Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

AlphaGov; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance options

Retirement plan options

Paid time off

Company-sponsored benefits

Job summary

AlphaGov is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial building projects in the Richmond area. You will lead quantity takeoffs, subcontractor pricing, and complete bid packages, coordinating with project teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

You will review drawings and contract documents, identify pricing gaps, and monitor market trends to keep estimates competitive.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience with renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, or ground-up construction.
• Ability to read drawings and contract documents.
• Hands-on takeoffs and bid preparation.
• Proficiency with estimating software; Bluebeam Revu preferred.
• Strong analytical and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop project budgets and cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents to determine scope and pricing.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids; compare proposals for scope gaps.
• Prepare complete bid packages with detailed cost breakdowns and assumptions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, risks, and procurement considerations during preconstruction.
• Coordinate with project managers, field supervisors, designers, and trade partners to validate estimates.
• Monitor market costs to maintain accurate estimates; participate in site visits and client discussions.
• Transition awarded projects to operations with budgets and scope details.

Skills

Quantity takeoffs

Subcontractor pricing

Bid preparation

Construction estimating software

Bluebeam Revu

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join our team and prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial building projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and ground-up construction. We are looking for someone with strong technical estimating skills, hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs and subcontractor pricing, and the ability to develop complete bid packages while managing multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop project budgets and detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects
• Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents to determine project scope and pricing requirements
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids, compare proposals, and identify scope gaps or pricing discrepancies
• Prepare complete bid packages with detailed cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability concerns, scheduling constraints, and procurement risks during preconstruction
• Coordinate with our project managers and field supervisors, as well as designers and trade partners, to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies
• Monitor labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and market trends to maintain accurate and competitive estimates
• Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, and client discussions to clarify project requirements
• Maintain organized bid records, cost databases, and historical pricing information
• Transition awarded projects to our operations team, communicating approved budgets, scope details, and estimating assumptions

Requirements

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor
• Experience estimating commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and/or ground-up construction
• Strong understanding of construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, and subcontractor costs
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents
• Hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid solicitation, proposal leveling, and final estimate preparation
• Ability to identify scope omissions, pricing inconsistencies, and trade overlaps
• Proficiency with construction estimating software; Bluebeam Revu experience preferred
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions rather than solely oversee the estimating process

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health insurance options
• Retirement plan options
• Paid time off
• Additional company-sponsored benefits