We are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator with hands-on experience estimating interior finish projects, including drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, and flooring. This role is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and competitive bids while coordinating with subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams throughout the estimating process.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing the full estimating cycle, from reviewing plans and performing quantity takeoffs to evaluating subcontractor pricing and preparing final bid submissions.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed estimates for commercial drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceiling systems, flooring, and related interior finish installations.
- Review blueprints, architectural drawings, specifications, contracts, addenda, and bid revisions to establish project scope and quantities.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and calculate labor hours, material requirements, equipment expenses, and subcontractor costs.
- Develop accurate estimates using current supplier pricing, labor rates, historical project costs, and prevailing market conditions.
- Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals, compare pricing, and verify that all required scope items are covered.
- Identify missing work, trade conflicts, exclusions, installation challenges, and potential budget risks before bid submission.
- Prepare comprehensive bid packages with itemized costs, scope definitions, assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, and alternate pricing.
- Recommend cost-effective materials and installation methods while maintaining project specifications and quality standards.
- Coordinate with project managers, field teams, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to clarify scope and resolve pricing questions.
- Maintain organized bid records, vendor contacts, historical cost data, and estimating databases.
- Monitor changes in labor costs, material pricing, subcontractor rates, and industry trends to maintain competitive estimates.
- Prepare preliminary budgets, negotiated proposals, change-order estimates, and revised bids as project requirements evolve.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, conduct site visits, and participate in post-bid reviews.
- Provide detailed cost breakdowns and documented scope assumptions during project handoff.
- Manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
- Identify opportunities to improve estimating procedures, cost-tracking methods, and pricing consistency.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of commercial construction estimating experience.
- Hands-on estimating experience with drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, commercial flooring, or related interior finish trades is required.
- Strong understanding of interior construction materials, installation methods, labor requirements, trade sequencing, and cost structures.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, specifications, contracts, addenda, and other bid documents.
- Demonstrated experience with quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, budgeting, and commercial bid preparation.
- Ability to evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals and identify pricing discrepancies, scope gaps, and exclusions.
- Proficiency with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, or comparable estimating software.
- Knowledge of construction labor rates, material pricing, equipment expenses, and subcontractor costs.
- Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills when working with internal teams, trade partners, suppliers, and clients.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify omissions, pricing errors, and financial risks.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines effectively.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Consistent pipeline of commercial interior construction projects.
- Diverse projects involving drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, flooring, and interior finishes.
- Collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
- Professional development and advancement opportunities.
- Long-term career growth potential.