Senior Estimador

Blue View Builder; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

ESOP

Vehicle allowance

Mileage reimbursement

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Blue View Builder is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for residential projects in Southern California, including custom homes, modular/prefab, ADUs, and additions. You will analyze plans, perform quantity takeoffs, price materials and labor, and develop proposals that win profitable work while complying with California codes and Title 24.

Collaborate with sales, design, purchasing, and production teams, maintain pricing databases, and identify value engineering

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an estimator in residential construction or remodeling.
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings and specs accurately.
• Proficient in estimating/takeoff software and Excel; familiarity with CM platforms is a plus.
• Knowledge of California building practices and Title 24.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, blueprints, specs to understand scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, and equipment.
• Develop cost estimates including pricing, bids, contingencies, and profit.
• Solicit supplier quotes and maintain local SD/Southern California vendor relationships.
• Prepare and present proposals and bid packages to clients or leadership.
• Ensure estimates comply with California codes and Title 24.
• Collaborate with sales, design, purchasing, and production teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Client-facing experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Engineering / Architecture

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

STACK

On-Screen Takeoff

Procore

Buildertrend

CoConstruct

Job description

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, detailed cost estimates for residential construction

projects (custom homes, modular/prefab homes, ADUs, additions, and small multifamily). This includes

analyzing plans and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, pricing materials/labor/subcontractor

work, identifying risks and value-engineering opportunities, and supporting competitive proposals that

help win profitable work.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural drawings, blueprints, specifications, and other project documents to fully understand scope.
• Conduct site visits (virtual or physical) to assess conditions, measure quantities, and identify challenges.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and related costs using digital tools (e.g., Revit, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, STACK, or similar).
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates including material pricing, labor productivity, subcontractor bids, general conditions, overhead, contingency, and profit.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level supplier quotes; maintain strong vendor relationships (especially local San Diego/Southern California networks).
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, value engineering options, and potential risks or scope gaps.
• Collaborate with sales, design, project management, purchasing, and production teams to align estimates with build methods (particularly modular/factory-built processes).
• Prepare and present clear proposals and bid packages to clients or internal leadership.
• Track historical costs, update pricing databases, and support post-bid analysis and handoff to operations.
• Ensure estimates comply with California building codes, Title 24, local permitting requirements, and company standards.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, templates, and software.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an estimator in full-scope residential construction, remodeling, modular/prefab, or general contracting (modular experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of residential construction methods, materials, sequencing, and California building practices.
• Proficiency with estimating/takeoff software and Microsoft Excel; experience with construction management platforms (Procore, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings and specifications accurately.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills; client-facing experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to visit job sites as needed.

Preferred

• Experience with modular, manufactured, or off-site construction.
• Knowledge of sustainable/green building practices and cost implications.
• Local San Diego subcontractor and supplier relationships.
• Hybrid or office-based with site visits; full-time, exempt.

• Other incentives: Profit sharing, ESOP (employee stock ownership)
• Allowances: Vehicle/truck allowance or company vehicle + fuel ($500-$1,500+/month common for roles with site visits); mileage reimbursement
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance; 401(k) with company match (often 3-6%); paid time off; professional development, pension, employee discount