Construction Estimator - Commercial Projects

Alphahire; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Donaldson Construction in Richmond, VA is seeking a hands-on Commercial Construction Estimator to own pricing from concept through bid submission. You will review drawings, specifications, and addenda, perform quantity takeoffs, and validate subcontractor pricing to produce accurate project estimates.

The role requires 5+ years of commercial estimating experience, ability to identify risks early, and close collaboration with project teams to support competitive bids and successful project

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor.
• Experience estimating interior commercial construction, renovations, tenant improvements, or vertical construction.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project documents.
• Proven experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid analysis.
• Strong understanding of construction materials, labor costs, sequencing, and commercial project scopes.
• Proficiency with estimating and construction technology; Bluebeam Revu experience is preferred.
• Must have direct estimating and bid preparation experience rather than primarily project coordination or administrative support.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced preconstruction environment and manage multiple estimates simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial construction projects from conceptual budgets through final bid submissions.
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and scope documents to identify quantities, materials, labor requirements, and potential scope gaps.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and validate pricing for materials, subcontractor work, equipment, and general conditions.
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and supplier bids to develop accurate project costs.
• Develop detailed bid proposals and clearly document assumptions, exclusions, alternates, and scope clarifications.
• Identify constructability, schedule, and cost risks during the preconstruction process and provide recommendations to the project team.
• Work closely with project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to clarify scope and pricing.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and support successful handoff of awarded projects to the operations team.

Skills

Commercial estimating

Bid analysis

Drawings interpretation

Independent work

Project cost knowledge

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

We are looking for a Commercial Construction Estimator to own project pricing and preconstruction efforts for commercial building projects in the Richmond, VA area. This role will take ownership of estimates from initial plans and specifications through subcontractor pricing, scope review, and final bid preparation. The ideal candidate brings strong commercial estimating experience, understands construction documents and project costs, and can identify cost and scope risks before projects move into construction. This is a hands-on estimating role within an established construction environment focused on accurate budgets, competitive bids, and successful project execution. Donaldson Construction

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial construction projects from conceptual budgets through final bid submissions
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and scope documents to identify quantities, materials, labor requirements, and potential scope gaps
• Perform quantity takeoffs and validate pricing for materials, subcontractor work, equipment, and general conditions
• Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor and supplier bids to develop accurate project costs
• Develop detailed bid proposals and clearly document assumptions, exclusions, alternates, and scope clarifications
• Identify constructability, schedule, and cost risks during the preconstruction process and provide recommendations to the project team
• Work closely with project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to clarify scope and pricing
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and support successful handoff of awarded projects to the operations team

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor
• Experience estimating interior commercial construction, renovations, tenant improvements, or vertical construction
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project documents
• Proven experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid analysis
• Strong understanding of construction materials, labor costs, sequencing, and commercial project scopes
• Proficiency with estimating and construction technology; Bluebeam Revu experience is preferred
• Must have direct estimating and bid preparation experience rather than primarily project coordination or administrative support
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced preconstruction environment and manage multiple estimates simultaneously

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience.

Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan options, paid time off, and other company-sponsored programs.