Experience in open market bidding and negotiated work
Experience solutioning and creating statements of work and estimates by walking a job site, not having a set of plans and specs given
Proven experience in take offs and coordinating pricing quotes with subcontractors
Ability to scope and level sub-bids
Must have a high attention to detail
They will be estimating by trying to find the best way to execute – could be many ways to see how to build something or what parts to put together
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Understand basic construction concepts, including differences between commercial and municipal projects (e.g., MEP systems, concrete, parks & rec, facilities, civil utilities, etc.)
Work with varying levels of documentation:
Sometimes receive full plans and specifications; other times, create scope of work from site walks and stakeholder input.
Identify key areas for protection and improvements (lighting, pavement, playground equipment) based on comments and observations.
Develop scope and pricing:
Build out subcontractor lists and determine sources for materials and equipment.
Estimate labor hours and manpower requirements.
Perform take-offs and pricing:
Use plans/specs or field notes to create detailed line-item estimates.
Send scopes to subcontractors, compare their take-offs and pricing, and consolidate into a master estimate sheet.
Communicate with subcontractors for clarifications and adjustments.
Handle projects without formal plans:
Walk jobs in the field, take detailed notes, and create statements of work.
Translate field observations into actionable scopes for subcontractors.
Leverage estimating tools:
Use OST for digital take-offs.
Apply E4Clicks and RSMeans for pricing based on quality standards and national cost indexes.
Manage detailed pricing:
Break down costs line by line (e.g., dumpster rental, haul-away, lighting fixtures) rather than lump-sum pricing.
This is highly important, we are struggling right now because we can’t see how pricing is built-up. We are only seeing the “bottom line” of the labor, equipment, material, etc. or the sub price
Understand differences from general contracting estimators (who price by room or system).
Coordinate with MEP trades:
Engage electrical and mechanical experts as needed for complex scopes.
Ensure compliance with Job Order Contracting (JOC) standards:
Maintain transparency and accuracy in pricing sheets (JIPs – Job Item Pricing Sheets).