Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)
AlphaHire · Richmond
We’re looking for a hands-on Commercial Construction Estimator to manage preconstruction planning and develop accurate, competitive pricing for commercial building projects. This role requires strong technical estimating skills, subcontractor coordination, and the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities before construction begins.
Key Responsibilities
- Build project budgets and detailed bids for commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and ground-up construction.
- Analyze architectural, structural, and MEP plans to establish project scope, quantities, and pricing requirements.
- Calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs using detailed quantity takeoffs.
- Solicit bids from trade contractors and suppliers, compare proposals, and reconcile pricing differences or missing scope.
- Develop comprehensive bid submissions with clear cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions.
- Evaluate design details and construction plans to flag budget concerns, scheduling constraints, constructability challenges, and procurement risks.
- Collaborate with project managers, field supervisors, design professionals, and trade partners to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies.
- Track changes in labor rates, material pricing, subcontractor costs, and market conditions to maintain accurate estimates.
- Participate in site walkthroughs, pre-bid meetings, and client discussions to clarify project requirements.
- Maintain organized bid files, cost databases, and historical pricing records.
- Hand off awarded projects to the operations team, ensuring budgets, scope details, and estimating assumptions are clearly communicated.
Requirements
- 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, ideally with a general contractor.
- Background estimating commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and/or ground-up projects.
- Strong understanding of construction pricing, labor productivity, materials, and subcontractor cost structures.
- Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Direct experience performing quantity takeoffs, managing subcontractor bids, leveling proposals, and preparing final estimates.
- Skilled at identifying scope omissions, pricing inconsistencies, and overlaps between trades.
- Proficiency with construction estimating software; Bluebeam Revu experience is preferred.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective time management.
- Ability to handle multiple bids simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions, rather than solely overseeing the estimating process.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health insurance options.
- Retirement plan options.
- Paid time off.
- Additional company-sponsored benefits.
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