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

Paid time off

Additional company-sponsored benefits

Job summary

AlphaX in Richmond, VA seeks an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial projects including renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs and ground-up construction.

You will review drawings, perform quantity takeoffs, solicit subcontractor bids and assemble complete bid packages while coordinating with project teams to ensure timely submissions.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, MEP drawings, specs and contract documents.
• Hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid solicitation.
• 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 and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare estimates and complete bid submissions.

Responsibilities

• Develop project budgets and detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents to determine 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 gaps or discrepancies.
• Prepare complete bid packages with cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions and scope definitions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability concerns, scheduling constraints and procurement risks during preconstruction.
• Coordinate with project managers, field supervisors, designers and trade partners to validate estimates.
• Monitor labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing and market trends to stay competitive.
• Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings and client discussions to clarify requirements.
• Maintain organized bid records, cost databases and historical pricing information.
• Transition awarded projects to operations by communicating budgets, scope and assumptions.

Skills

Quantity takeoffs

Bid packages

Cost estimation

Analytical skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Stakeholder communication

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.

This role requires direct involvement in the estimating process, from initial drawing reviews and cost analysis through final bid submission and project handoff.

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.

• 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.

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