Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

AlphaGov; 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 benefits

Job summary

AlphaGov in Richmond, VA seeks a seasoned Commercial Construction Estimator to develop budgets and detailed estimates for diverse projects. You will review architectural, structural, and MEP plans to determine scope, quantities, and pricing, and perform thorough takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subs.

You will solicit bids, evaluate proposals, and ensure cost accuracy while identifying risks and savings opportunities during preconstruction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience estimating renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, or ground-up projects.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, labor productivity, materials, and subcontractor pricing.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, MEP drawings, specs and contracts.
• Hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bids, proposals, and final estimates.

Responsibilities

• Develop project budgets and detailed estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review drawings to determine scope, quantities, and pricing.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Solicit and evaluate bids, compare proposals, and identify pricing discrepancies.
• Prepare complete bid submissions with detailed cost breakdowns and scope definitions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability issues, and procurement risks in preconstruction.
• Collaborate with PMs, field supervisors, designers, and trade partners to validate estimates.
• Monitor labor rates, material costs, and market trends to keep estimates accurate.
• Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, and client discussions to clarify requirements.
• Maintain bid records, cost databases, and historical pricing.

Skills

Estimating

Bid management

Reading drawings

Cost analysis

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop project budgets and detailed estimates for commercial construction projects
• Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to determine project scope, quantities, and pricing
• Perform 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 submissions with detailed cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability issues, scheduling constraints, and procurement risks during preconstruction
• Collaborate with project managers, field supervisors, designers, and trade partners to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies
• Monitor labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and market trends to maintain accurate 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 the operations team, communicating 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, materials, and subcontractor pricing
• Ability to 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 skills, attention to detail, and time management
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Proven ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions, rather than solely overseeing the estimating process

Benefits

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