Estimator

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Residential Estimator to join our growing team. This individual will play a critical role in the preconstruction process by developing accurate, comprehensive cost estimates for residential construction projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly analytical, and possesses a strong understanding of residential construction methods, building materials, and current market pricing.

Working collaboratively with design, sales, purchasing, and construction teams, the Residential Estimator will help ensure projects are financially sound, competitively priced, and positioned for successful execution from concept through completion.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop complete and accurate construction estimates from architectural plans, engineering documents, specifications, and design selections.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted scopes of work.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive and complete bids.
• Analyze plans and specifications to identify inconsistencies, omissions, constructability concerns, and potential cost impacts.
• Maintain current pricing databases and historical cost information to improve estimating accuracy.
• Prepare conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, and final construction budgets for a variety of residential projects.
• Collaborate with internal departments throughout the preconstruction process to ensure project scope, design intent, and budgets remain aligned.
• Identify value engineering opportunities that improve efficiency while maintaining quality and homeowner expectations.
• Assist with project handoff meetings by communicating estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, and budget considerations to the construction team.
• Monitor market trends affecting labor and material costs and recommend adjustments to estimating standards as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by refining estimating processes, templates, and reporting tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of residential estimating or related construction experience.
• Strong understanding of residential construction practices, building systems, and sequencing.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
• Strong mathematical aptitude with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience estimating custom homes, semi-custom homes, or production residential construction.
• Knowledge of purchasing, budgeting, scheduling, and residential permitting processes.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, project management software, or residential estimating platforms.

Core Competencies

• Residential construction expertise
• Cost estimating and budget development
• Quantity takeoffs
• Blueprint and specification interpretation
• Financial and analytical skills
• Vendor and subcontractor coordination
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Communication and collaboration
• Organization and project management

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based with occasional visits to residential construction sites, supplier locations, and project meetings. The role requires balancing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy, professionalism, and accountability.