Residential Construction Estimator

Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company-m\

Job summary

Caldwell Homes, a division of Caldwell Companies, is seeking a detail-oriented Residential Construction Estimator to support estimating and purchasing. You will develop accurate construction costs, review plans and specs, prepare takeoffs, and evaluate bids.

This onsite role requires close collaboration with Purchasing, Construction, Design, Accounting, and trade partners to ensure budgets reflect current plans and market conditions. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.

Qualifications

• 1–5 years of experience in residential construction estimating or related fields.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering plans.
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and bid comparisons.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates from plans and specs.
• Develop estimates for materials, labor, trades, and plan options.
• Review estimates for completeness and alignment with standards.
• Coordinate with departments to resolve estimating questions.
• Solicit, organize, and evaluate bids from trade partners and suppliers.

Skills

Residential estimating

Purchasing

Cost analysis

Plan interpretation

Bid comparisons

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business, or related field

Tools

BRIX System

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Caldwell Companies

Caldwell Companies is an award-winning, fully integrated real estate development and investment firm based in Houston, Texas. For more than 35 years, we have been developing large-scale master planned communities, commercial developments, residential rental communities, and managing real estate investments with a commitment to excellence. As a faith‑based, lifestyle‑focused organization, we are dedicated to creating exceptional places that enrich lives.

About Caldwell Companies

Caldwell Companies is an award-winning, fully integrated real estate development and investment firm based in Houston, Texas. For more than 35 years, we have been developing large-scale master planned communities, commercial developments, residential rental communities, and managing real estate investments with a commitment to excellence. As a faith‑based, lifestyle‑focused organization, we are dedicated to creating exceptional places that enrich lives.

Consistently recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work, Caldwell Companies offer a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment grounded in integrity, teamwork, and selfless service. Our culture values respect, accountability, and personal growth, empowering individuals to thrive while working toward shared goals. Guided by our mission - Doing it right. Right now.® - we strive for excellence in everything we do and offer competitive compensation and benefits to support our team.

As part of our diverse real estate portfolio, our homebuilding division Caldwell Homes, specializes in thoughtfully designed patio homes for active adults seeking a low‑maintenance, wellness‑centered lifestyle. As we continue to expand, this role offers a unique opportunity to grow and strengthen the Caldwell Homes brand.

Position Summary

Caldwell Homes is seeking a detail-oriented Residential Construction Estimator to support our estimating and purchasing operations. This position plays an important role in developing accurate construction costs, reviewing plans and specifications, preparing quantity takeoffs, and evaluating trade partner and supplier bids. The Estimator will work closely with Purchasing, Construction, Design, Accounting, and Caldwell Homes’ trade partners to ensure that estimates are accurate, scopes are complete, and construction budgets reflect current plans, specifications, and market pricing.

This is an onsite position at Caldwell Homes, with regular working hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates from architectural plans, engineering documents, construction details, specifications, and design selections.
• Develop and maintain accurate estimates for materials, labor, trade scopes, plan options, and construction-related costs.
• Review estimates for completeness, accuracy, and consistency with Caldwell Homes’ construction standards.
• Assist with updating estimates when plans, specifications, selections, or market conditions change.
• Identify potential cost discrepancies, missing information, and opportunities for cost savings.

Plan and Specification Review

• Review architectural plans, engineering plans, construction documents, and specifications for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify conflicts, omissions, and inconsistencies that could affect construction costs, purchasing, scheduling, or field execution.
• Coordinate with internal departments to clarify plan details, product requirements, and construction scopes.
• Verify that estimating assumptions align with approved plans, specifications, and company standards.
• Support the review and pricing of plan revisions, options, and product changes.

Trade Bids and Vendor Comparisons

• Solicit, organize, and evaluate bids from trade partners and suppliers.
• Prepare clear bid comparisons that identify differences in pricing, scope, materials, allowances, exclusions, and responsibilities.
• Communicate with trade partners and suppliers to clarify proposals and confirm complete scopes of work.
• Assist with maintaining current pricing and supporting documentation.
• Help evaluate pricing changes and their effect on individual homes, plans, communities, and overall construction budgets.
• Support negotiations by providing accurate cost information and market comparisons.

Cross-Functional Support

• Collaborate with Purchasing, Construction, Design, Accounting, and other departments to resolve estimating and cost-related questions.
• Maintain organized records of estimates, bids, pricing, plan reviews, and vendor communications.
• Provide timely and accurate information to support purchasing and construction decisions.
• Assist with special projects, cost studies, and other estimating or purchasing responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• One to five years of experience in residential construction estimating, purchasing, cost analysis, or a related field.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the BRIX System
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, engineering drawings, construction details, and specifications.
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and bid comparisons.
• General understanding of residential construction methods, materials, sequencing, and trade scopes.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other standard business applications.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Production homebuilding experience and knowledge of the Houston‑area construction market are preferred.

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Professional development and career‑growth opportunities.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial, and faith‑based work environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to a respected homebuilding company committed to quality, service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.