Project Estimator

Project Estimator

Project Estimator plays a vital role in the preconstruction phase. Core responsibilities include reviewing and executing RFP requests, preparing and/or coordinating budget estimates during Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Document, and Value Engineering exercises during the preconstruction planning phase. The Estimator must be proficient in estimating high-end residential projects, negotiating with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, budgeting the projects, establishing relationships, and working closely with project managers and owners and their consultants and representatives.

The Estimator will perform duties to support business development, marketing, and preparation of construction project cost estimates for both competitive hard bid and negotiated construction projects. The Estimator will be responsible for performing quantity take-offs, solicit supplier/subcontractor bids, proposal preparation, and post-bid documentation. This role requires a combination of technical expertise and collaboration to ensure projects are estimated with precision, professionalism, and care.

Across our projects, we share a set of common expectations:

Proactive & Solution-Oriented:
We approach challenges with flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to finding solutions.

Clear Communication & Strong Relationships:
We foster positive relationships through open communication and mutual respect.

Commitment to Design Intent:
We ensure the architectural vision and project goals are realized with precision and care.

Safety First:
We prioritize safety in both our actions and our mindset across every project.

Key Responsibilities:

Preconstruction:
Reviews and evaluates requests for estimates and communicates with Design Line leadership on feasibility of the request and validity of a DLC budget effort. Prepares an RFP list of potential vendors and subcontractors for review and distribution. Prepares and manages a bid calendar to ensure timely completion and delivery of estimates. Reviews estimates with the Design Line project team, and edits the budget for completeness and accuracy.

Reviews construction documents and understands scope of work to bid. Executes internal take-offs of construction documents using Plangrid or similar software. Inputs take-offs into Design Line's proprietary budget spread sheet. Obtains pricing for materials; obtains bids from subcontractors and vendors. Prepares cost analysis by calculating material, labor, equipment, subcontractor proposals, vendor input and ongoing input from the DLC project team.

Makes an estimate where predetermined standards are not available. Informs the project team of any observed inaccuracies or omissions in the project documents. Evaluates subcontractor proposals and asks qualifying questions and levels multiple proposals for same scopes of work to determine best outcome. Develops and maintains resource information on products, vendors, subcontractors, government requirements, etc. Attends project team meetings and sales meetings as required.

Photocopies documents and plans.

On-going projects:
Active support for on-going projects. On-going budget tracking and control. Reviews newly issued documents for change in cost. Develops pricing for additional work and subcontractor changes. Works with Project Engineer to document cost changes. Distributes change orders to PM for review and issuance to owner team.

Client & Partner Interaction:
This role works closely with clients and partners to ensure an accurate and transparent estimate done with the highest level of quality and professionalism. The role will work across stakeholder groups to develop accurate, preliminary project schedules, review construction sequencing and perform risk assessments. Other client and partner interactions required of this role include:
Submit Requests for Information (RFIs) to the architect, vendor and/or client for bid document clarification. Participate in start-up and close-out meetings with project personnel to convey the scope of work, complete the budget conversion and gather subcontractor and budgetary feedback. Perform strategic and peer reviews of estimating efforts generated by others. Review subcontractor qualifications and develop and promote new subcontractor relationships.

Quality, Integrity & Craftsmanship:
The quality of the work produced by the Project Estimator is vital to establishing project, client and partner expectations for the project. This role will:
Prepare Conceptual Estimates. Generate Preliminary Estimates based on in-house take-offs. Develop Detailed Estimates/Bids to include subcontractor/vendor quotes, in-house labor/material take-offs, and unit costs. Develop subcontractor/vendor bidders lists pursuing multiple competitive bids per trade. Direct site visits to evaluate specific features/constraints to incorporate criteria into estimates. Develop estimates to include subcontractor/vendor quotes, in-house labor/material take-offs, and…