Experience developing and presenting proposals, budgets, and bid packages to internal stakeholders and clients.

* Ability to provide value engineering recommendations to align project scope with budget constraints.

* Skill in building and maintaining relationships with trade partners and vendors.

* Experience supporting project handoff and coordination with operations and project management teams.

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