Flooring Estimator
Department: Estimating
Location: Santa Ana, California
Reports To: Estimating Manager
About the Role
KYA Services, LLC is seeking a highly disciplined and detail-oriented Flooring Estimator to join our team in Santa Ana. This is not just a "takeoff" role; we are looking for a strategic professional who takes full ownership of the estimating lifecycle—from initial plan review and RFI management to comprehensive cost sheet development and structured project handoffs.
The successful candidate will ensure that every bid is competitive, defensible, and fully aligned with project specifications. You will be responsible for identifying risks early, proposing strategic alternates, and maintaining impeccable documentation standards that allow our operations and procurement teams to succeed.
Key Responsibilities
1. Precision Estimating & Cost Management
- Develop comprehensive Cost Sheets (never "budget sheets") that reflect exact contracted costs.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs including sundries, attic stock, transitions, and specific base types.
- Manage version control rigorously; all revisions (due to bulletins or addendums) must be clearly titled, dated, and highlighted to show changes from previous versions.
- Account for project-specific variables including tax rates, escalation costs for long-term projects, and per diem/travel costs.
2. Scope Diagramming & Technical Review
- Create in-house scope diagrams and installation maps (no third-party outsourcing).
- Thoroughly vet all project details, elevations, and assemblies—ensuring the quote reflects the full architectural intent, not just the floor plan.
- Develop dedicated diagrams for moisture barriers and specific installation methods as noted in specs.
3. Strategic Bidding & Risk Mitigation
- Identify and submit technical questions via an RFI Log prior to bid submission.
- Proactively provide strategic alternates in every bid (e.g., floor protection, moisture testing, acclimation, and specialized underlayments) to reduce company risk and add client value.
- Review client-provided Scopes of Work (SOW) line-by-line to ensure 100% coverage.
4. Collaboration & Handoff
- Conduct formal bid reviews with the Estimating Manager before client submission.
- Lead structured project handoffs to Operations, Project Management, and Procurement, ensuring all stakeholders understand the scope, vendor pricing, and diagrams.
- Prepare clear change narratives for post-award scope adjustments, including "before-and-after" comparisons.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Experience: 3–5 years of commercial flooring estimating (hard surface, carpet, resilient, etc.).
- Technical Proficiency: Expert-level skills in takeoff software, Excel (advanced formulas), and PDF markup tools.
- Plan Reading: Exceptional ability to interpret architectural plans, elevations, and complex specifications.
- Organization: A "perfectionist" approach to file management and folder structures.
- Mindset: Proactive in identifying risks and a commitment to continuous improvement in scope diagramming.
Performance Expectations
We measure success by the "cleanliness" of the project. This means:
- Zero Omissions: Bids that account for all details/elevations without missing scope.
- Flawless Handoffs: Positive feedback from Project Managers and Procurement regarding the clarity and organization of your files.
- Procedural Adherence: Strict following of naming conventions and review protocols to ensure team efficiency.
