Construction Estimator

Better Builders; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

401k matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Health benefits

Job summary

Better Builders LLC in West Seattle seeks an experienced Residential Construction Estimator to develop cost assessments for remodeling and new construction. You will evaluate labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs to support project managers and crews.

An essential skill is interpreting schematic plans and deriving missing elements essential for budgeting. You will also create Scopes of Work (SOW) and coordinate with design, sales, and field teams to ensure accurate estimates.

Qualifications

• Experience as Project Manager, Estimator or related role preferred.
• Strong math skills and ability to calculate area and volume.
• Ability to read and interpret schematic designs and construction documents.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of each project by reviewing plans and design intent.
• Perform site visits to analyze access, staging, and sequencing.
• Use Sage to build construction budgets and take-offs.
• Review quotes from subcontractors and vendors for compliance and pricing.
• Collaborate with designers, PMs, subs, vendors, and production staff to refine budgets and methodologies.

Skills

Math skills

Ability to read schematics

Independent work

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree, +2 years estimating

4+ years Design/Build estimating

Job description

Are you an experienced Residential Construction Estimator seeking a company that prioritizes its employees' growth? Are you on the lookout for a cohesive team that values collaboration and excellence? Are you a decisive leader with a penchant for meeting deadlines and fostering team achievements? If so, we want to hear from you!

Our Estimators relish perks, including remote work options, a competitive hourly or base salary, 401k matching, paid vacation and holidays, comprehensive health benefits, and much more. Join us in shaping the future of residential remodeling!

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Better Builders stands tall as a revered and award-winning residential Design/Build company nestled in the vibrant West Seattle neighborhood. Our roots run deep in the community, and our journey is one marked by unwavering success. We're not just a team; we're a family—a close-knit ensemble bound by authenticity, support, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. Each member of our team brings a unique blend of talent and skill to the table, fostering an environment that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

At Better Builders, our core values—Honesty, Process, Collaboration, and Communication—are not just words; they're the guiding pillars that shape every decision we make.

Are you curious to learn more about our story? Discover why we're more than just a construction company—we're a community dedicated to building better futures.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Our Estimator holds the crucial responsibility of formulating comprehensive cost assessments for residential remodeling and new construction projects. These assessments encompass all internal expenses related to labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors, serving as vital references for both project managers and construction crews.

An indispensable skill for this role is the ability to interpret and analyze schematic plans and drawings effectively. Our Estimator must adeptly identify information, elements, or details not explicitly depicted in the design, yet imperative for budgetary inclusion and development.

Additionally, our Estimator develops Scopes of Work (SOW) which serve as a foundational document outlining the specific tasks, responsibilities and deliverables associated with each project.

Our Ideal Candidate partners extensively with designers, project managers, subcontractors, vendors, construction crew and administrative staff. Directly engaging with the client underscores our Estimator's multifaceted role within Better Builders, as it cultivates interpersonal skills and fosters a collaborative environment essential for project success.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

Project Knowledge

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of each project: thoroughly review, analyze, and grasp project plans and design intent.
• Conduct site visits to analyze each job site, gaining insights into construction access planning, staging, and sequencing. Identify and comprehend the site's unique characteristics that may influence production.
• Collaborate with the design and construction team to establish the optimal construction sequencing and methodology, ensuring efficiency and alignment with project goals.

Cost Preparation & Administration

• Complete take-offs.
• Utilize Sage software to build construction budget.
• Analyze plans to identify information, elements, and details that are not shown on the design, but that must be accounted for, developed, and included in the budget.
• Work with Project Developer and Designer to develop and document missing information, elements and details and include these items in the cost.
• Receive, manage, and file written quotes from subcontractors.
• Prepare thorough and detailed written quote requests for vendors. Receive and manage written quotes from vendors for all products and materials on the project.
• Consistently follow up on requested subcontractor or vender bids to ensure the budget is completed before its internal due date.
• Thoroughly review all proposals and quotes received from subcontractors and vendors to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness to gain better pricing from subcontractors.
• Review bid with project manager and crew to get feedback and buy-in on hours and construction methodology.
• Review budget with Sales Manager for final approval before Project Presentation due date.
• Review the project budget with the Project Developer and Design Team so that updates can be made to the Construction Drawings, Specification Sheets, and related project documentation to reflect the methodology, detailing and materials that the project budget is built on.
• Develop tools and maintain processes that continuously improve Better Builders project success.

Project Development

• Support Sales Manager, Production Manager and Project Managers as needed.
• Schedule subcontractors for Sub-Party Site visit for Quote acquiring purposes per project.

Project Handoff

• Create and provide digital files via BuilderTREND Portal for Production Department and Company Records to include/not limited to labor, materials, subcontractor estimates and other key details and information.
• Thoroughly review budget and construction methodology with Production Manager and Project Manager to assure their deep understanding of the budget and approach.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Project Manager, Estimator or related role preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree, plus 2+ years in residential construction estimating, or 4+ years of Design/Build residential construction estimating.
• Strong math skills and ability to calculate area and volume.
• Keen eye for detailed requirements of estimating and proper cost preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret schematic designs and construction documents.
• Able to understand unique site characteristics, restrictions, and requirements.
• General construction, materials, and tools knowledge.
• Good knowledge of field production rates.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously within tight deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize job responsibilities.

BENEFITS

• Accrued 2 weeks paid vacation, approximately nine holidays, accrued sick leave.
• Medical insurance with 75% of premiums paid by Better Builders
• Additional discounted life/disability/accident insurance available
• Company apparel

JOB TYPE

Full-Time or Part-Time

SALARY

$70k - $90k (or the hourly equivalent)

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree plus 2+ Years in Residential Construction Estimating (preferred)

LICENSE

Certificate of Insurance (Required)
Driver's License (Required)

WORK LOCATION

Main Office in West Seattle
Options for remote hybrid work environment (if applicable).

Please Note: We are not currently hiring for this position, however, while we are not currently hiring for this position, we encourage you to submit your resume by email , as we are always seeking motivated and talented individuals to join our team.

Better Builders LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Better Builders LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.