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Construction Estimator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Construction estimators prepare, estimate and analyze the costs of different construction projects. They can work on civil engineering, architectural, structural and mechanical projects. They are employed by different construction companies and work for major electrical, mechanical and trade contractors. Often construction estimators will be self-employed, contracting out their services to different companies.

Construction Estimator job duties and responsibilities

Construction estimators should expect to perform many different duties which can include:

  • Preparing estimates of the cost of materials, labour and equipment for a construction project
  • Understanding and reading schemes in order to make estimates of the cost of the project
  • Establishing and maintaining the tendering(bidding) process
  • Setting up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures
  • Maintaining a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors
  • Working with engineers, architects, owners, and contractors on feasibility studies and making adjustments to the cost when needed
  • Managing and coordinating construction projects and preparing construction progress schedules

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Construction Estimator Job Description Examples:

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a construction estimator do?

A construction estimator will work closely with contractors to give a rough estimate of the construction project’s cost. They have to account for the cost of materials, labour and equipment needed for the project. They also have to keep track of the project as it proceeds so that they can make adjustments to the estimates. Construction estimators will often work closely with contractors and architects in order to come up with the possible price of the entire project.

Construction estimator skills and qualifications

A successful construction estimator will have the following skills and qualifications:

  • Preparing estimates of labour, material costs, general expenses and overheads
  • Operating computer software programs
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints, maps, drawings and project specifications
  • Understanding and being able to advise on the tendering process
  • Setting up cost monitoring and reporting systems
  • Maintaining a directory of suppliers and trade contractors
  • Collaborating with engineers, architects, owners and contractors

Construction estimator experience requirements

Construction estimators should have experience in construction and repairing buildings as well as installing interior infrastructure. They need to have experience in the appropriate maths in order to create a proper estimate for a project. Construction estimators should have experience working with contractors, engineers and architects and need to be able to read blueprints and interpret them correctly. They also need to be able to analyze information and adjust their estimates according to new timelines or added materials. Construction estimators must also understand the tendering process and how to advise clients on what company they should hire for their projects.

Construction estimator education and training requirements

A construction estimator will need a high school education followed by a three-year college degree in civil or construction engineering. Instead of a college degree, some construction estimators will have several years of experience within the trades. They also require a certification from the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.

Construction estimator salary expectation

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a construction estimator is $78,161 per year. Salaries for a construction estimator are dependent on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a construction estimator job description is not quite what you are looking for check out these similar positions that can be found here.

Construction estimator job description FAQs

What qualities make a good construction estimator?

A good construction estimator will be able to prepare an estimate for a construction project that is accurate. They need to know about what types of materials and labour will go into a construction project and should be able to work alongside engineers, architects and contractors. A good construction estimator will also have a good directory of suppliers for the different materials that will be needed for the construction project.

What are the day-to-day duties of a construction estimator?

On a day-to-day basis, a construction estimator will work on different projects, helping people calculate how much different projects are going to cost. One of the ways they do this is by looking at blueprints and interpreting them correctly. Construction estimators also have to be able to collaborate with architects, engineers or contractors on a daily basis.

What should you look for in a construction estimator resume?

When hiring a construction estimator you want to look for someone who has experience with collaborating with different professions such as an engineer, architect or contractor. The construction estimator should also have a high school diploma, some college or a three-year degree in civil or construction engineering. Most jobs also require them to have a certificate in surveying from the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.

What makes a good construction estimator job description?

A good construction estimator job description would emphasize the need for someone who can create an accurate estimate for construction projects in an efficient manner. It would also describe some of the schooling and experience needed for the job.

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