Estimator

Butler-Cohen Design + Build; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Butler-Cohen Design + Build is seeking an Estimator I to support project budgeting and planning by preparing quantity surveys, obtaining subcontractor and vendor pricing, and assisting in coordinating preconstruction deliverables.

You will review construction documents to understand project scope, participate in estimate reviews, and help maintain historical cost data for benchmarking. This role requires attention to detail and teamwork in a professional office with occasional site visits.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business or Construction management or equivalent.
• 4+ years estimating experience.
• Training in industry standards and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare quantity takeoffs and trade estimates for ground-up construction projects.
• Review drawings and specifications for scope completeness and coordination issues.
• Identify project scope packages and develop bid packages for subcontractors and suppliers.
• Solicit pricing from qualified subcontractors and track bid coverage across major trades.
• Support turnover and historical cost data maintenance for benchmarking.

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Numbers & math

Organization

Adaptability

Education

Degree in Business or Construction management

4+ years estimating experience

Training in industry standards and procedures

Tools

ZZ Takeoff

Ediphi

InSite

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

The Estimator I supports project budgeting and planning by preparing quantity surveys, obtaining subcontractor and vendor pricing, and assisting in the coordination of preconstruction deliverables. Reviews construction documents in detail to develop a clear understanding of the project scope. This position contributes to the accuracy and completeness of estimates during all project phases by reviewing documents, participating in estimate reviews, and maintaining subcontractor communication. The Estimator I also assist in developing and maintaining historical cost data for benchmarking purposes. The Estimator I is expected to develop familiarity with key estimating tools and processes and play an integral support role in the pursuit of successful project acquisition.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Preconstruction & Document Management

• Communicate with architects and consultants to procure and organize all contract documents. Confirm completeness of contract document packages.
• Organize and maintain project documents in all platforms.
• Track addenda and supplemental information throughout the bidding process.
• Attend site visits and pre-bid meetings.

Quantity Survey & Estimating

• Review drawings and specifications for scope completeness and coordination issues.
• Identify project scope packages and perform detailed quantity takeoffs to develop trade estimates for ground-up construction projects ranging from $10 million to $200 million.
• Validate unit costs using subcontractor pricing, supplier quotes, and historical data.
• Understand and account for market conditions affecting labor and material pricing.
• Assist in the development of conceptual, schematic, and detailed project estimates.
• Maintain accurate quantity and pricing records for future reference.
• Verify unit/system prices with subcontractor and/or previous estimates.
• Understanding of the estimating process at various stages of design, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Understanding of common construction delivery methods, including Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Competitive Hard Bid, and Design-Build.

Subcontractor Procurement & Bid Management

• Prepare bid invitations and subcontractor bid packages.
• Develop scope sheets and trade-specific bid packages.
• Solicit pricing from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Follow up with subcontractors regarding bidding opportunities, track participation, and ensure competitive bid coverage across all major trade scopes.
• Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Participate in constructability and scope review discussions with operations and design teams.
• Complete bid leveling to identify scope gaps, conflicts, and ambiguities; follow up with subcontractors to resolve exclusions, qualifications, and missing information.
• Develop trade "plug" values or budget assumptions where pricing is incomplete, and assist in preparing project clarifications, assumptions, and qualifications.
• Support final bid submissions and documentation.
• Support subcontractor qualification and selection efforts.

Project Turnover & Historical Cost Data

• Prepare turnover documentation for operations teams.
• Support turnover meetings and project handoff activities.
• Ensure historical cost and estimate data are accurate and properly archived.
• Assist in maintaining the company's historical cost database and benchmarking information.

Communication & Professional Development

• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Support subcontractor diversity and participation initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with project management and field operations teams.
• Demonstrate professionalism, organization, and attention to detail in all communications.

Education/Experience Required:

• Degree in Business or Construction management or equivalent work experience.
• 4+ years of experience in estimating.
• Training in industry standards and procedures.

Skills/Abilities Required:

• Proven experience as commercial construction estimator with a general contractor.
• Basic understanding of CSI divisions.
• Comfortable with numbers and technology.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Developing proficiency with ZZ Takeoff, Ediphi, InSite and other estimating software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Bluebeam Revu
• Excellent team collaboration abilities.
• Well-organized and reliable.

The role is based on a professional office setting, with occasional visits to project sites for preconstruction walks or job-related meetings.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and phones.
• Occasional walking, standing, or bending during meetings, file reviews, or site visits.
• Must be able to visually interpret detailed drawings, specifications, and digital plans.
• Able to lift 25lbs.
• Occasional exposure to active construction environments during site visits, which may involve noise, uneven terrain, or variable weather conditions (PPE required when applicable).
• Must be able to hear and understand verbal instructions and communicate clearly.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers for extended durations to operate a keyboard, mouse, and related office tools.

Working Conditions:

• Regular participation in team meetings, estimate reviews, and coordination calls; must be able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team environment.
• Must be comfortable working independently without direct supervision during afternoons, early mornings, or weekends as project needs require.
• Must be able to visually inspect small details and work elements at close range and at a distance.
• Must be able to hear and understand verbal instructions and communicate clearly.