Residential Construction Estimator / Pre-Construction Coordinator

GG Homes; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

GG Homes in San Diego, CA seeks a hands-on Residential Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Coordinator. You will walk job sites, develop scopes of work, and prepare accurate estimates guiding project decisions from start to finish.

Responsibilities include reviewing plans, coordinating with subs, estimating labor and materials, handling change orders, and invoicing. Bilingual in English and Spanish is required to communicate with team and subcontractors.

Qualifications

• Experience in residential estimating or remodeling
• Ability to develop thorough scopes of work from field conditions
• Proven ability to read and interpret construction plans and specs
• Strong negotiation skills with subcontractors and vendors
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, change orders, invoices, and projects simultaneously

Responsibilities

• Walk prospective job sites to assess conditions and collect measurements
• Develop detailed scopes of work after site walkthroughs
• Prepare detailed estimates covering labor, materials, and subs
• Request and compare subcontractor bids and negotiate pricing
• Prepare change orders and related invoices for active projects

Skills

Residential estimating

Jobsite walkthroughs

Scope development

Project coordination

Bilingual English/Spanish

Negotiation

Time management

Reading plans/drawings

Communication

Multi-project management

Education

Construction Management / Architecture / Civil Engineering (plus)

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

CRM

Construction PM software

Job description

Residential Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Coordinator

This is a hands-on position that involves walking prospective job sites, developing detailed scopes of work, preparing accurate estimates, obtaining and negotiating subcontractor pricing, preparing change orders, and handling project invoicing.

We are looking for someone who understands how residential construction projects are actually built and can take a project from the initial jobsite walkthrough through a complete, well-organized estimate.

Key Responsibilities

Jobsite Walkthroughs & Scope Development

Conduct on-site walkthroughs of prospective residential projects to evaluate existing conditions, understand the client's requested improvements, take measurements, photos, and detailed project notes.

Develop a detailed and comprehensive scope of work following each jobsite walkthrough, clearly identifying all labor, materials, trades, demolition, construction activities, and finish work required for the project.

Identify potential scope gaps, site conditions, constructability concerns, and items requiring clarification before completing the estimate.

Review project plans, drawings, specifications, photos, measurements, and other available documentation.

Coordinate with project management and subcontractors when additional field information or trade expertise is required.

Estimating & Preconstruction

Prepare detailed and accurate estimates for residential construction projects based on the completed scope of work.

Estimate labor, materials, subcontractor costs, equipment, and other anticipated project expenses.

Prepare estimates for projects including:

• ADUs and additions
• Whole-home remodels
• Kitchen and bathroom remodels
• Roofing and exterior improvements
• Electrical and plumbing work
• Framing and structural work
• Drywall, flooring, painting, and finish carpentry
• General residential repairs and renovations

Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, competitive, and properly account for the entire project scope.

Identify missing scope, pricing discrepancies, potential cost overruns, or items requiring additional clarification before an estimate is finalized.

Subcontractor & Vendor Pricing

Request bids and pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.

Negotiate subcontractor and vendor pricing to maintain competitive project costs and company margins.

Compare subcontractor bids to the project scope and identify missing or excluded work.

Follow up consistently with subcontractors and vendors to ensure pricing is received on time.

Maintain organized and updated subcontractor and material pricing information for future estimates.

Change Orders

Prepare and issue change orders for active projects as needed.

Develop clear and detailed descriptions of additional, modified, or unforeseen work.

Determine appropriate labor, material, subcontractor, and company costs associated with each change.

Ensure change-order pricing is accurate and properly documented before being submitted.

Maintain organized records of pending, approved, and completed change orders.

Project Invoicing

Prepare and send invoices for active construction projects according to established project payment schedules and milestones.

Ensure invoices accurately reflect completed work, approved contract amounts, and approved change orders.

Maintain accurate and organized project billing records.

Coordinate with project management to confirm project progress before milestone invoices are issued.

Follow up on project billing and outstanding invoice items as needed.

What We're Looking For

Candidates must have previous experience with residential construction estimating, remodeling, general contracting, or a closely related construction field.

This position requires more than entering quantities into estimating software. The ideal candidate should be able to walk onto a residential project, understand what needs to be built or remodeled, develop a thorough scope of work, determine the trades and materials required, and accurately estimate the project.

Core Skills

• Strong residential construction estimating experience
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods and sequencing
• Ability to conduct professional and thorough jobsite walkthroughs
• Ability to develop detailed scopes of work from field conditions and client requirements
• Ability to read construction plans, drawings, specifications, and scopes of work
• Understanding of labor, materials, subcontractor costs, and construction pricing
• Strong negotiation skills when working with subcontractors and vendors
• Ability to identify missing scope and potential project cost issues
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong follow-up and organizational skills
• Professional written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, change orders, invoices, and active projects simultaneously
• Strong time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Comfortable working independently while coordinating closely with the construction team

Qualifications

• Bilingual English and Spanish - REQUIRED
• Strong professional communication skills in both English and Spanish
• Previous residential construction estimating experience - REQUIRED
• Experience working with a general contractor, remodeling company, home builder, or similar residential construction company preferred
• Experience performing jobsite walkthroughs and developing scopes of work strongly preferred
• Knowledge of residential construction methods, materials, and trades
• Experience obtaining and negotiating subcontractor pricing
• Experience preparing change orders and construction invoices preferred
• Proficiency with Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM, and/or construction project-management software
• Experience with construction estimating software is a plus
• Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related education is a plus, but not required

Requirements

• Ability to travel to and walk local project sites as needed
• Reliable transportation
• Valid driver's license
• Reliable high-speed internet
• Personal computer and phone
• Professional and reliable work environment
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to meet estimating, change-order, and billing deadlines without constant supervision

Compensation

$70,000 and Bonus