Construction Estimator

VIRTUAL CONSTRUCT; India; Remote; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

VIRTUAL CONSTRUCT is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator to support a US-based contractor from a remote location in India. You will prepare detailed ground-up cost estimates for self-performed scopes, conduct quantity takeoffs, and help review subcontractor bids and bid proposals.

You will work closely with a US-based Senior Estimator, ensuring alignment on scope, pricing, and client communications. Daily overlap with US Eastern Time is required for timely bid day activities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of construction estimating experience on US construction projects.
• Hands-on estimates for carpentry, drywall, or demolition work.
• Strong quantity takeoff skills with Bluebeam or PlanSwift (imperial units).
• Read and interpret US drawings, schedules, specifications.
• Knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, Divisions 06, 08, 09.
• Experience reviewing, comparing, and leveling subcontractor bids.
• Advanced Excel skills for detailed estimates.
• Strong written and verbal English communication with US team.
• Daily overlap with US Eastern Time.

Responsibilities

• Construction Estimating and self-performed pricing for demolition, carpentry, and drywall scopes.
• Quantity takeoffs and document review using On Center Quick Bid, Bluebeam, PlanSwift.
• Evaluate subcontractor bids and assist in preparing bid proposals.

Skills

Construction estimating

Carpentry/drywall/demolition estimates

Quantity takeoffs (Bluebeam PlanSwift)

Read US drawings and specs

CSI MasterFormat knowledge (Div 06/08/

Education

Civil/Construction related degree

Tools

On Center Quick Bid

PlanSwift

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Location: Remote – India

Employment Type: Full-time

Experience Required: 3–5 years

Working Hours: Daily overlap with US Eastern Time

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Construction Estimator with 3–5 years of experience estimating US construction projects.

The selected candidate will remotely support a general contractor based in New York, USA. The contractor self-performs demolition, finish carpentry, and drywall work while subcontracting other trades.

You will be responsible for preparing detailed quantity takeoffs, developing ground-up cost estimates for self-performed construction scopes, reviewing and leveling subcontractor bids, and supporting proposal preparation.

You will work closely with a US-based Senior Estimator, who will review your estimates and manage client communications and bid-day activities.

The position requires regular collaboration with the US team and daily overlap with US Eastern Time working hours.

Key Responsibilities

1. Construction Estimating and Self-Performed Pricing

• Prepare detailed ground-up cost estimates for demolition, finish carpentry, and drywall scopes.
• Develop estimates considering crew sizes, labor productivity, man-hours, material quantities, waste factors, and equipment requirements.
• Estimate finish carpentry work, including trim, doors, frames, hardware, and millwork and casework installation.
• Prepare detailed estimates for drywall and framing assemblies, including board layers, studs, insulation, finishing levels, and ceilings.
• Estimate selective and interior demolition, including protection, hauling, and disposal.
• Apply labor rates, productivity factors, and pricing standards provided by the Senior Estimator.

2. Quantity Takeoffs and Construction Document Review

• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs and prepare estimates using On Center Quick Bid, Bluebeam, or PlanSwift.
• Prepare detailed quantity measurements, including door and hardware counts and linear footage calculations for trim and base.
• Read and interpret US architectural drawings, door and hardware schedules, finish schedules, and millwork shop drawings.
• Review construction plans and specifications to identify scope gaps, discrepancies, conflicts, and missing information.
• Communicate identified issues to the Senior Estimator.
• Draft Requests for Information (RFIs) and track project addenda.

3. Subcontractor Bid Evaluation and Proposal Support

• Prepare scope sheets for subcontracted trades.
• Collect, organize, compare, and level subcontractor bids.
• Identify and highlight differences in subcontractor scopes, exclusions, and pricing.
• Assist in preparing construction bid proposals, including inclusions, exclusions, and alternates.
• Submit estimates and proposal documentation for review by the Senior Estimator.
• Maintain well-organized estimate files, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bids, and supporting documentation to facilitate efficient collaboration with the US team.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of construction estimating experience on US construction projects, working for or supporting a US general contractor or trade contractor.
• Hands-on experience preparing detailed labor and material estimates for carpentry, drywall, or demolition work, rather than relying exclusively on subcontractor quotations.
• Strong quantity takeoff skills using Bluebeam or PlanSwift, with proficiency in imperial units.
• Ability to read and interpret US construction drawings, schedules, and specifications.
• Working knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, particularly Divisions 06, 08, and 09.
• Experience reviewing, comparing, and leveling subcontractor bids.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including preparing and managing detailed construction estimates.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills for effective collaboration with a US-based team.
• Availability to work with daily overlap with US Eastern Time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using On Center Quick Bid, particularly for interior drywall, acoustical ceilings (ACT), and doors and hardware.
• Experience estimating US public, prevailing-wage, or union construction projects, preferably in the New York metropolitan area.
• Experience with commercial interiors, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, or public agency construction projects.
• A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.

Software Skills

• On Center Quick Bid (preferred)
• Microsoft Excel (advanced)

Quantity Takeoff Software

• PlanSwift

Other Software

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook

Work Arrangement

• Full-time, remote position.
• Daily collaboration with a US-based construction estimating team.
• Availability for daily overlap with US Eastern Time working hours.
• The Senior Estimator will provide guidance, review estimates, and handle client communications and bid-day activities.