Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan options

Paid time off

Company-sponsored programs

Job summary

AlphaX is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction for commercial projects. The role focuses on accurate takeoffs, bid development, and coordinating with project teams to ensure competitive proposals.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in commercial estimating, deep knowledge of drawings and specs, and proficiency with estimating software (Bluebeam Revu preferred). This is a hands-on, fast-paced position based in Richmond, VA.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience with takeoffs, bid leveling, and cost analysis.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, MEP drawings and specs.
• Proficiency with estimating software; Bluebeam Revu preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial projects, from concept to final bid.
• Review drawings and bid documents to develop comprehensive scopes.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor bids, compare pricing, and level bids.
• Prepare bid proposals with clear assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability issues, and potential risks.
• Coordinate with PMs, superintendents, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Monitor costs and market conditions to maintain accuracy.
• Support handoff of awarded projects to operations with clear cost data.

Skills

Takeoffs & bids

Cost analysis

Bid leveling

Coordination with teams

Constructability review

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to manage estimating and preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial general contracting and hands-on experience preparing accurate, competitive estimates from initial plan review through final bid submission.

This role requires expertise in quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bidding, cost analysis, and scope review, along with the ability to identify cost risks, scope gaps, and constructability concerns before projects move into construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including conceptual budgets and final bids.
• Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to develop comprehensive scopes of work.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids, compare pricing, and perform bid leveling.
• Prepare competitive bid proposals with clearly documented assumptions, exclusions, alternates, and clarifications.
• Identify scope gaps, cost discrepancies, constructability issues, and potential schedule or procurement risks.
• Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to resolve estimating questions.
• Monitor material costs, labor rates, subcontractor pricing, and market conditions to maintain accurate estimates.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and client discussions as needed.
• Maintain organized estimating records, bid documentation, and project cost information.
• Support the handoff of awarded projects to the operations team, ensuring budgets, scopes, assumptions, and bid details are clearly communicated.

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor.
• Experience estimating commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, or ground-up commercial construction.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, labor requirements, sequencing, and cost structures.
• Ability to independently interpret architectural, structural, MEP, and other construction drawings and specifications.
• Proven experience with detailed quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and final bid preparation.
• Ability to review subcontractor scopes and identify missing, conflicting, or overlapping work.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software; Bluebeam Revu experience is preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines in a fast-paced preconstruction environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on estimating and bid preparation experience, rather than primarily project coordination or administrative responsibilities.

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience.

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