Cost Evaluator

West Chester Design Build, LLC dba Cocoon; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

401(K) Plan (matching up to 4%)

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Company-Paid Holidays

Fun Company Events & an Inspiring Team

Job summary

COCOON is hiring a Cost Evaluator to join the Project Development Team. You will work with Sales and Design to shape projects before construction, ensuring financial soundness and alignment with scope from the start.

Precision and process discipline are valued as you build numbers that tell the true story of each project. Responsibilities include preparing detailed estimates quickly, using standard templates, meeting cost targets, and collaborating with trade partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in an estimating role.
• Residential construction experience preferred.
• Proficient in Excel (formulas, conditional formatting).
• Familiar with BuilderTrend.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed project estimates within 3-5 business days.
• Use standardized estimating templates and cost standards.
• Ensure estimates stay within target investment range.
• Provide breakouts and supporting details for Advisors.
• Submit estimates for internal review.
• Collaborate with Sales, Design, and Production to clarify scope.
• Review EVA reports and identify root causes.
• Update SOPs as processes evolve.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Analytical

Excel

Reading plans

Communication

Process-oriented

Residential construction

Tools

BuilderTrend

Job description

Cost Evaluator

At COCOON, we're reimagining the remodeling experience—making it simple, transparent, and thoughtfully executed from start to finish. Behind every successful project is a clear, accurate financial plan. That's where you come in.

As our Cost Evaluator, you are a key member of the Project Development Team, working alongside Sales and Design to shape projects before they move into construction. You'll ensure every project is financially sound, aligned with scope, and positioned for success from the very beginning.

This is not a plug-and-play estimating role. We're looking for someone who values precision, understands process, and takes pride in building numbers that tell the true story of a project.

What You'll Do

Build Accurate & Timely Estimates

• Prepare detailed project estimates within 3-5 business days (depending on complexity).

• Use COCOON's standardized estimating templates and cost standards to ensure consistency and clarity.

• Ensure estimates fall within the target investment range established during Stage 1.

• Provide breakouts or supporting details for Project Advisors as needed.

• Submit completed estimates for internal review prior to customer presentation.

Collaborate Across the Project Development Team

• Work closely with Sales, Design, and Production to clarify scope and resolve unknowns.

• Meet with trade partners to review project specifics and ensure cost accuracy.

• Conduct site visits when necessary to confirm scope and pricing.

• Communicate proactively when discrepancies, risks, or scope gaps arise.

Own Accuracy & Continuous Improvement

• Review EVA (Estimate vs. Actual) reports to evaluate estimating accuracy across 24 cost codes.

• Analyze projects that fall outside a 2-5% target range and identify root causes.

• Participate in close-out reviews to improve future estimating precision.

• Update or create SOPs as processes evolve.

Support the Process

• Follow COCOON's close-out checklist to ensure completeness.

• Attend Lift Off meetings and Design Team meetings.

• Occasionally participate in Stage 1, 2, or 3 meetings as needed.

• Contribute to community events when possible—we value being present where we live and work.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an estimating role.

• Experience in residential construction (remodeling preferred).

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas and conditional formatting required).

• Familiarity with construction management software such as BuilderTrend (or similar).

• Ability to read and interpret building plans, contracts, schedules, and scopes of work.

• Working knowledge of residential construction materials and systems.

• Strong communication skills and the confidence to raise questions or concerns early.

• Process-oriented mindset with attention to detail.

• Experience in purchasing, project management, or process improvement is a plus.

Who You Are

• Detail-driven and analytical

• Organized and disciplined

• Calm under deadlines

• Collaborative and solutions-focused

• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Perks of Working at COCOON

• Health and Dental Insurance

• 401(K) Plan (matching up to 4%)

• Paid Vacation and Sick Time

• Company-Paid Holidays

• Fun Company Events & an Inspiring Team Culture