Construction Cost Estimator

Construction Support Solutions; Avon Lake (OH); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with a 3% match

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Construction Support Solutions (CSS) is seeking a Construction Cost Estimator to support our preconstruction team by preparing reliable construction cost estimates for projects at various design stages. You will perform quantity takeoffs, pricing analysis, and collaborate with engineering and project management to build accurate budgets.

The role emphasizes PlanSwift usage, CSI MasterFormat, and research of labor and material costs to ensure competitive, defendable estimates for federal, state,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or a related discipline.
• Three to five years of construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Hands-on experience estimating MEP systems.
• Knowledge of CSI divisions and construction cost organization.
• Proficiency with PlanSwift or comparable digital takeoff software.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining accuracy.
• Ability to work in the Avon Lake office on a regular basis with flexibility for a hybrid schedule when appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Produce conceptual, preliminary, and detailed construction cost estimates.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation to determine project scope.
• Complete accurate quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP components.
• Prepare detailed estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Utilize PlanSwift and similar digital takeoff software to improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
• Develop estimates using CSI MasterFormat divisions and accepted industry standards.
• Research labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and equipment expenses.
• Assist with feasibility reviews, value engineering, budgeting, and cost validation.
• Update and maintain estimating databases and historical pricing information.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and project managers throughout the estimating process.
• Deliver high-quality estimates while managing multiple deadlines.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture

Tools

PlanSwift

Job description

Position Overview

Construction Cost Estimator

Construction Support Solutions (CSS)

Location: Remote with occasional travel into office in Avon Lake, OHJob Type: Full-TimeSalary: $75,000–$100,000 annually (commensurate with experience)Work Schedule: Monday–Friday with flexible daytime hours

Join Our Team

Construction Support Solutions (CSS) provides construction management, inspection, and project support services for federal, state, municipal, and private-sector clients throughout the United States. Our team works on complex capital improvement and infrastructure projects, helping clients maintain quality, compliance, safety, and cost control from planning through completion.

CSS proudly supports projects for organizations including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NASA, the National Park Service, and the General Services Administration. We value collaboration, technical excellence, and delivering dependable solutions for every project.

Position Summary

We're seeking an experienced Construction Cost Estimator to support our preconstruction team by preparing reliable construction cost estimates for projects at various stages of design. This role combines estimating, quantity takeoffs, pricing analysis, and collaboration with engineering and project management teams to develop accurate budgets that support informed project decisions.

Primary Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Produce conceptual, preliminary, and detailed construction cost estimates.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation to determine project scope.
• Complete accurate quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP components.
• Prepare detailed estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Utilize PlanSwift and similar digital takeoff software to improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
• Develop estimates using CSI MasterFormat divisions and accepted industry standards.
• Research labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and equipment expenses.
• Assist with feasibility reviews, value engineering, budgeting, and cost validation.
• Update and maintain estimating databases and historical pricing information.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and project managers throughout the estimating process.
• Deliver high-quality estimates while managing multiple deadlines.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Three to five years of construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Hands-on experience estimating MEP systems.
• Knowledge of CSI divisions and construction cost organization.
• Proficiency with PlanSwift or comparable digital takeoff software.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining accuracy.
• Ability to work in the Avon Lake office on a regular basis with flexibility for a hybrid schedule when appropriate.

Benefits

CSS offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Salary range of $75,000–$100,000, based on qualifications and experience.
• Flexible weekday work schedule.
• 10 days of Paid Time Off during the first year, with increased accrual based on length of service.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% company match after 90 days of employment.
• Company-subsidized medical insurance for employees, with family coverage available.
• Optional employee-paid dental insurance.
• Paid federal holidays (project schedules may affect holiday observance).

If you're passionate about construction estimating and enjoy working on projects that support major public agencies and infrastructure initiatives, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay Range

USD $75,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.