Pre Construction Estimator

DeMaria Building Company; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DeMaria Building Company is seeking a Pre-Construction Estimator to support accurate, complete, and competitive estimates during early planning, design, and pursuit phases. You will work closely with preconstruction leadership, operations, self-perform teams, and trade partners to shape budgets and advise on scope and opportunities.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and motivated to strengthen DeMaria's pre-construction process through strategic estimating, clear

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field.
• Five or more years of experience in construction estimating, pre-construction, project engineering, project management, or related role.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, design narratives, contracts, and project requirements at various stages of design.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on accuracy, documentation, and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction document estimates that align with project goals and budgets.
• Review early design documents, specifications, narratives, contracts and conditions to understand scope and opportunities.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate materials, labor, equipment, and self-perform scope requirements.
• Engage with clients during the pre-construction phase to support strategy, budget development, value analysis, and proposals.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate trade partner, vendor, and supplier input for constructability and scope alignment.
• Participate in scope reviews, budgeting discussions, and constructability reviews with Architects, Engineers and owners.
• Support estimate documentation, bid package development, procurement planning, and project handoff.
• Build strong relationships with trade partners, owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams.
• Support a doer-seller culture by strengthening relationships and pursuing project opportunities early.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Detail-oriented

Multi-tasking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CM/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Bluebeam

Timberline/Sage

Procore

Autodesk

Microsoft Project

Job description

Role

DeMaria is looking for a Pre-Construction Estimator to support the development of accurate, complete, and competitive estimates during the early planning, design, and pursuit phases of construction projects. This role works closely with preconstruction leadership, operations, self-perform teams, trade partners, owners, architects, and engineers to help shape budgets, evaluate scope, and support successful project outcomes before construction begins.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, relationship-focused, and motivated to strengthen DeMaria's pre-construction process through strategic estimating, clear communication, and strong follow-through.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction document estimates that align with project goals, budgets, and DeMaria's pre-construction process.
• Review early design documents, specifications, narratives, contracts and special conditions, to understand scope, risks, assumptions, and opportunities.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate materials, labor, equipment, and self-perform scope requirements.
• Engage with clients during the pre-construction phase to support strategy, budget development, value analysis, proposal documentation, scope clarifications, and client focused estimate deliverables.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate trade partner, vendor, and supplier input for completeness, competitiveness, constructability, and scope alignment.
• Participate in scope reviews, budgeting discussions, and constructability reviews with project Architects, Engineers and owners to support informed decision-making during design to ensure project budgets are maintained.
• Support estimate documentation, bid package development, procurement planning, and project handoff to ensure a smooth transition from pre-construction to operations.
• Build strong working relationships with trade partners, vendors, owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams throughout the pre-construction process.
• Support a doer-seller culture by strengthening relationships, identifying project opportunities, and helping position DeMaria early in the pursuit process.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field; or equivalent construction industry experience.
• five or more years of experience in construction estimating, pre-construction, project engineering, project management, or a related role.
• Working knowledge of construction estimating, conceptual budgeting, takeoffs, scope review, procurement considerations, and bid preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, design narratives, contracts, and project requirements at various stages of design.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on accuracy, documentation, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate with internal teams, clients, designers, trade partners, and vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Bluebeam, and related business or estimating software.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Timberline/Sage, Procore, Autodesk, Microsoft Project, or similar construction software.
• Experience supporting conceptual budgets, design-build pursuits, construction management projects, and negotiated work.
• Understanding of construction means and methods, market conditions, trade partner coverage, procurement strategy, and value analysis.
• Ability to lead pre-construction estimates, support client presentations, and take ownership of assigned pursuits.

Why Join DeMaria

• Be part of a collaborative team that values, relationships, accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to a doer-seller culture where relationship-building and technical execution both matter.
• Work on meaningful pre-construction pursuits while building strong relationships with clients, designers, trade partners, and internal teams, and growing your estimating knowledge through hands-on experience, mentorship, and collaboration.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. The job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills an individual in this position may be asked to perform either now or in the future.

DeMaria is an Equal Opportunity Employer