Intermediate Estimator

David Aplin Recruiting; Calgary; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company events

Dental care

On-site parking

Paid time off

Vision care

Job summary

David Aplin Recruiting is seeking an Intermediate Estimator to support delivery of exceptional custom homes across Calgary and surrounding area. You will develop budgets, coordinate pricing, and set up projects for success before construction begins.

The role emphasizes detail, ownership, and clear communication through the estimating process, with a focus on cost certainty and margins for premier residential builds.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of estimating experience in residential construction.
• Post-secondary certificate or diploma from SAIT/NAIT in Architectural or Estimating Technology.
• Experience with custom homes or luxury residential projects strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of residential assemblies, materials, and trade scopes.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Proven experience with take-offs, tendering, and bid comparisons.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and final pricing.
• Review drawings and specifications for scope completeness and risk.
• Solicit, evaluate, and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Price change orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Issue purchase orders and maintain alignment with approved budgets.
• Perform quantity take-offs and material calculations.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Maintain pricing databases and estimating templates.
• Work closely with design, construction, and purchasing teams.
• Assist with scope reviews.
• Support the continuous improvement of estimating processes.

Skills

Estimating experience

Take-offs

Budgeting

Communication

Excel

Education

SAIT/NAIT Architectural or Estimating Technology certificate/diploma

Tools

Excel

Buildertrend

Microsoft Office

Job description

A well-established residential construction company is seeking an Intermediate Estimator to support the delivery of exceptional custom homes throughout Calgary and the surrounding area.

As a key member of the Pre-Construction team, you’ll be responsible for developing accurate budgets, coordinating trade pricing, and ensuring every project is set up for success before construction begins. We’re looking for a detail-oriented, commercially minded professional who takes ownership of their work and is committed to delivering accuracy, accountability, and clear communication throughout the estimating process.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary:$65,000–$85,000 per year, commensurate with experience
• Company events
• Dental care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and final pricing
• Review drawings and specifications for scope completeness and risk
• Solicit, evaluate, and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Price change orders accurately and in a timely manner
• Issue purchase orders and maintain alignment with approved budgets
• Perform quantity take-offs and material calculations
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high-quality standards
• Maintain pricing databases and estimating templates
• Work closely with design, construction, and purchasing teams
• Assist with scope reviews
• Support the continuous improvement of estimating processes

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of estimating experience in residential construction
• Post-secondary certificate or diploma from SAIT/NAIT in Architectural or Estimating Technology
• Experience with custom homes or luxury residential projects strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of residential assemblies, materials, and trade scopes
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Proven experience with take-offs, tendering, and bid comparisons
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Advanced proficiency in Excel
• Buildertrend experience is an asset
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with the Calgary residential construction market is an asset

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, dependable, and well-supported pricing
• Strong trade coverage and complete scopes
• Timely and disciplined change order management
• Clear coordination with sales, design, and project teams
• Increased cost certainty and protected project margins

If you’re passionate about residential construction, enjoy solving problems, and want to be part of a collaborative team building some of Calgary’s finest custom homes, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Closing: September 15, 2026

We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.