Commercial Estimator

About This Role

Calculating costs and materials for commercial and multi-family construction projects is the main focus of this role. The Commercial Estimator works with blueprints and other documentation to create accurate material lists and cost estimates, supporting the sales department in bidding and confirming construction and labor costs for contract jobs.

Responsibilities

• Receive information from sales representatives or customers regarding material requirements for job pricing
• Review complex blueprints, drawings, and selection sheets to understand specific details and identify errors or issues
• Resolve blueprint and drawing issues with the Project Manager and/or the customer
• Use packaged estimating software (e.g., DQ2000, Estimating and Quote System) to determine linear and square footage for wall structures and components like headers, beams, and floor joists
• Assist the sales department by providing information on materials, including availability, substitutions, and new materials
• Maintain current, up-to-date pricing data
• Determine how to maximize the use of stock material
• Compute cost factors and prepare estimates for management purposes, such as preparing bids, selecting vendors or subcontractors, and determining cost effectiveness
• Consult with clients, vendors, or other individuals to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues
• Advise contractors on engineering issues, such as how to reduce construction costs on a project
• Provide training and guidance to less experienced Estimators
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associate degree in construction technology from a two-year college or technical school preferred
• 2-3 years of prior experience within the building construction industry
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints and computer manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively with customers or team members
• Good teamwork skills
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as linear and square feet, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
• 3-4 years of related Windows and Microsoft Office experience and/or training
• Experience with estimating software

Nice to have:

• Digitized software experience