Construction Estimator

Biltmore Co.; Meridian (ID); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Biltmore is seeking a detail-oriented Construction Estimator & Bidder to prepare accurate cost estimates, coordinate subcontractor pricing, and develop competitive bids for residential projects. You will review plans, calculate costs, and ensure estimates reflect the full scope of work.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of estimating experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with Excel and estimating software.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in construction estimating or a related residential role.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, sequencing, and trade scopes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed construction estimates.
• Experience soliciting and evaluating subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other standard business software.
• Experience with construction estimating or project management software.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural plans, drawings, specifications, and project documents to determine the full scope of work.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project-related expenses.
• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets based on current pricing, historical costs, and market conditions.
• Identify discrepancies, omissions, and potential cost risks before estimates are finalized.
• Evaluate alternative materials, construction methods, and value-engineering opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Ensure estimates account for project requirements, applicable codes, and construction standards.
• Prepare and distribute bid packages to qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Solicit, receive, review, and compare subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Verify that bids include all required work, materials, labor, and project specifications.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, pricing discrepancies, and potential overlaps between trades.
• Follow up with subcontractors and vendors to obtain timely and complete pricing.
• Prepare bid summaries and recommendations for management review.
• Assist with subcontractor selection and negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable project terms.
• Maintain organized records of bids, quotes, scope documents, and pricing history.
• Collaborate with construction management, purchasing, design, and other internal teams to clarify project scope and specifications.
• Communicate with architects, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors to resolve questions and obtain accurate pricing.
• Support the development of preliminary budgets, project feasibility assessments, and construction cost projections.
• Compare estimated costs against actual project costs and help identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy.
• Assist with change order pricing and cost impact evaluations as project requirements evolve.
• Maintain current cost databases, estimating templates, and historical project information.
• Track industry pricing trends, material availability, and subcontractor market conditions.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and organized estimates, bid tabs, cost breakdowns, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure estimates and bids are completed within established deadlines.
• Maintain consistent documentation and version control for plans, specifications, and pricing.
• Provide management with cost comparisons, budget updates, and recommendations.
• Utilize construction management and estimating software to maintain accurate project information.

Skills

Mathematical skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Bid evaluation

Reading plans/drawings

Tools

Buildertrend

Sage

Job description

Company: Biltmore
Department: Construction
Reports To: Construction Management
Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Biltmore is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Construction Estimator & Bidder to prepare accurate cost estimates, coordinate subcontractor pricing, and develop competitive bids for residential construction projects. This position is responsible for reviewing construction plans and specifications, calculating material and labor costs, soliciting and evaluating subcontractor bids, and ensuring estimates reflect the full scope of work.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of residential construction, excellent analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to identify potential cost savings while maintaining Biltmore’s standards for quality and profitability. This individual will work closely with construction management, purchasing, vendors, and subcontractors to support accurate budgeting and successful project execution.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Estimating & Cost Analysis

• Review architectural plans, engineering drawings, specifications, and project documents to determine the full scope of work.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project-related expenses.
• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets based on current pricing, historical costs, and market conditions.
• Identify discrepancies, omissions, and potential cost risks before estimates are finalized.
• Evaluate alternative materials, construction methods, and value-engineering opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Ensure estimates account for project requirements, applicable codes, and construction standards.

Bidding & Subcontractor Coordination

• Prepare and distribute bid packages to qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Solicit, receive, review, and compare subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Verify that bids include all required work, materials, labor, and project specifications.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, pricing discrepancies, and potential overlaps between trades.
• Follow up with subcontractors and vendors to obtain timely and complete pricing.
• Prepare bid summaries and recommendations for management review.
• Assist with subcontractor selection and negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable project terms.
• Maintain organized records of bids, quotes, scope documents, and pricing history.

Project Coordination & Budget Management

• Collaborate with construction management, purchasing, design, and other internal teams to clarify project scope and specifications.
• Communicate with architects, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors to resolve questions and obtain accurate pricing.
• Support the development of preliminary budgets, project feasibility assessments, and construction cost projections.
• Compare estimated costs against actual project costs and help identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy.
• Assist with change order pricing and cost impact evaluations as project requirements evolve.
• Maintain current cost databases, estimating templates, and historical project information.
• Track industry pricing trends, material availability, and subcontractor market conditions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare clear, accurate, and organized estimates, bid tabs, cost breakdowns, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure estimates and bids are completed within established deadlines.
• Maintain consistent documentation and version control for plans, specifications, and pricing.
• Provide management with cost comparisons, budget updates, and recommendations.
• Utilize construction management and estimating software to maintain accurate project information.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in construction estimating, bidding, or a related residential construction role preferred.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, sequencing, and trade scopes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, construction drawings, and specifications.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed construction estimates.
• Experience soliciting and evaluating subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other standard business software.
• Experience with construction estimating or project management software preferred.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in residential homebuilding, custom homes, or land development.
• Knowledge of local construction costs, subcontractor pricing, and regional building practices.
• Familiarity with construction budgets, purchase orders, contracts, and change orders.
• Experience with Buildertrend, , Sage, or similar construction management platforms.
• Established relationships with subcontractors and construction suppliers.

Key Competencies

• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Produces reliable estimates and identifies scope gaps before they become costly issues.
• Cost Awareness: Understands the relationship between pricing, project budgets, and profitability.
• Organization: Maintains clear documentation and manages multiple bids simultaneously.
• Communication: Builds productive working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies discrepancies and develops practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of estimates, bid deadlines, and follow-through.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with construction management and other departments to support successful projects.