Estimator (73688)

Valcourt Group; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Valcourt Group in Livermore, CA is seeking an experienced Estimator to develop cost estimates for construction, renovation, and maintenance projects. You will review designs, specifications, and site conditions, advise on design modifications to meet client budgets, and collaborate with customers to ensure profitability and adherence to codes.

The role involves on-site assessments, vendor bid management, risk evaluation, and proactive communication with homeowners, managers, and trade partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in construction estimating or related field.
• Strong ability to read, analyze, and interpret design documents, specs, and building plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Review design documents and specifications to develop profitable cost estimates for construction, repair, renovation, and maintenance.
• Coordinate with customers to understand project requirements and adjust designs to meet budgets.
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and vendors and evaluate proposals for completeness and competitiveness.
• Perform value engineering and constructability reviews to optimize project costs.
• Maintain clear communication with homeowners, managers, and vendors throughout the estimation process.
• Ensure estimates are delivered on time and aligned with client budgets.

Skills

Communication skills

Math skills

Technical reading

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Salesforce

Job description

Core Responsibilities

The Estimator reviews design documents, specifications, and project sites to develop cost and feasibility estimates for construction, renovation, and preventative maintenance projects. This role supports sales by ensuring competitive, accurate pricing while protecting company profitability and managing client relationships throughout the estimation process.

Core Responsibilities

Estimate Development & Review

• Review design documents, plan and specification to develop profitable cost estimates on construction, repair, renovation, and preventative maintenance projects
• Work with customers to understand project requirements and make design modifications necessary to meet client needs and budget constraints
• Review material and workmanship specifications to ensure compliance with planning, building codes, and safety standards
• Develop labor, materials, subcontractor, and equipment cost projections; establish craft sequence and quality and method standards to plan for timely and efficient project completion
• Define appropriate work sequence and lead time for different craft classifications to ensure efficient utilization of manpower
• Perform value engineering and constructability reviews to help clients refine design and optimize project costs
• Develop RFIs (Requests for Information) for customers to clarify specifications and ensure estimates reflect the most efficient pricing while maintaining project integrity
• Protect the company through thorough and detailed clarifications and exclusions in all estimate documentation

Site Assessment & Project Planning

• Conduct on-site visits and inspections to identify site constraints, existing conditions, and logistical considerations that affect construction feasibility and cost
• Drive to project sites, customer locations, and vendor facilities to gather information, conduct inspections, and meet with stakeholders
• Assess project risks and complexity; communicate findings to Senior Estimator and management

Vendor & Cost Management

• Solicit competitive subcontractor and vendor bids; evaluate proposals for completeness, competitiveness, and compliance
• Negotiate costs with vendors to secure the best and lowest prices available while maintaining quality standards
• Ensure all estimates are delivered on time and align with client budgets and expectations

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Maintain professional, responsive communication with homeowners, property managers, construction manager, association boards, and owner representatives
• Keep clients, team regularly informed of estimate status and project timelines
• Foster and maintain healthy, collaborative relationships with vendors and clients throughout the estimation process
• Job Handoff & Documentations
• Successfully transfer all job-specific information to Field Superintendents once jobs have been awarded, ensuring agreed-upon deadlines and budgets are clearly communicated and understood
• Update and maintain Salesforces to track and document estimate progress and status

Professional Development & Industry Awareness

• Stay abreast of technological and industry developments, changes, and best practices in construction estimating

Qualifications

Work Authorization Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the United States

Qualifications Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in construction estimating or a related construction field
• Working knowledge of project plans, specifications, construction industry standards, and building codes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and project management/estimating software
• Advanced mathematical skills; ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical scenarios
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, specifications, and building plans
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present information professionally to clients, management, and trade partners
• Ability to solve practical problems and work with multiple variables in situations with limited standardization
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet established deadlines
• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record required
• Must be able to pass reference check and background screening.

Preferred

• Experience estimating multi-unit residential and restoration projects, construction, roofing, or building services industries
• Salesforce or similar CRM system experience
• Estimating software certification or training
• Physical Demands, Work Environment & Travel
• Travel: Approximately 40–50%, driving between multiple office locations, customer sites, project locations, and vendor facilities
• Frequent and sustained sitting at desk for estimate preparation, document review, and communication
• Frequent standing and walking during site visits and project inspections
• Frequent walking across construction sites, uneven terrain, and active jobsites
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing stairs or ladders to inspect existing conditions and evaluate project scope
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and transporting of plans, documents, materials samples, and measurement tools weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perceive and respond to safety hazards, equipment signals, and verbal direction in a high-noise jobsite environment
• Occasional early-start, extended-day, or weekend schedules to accommodate client needs and project deadlines

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.