Residential Construction Estimator / Pre-Construction Coordinator

Severn Woods Fine Homes; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time position

CAD 70k-90k salary range

3 weeks vacation

Gas reimbursement

Job summary

Severn Woods Fine Homes in Toronto seeks a Residential Construction Estimator / Pre-Construction Coordinator to guide budgets for custom homes and major renovations. You will review drawings, set scopes, prepare realistic budgets, and present them to homeowners, architects, and design teams.

Reporting to the company president, you will coordinate from pre-construction to active build, advise on cost-efficient alternatives, obtain trade pricing, and help refine estimating processes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of practical experience in residential construction estimating, ideally for custom homes or major renovations.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and construction documents.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods and trade scopes.
• Experience developing or improving estimating systems and workflows.
• Excellent communication with homeowners, architects and trade partners.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and refine construction estimates and budgets for custom homes and major renovations.
• Review drawings to develop project scopes, schedules and cost estimates.
• Obtain subcontractor pricing and evaluate quotations against budgets.
• Present budgets and proposals to clients with clear explanations.
• Advise on cost-effective construction alternatives when budgets exceed expectations.
• Coordinate transition from pre-construction to active construction with project team.

Skills

Residential construction estimating

Architectural drawings interpretation

Ontario Building Code knowledge

Budget development

Client communication

Driver's license

Tools

Buildertrend

Job description

Severn Woods Fine Homes

Residential Construction Estimator / Pre-Construction Coordinator

Location: Toronto, ON

Help homeowners understand what their plans will cost and how to move forward.

Bring your construction estimating experience into a role where you can explain the numbers, contribute practical building knowledge, and help clients make informed decisions before construction begins. This position offers the opportunity to improve how construction budgets are developed and presented while working directly with the company president, homeowners, architects, designers, and trade partners.

About Us

Severn Woods Fine Homes specializes in luxury custom homes and whole-home renovations in Toronto. We work with homeowners, architects, designers, specialist consultants, and trade partners to develop and deliver carefully considered residential projects. Clear communication, quality workmanship, integrity, and dependable follow-through guide how we work with clients and one another.

About the Role

As our Residential Construction Estimator / Pre-Construction Coordinator, you will guide the estimating and budgeting process for custom homes and major residential renovations. Reporting to the company president, you will work with prospective clients and their design teams to understand project goals, review drawings, establish construction scope, and develop realistic budgets.

Your responsibilities include evaluating prospective projects, preparing construction budgets and proposals, obtaining trade pricing, and presenting budget information to homeowners throughout design development. When projected costs exceed expectations, you will help clients and their design teams understand practical construction alternatives and their budget implications.

You will also help coordinate the transition from pre-construction into active construction, ensuring project managers receive the information needed to begin work. This is a hands‑on estimating and pre‑construction role focused on technical construction knowledge, budget development, client communication, and coordination. The position does not include direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and refine construction estimates and budgets for custom homes and major residential renovations.
• Review architectural drawings and specifications to develop project scopes, preliminary schedules, and cost estimates.
• Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing, using historical project data to estimate costs and timelines.
• Review prospective client inquiries and help determine project suitability.
• Meet with homeowners, architects, and designers to understand project goals, budgets, and construction requirements.
• Present construction budgets and proposals to clients, clearly explaining costs, assumptions, and revisions.
• Provide practical construction and buildability advice, including cost-effective alternatives when budgets exceed expectations.
• Apply knowledge of Ontario Building Code requirements, permitting, construction methods, and trade practices.
• Maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals.
• Coordinate construction agreements and project handoffs with the Project Manager and Production Coordinator.
• Support project managers with scope clarifications and participate in production meetings as needed.
• Recommend improvements to estimating processes, tools, and budget presentations.

Qualifications

What you'll bring:

• 5+ years of practical experience in residential construction estimating, ideally involving custom homes or major renovations.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, sequencing, and trade scopes.
• Working knowledge of Ontario Building Code requirements and relevant residential construction practices.
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving estimating systems and processes, with the ability to evaluate existing workflows and introduce more efficient, accurate, and standardized estimating practices.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
• Experience preparing detailed construction budgets, estimating labour and material requirements, and evaluating subcontractor quotations.
• Ability to develop and revise construction budgets as project designs and specifications evolve.
• Confidence presenting estimates and explaining construction costs directly to homeowners and design professionals.
• Experience communicating with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and other project stakeholders.
• Strong numerical accuracy, organization, attention to detail, and independent follow-through.
• Professional judgment, clear communication, and a respectful approach to working relationships.
• Must have their own transportation, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Providing budgeting and construction input during architectural design development.
• Familiarity with Toronto residential permitting and Committee of Adjustment processes.
• Experience developing trade scopes, preliminary schedules, and construction proposals.
• Experience using Buildertrend or comparable construction estimating and project management software.
• Improving estimating systems, cost databases, or budget presentation methods.
• Supporting the transition from pre-construction to active project delivery.
• A self-starter, willing to develop their own processes.

Pay and Benefits

• Full-time, permanent position
• Salary: CAD $70,000 - $90,000 per year, based on experience and skills.
• Paid time off (3 weeks vacation)
• Gas reimbursement

Why Join Severn Woods Fine Homes?

• Apply your estimating expertise to homes where early decisions have a meaningful effect on the finished result.
• Work directly with an owner who wants to improve pre-construction services and welcomes stronger estimating methods.
• Join a small team guided by communication, integrity, family values, and respect for clients and trade partners.
• Help shape a new position while deepening your involvement in residential budgeting and design collaboration.

Severn Woods Fine Homes is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.