An Estimator provides cost estimates for a project, based on an evaluation of the materials, labor, time and equipment needed to complete the project. May specialize in many aspects of construction or in manufacturing and design industries.
Full-Time Position Summary Happe Companies is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator to support our residential, commercial, and land development operations. The Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate project estimates, establishing and maintaining project budgets, analyzing construction costs, and supporting cost-control efforts throughout the project lifecycle. This position works closely with sales, operations, accounting, project management, trade partners, suppliers, and company leadership to ensure estimates are complete, competitive, and based on current market conditions. The ideal candidate will have strong construction knowledge, excellent analytical skills, a systematic approach to estimating, and the professional drive to improve processes and grow with the company. Primary Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Prepare detailed and accurate estimates for residential and commercial construction projects. Establish project budgets based on construction plans, specifications, scopes of work, historical costs, and current market pricing. Prepare preliminary and detailed budgets for land development projects, including site work, utilities, infrastructure, and related improvements. Review architectural drawings, engineering plans, specifications, and other project documents to determine material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor requirements. Complete material takeoffs and develop comprehensive project scopes. Use and further develop the company's estimating software, cost codes, templates, and estimating procedures. Work closely with sales staff to provide timely pricing for prospective homes, projects, upgrades, options, and customer requests. Develop and maintain base pricing for company floor plans and standard construction specifications. Update the estimating and pricing database to reflect current labor, material, subcontractor, and supplier costs. Solicit, review, compare, and analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals. Identify scope gaps, exclusions, inconsistencies, and potential project risks before contracts or purchase orders are issued. Assist with negotiating pricing, purchasing agreements, and contracts with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers. Maintain productive, professional relationships with trade partners, manufacturers, distributors, and material suppliers. Monitor construction labor and material pricing, market trends, availability, lead times, and potential cost increases. Review change orders and pricing requests for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with project budgets. Assist in identifying and resolving incorrect invoices, purchase orders, cost codes, pricing discrepancies, and budget variances. Compare estimated costs to actual project costs and recommend adjustments to improve future estimating accuracy. Support company cost-control initiatives and identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve purchasing, and eliminate cost inefficiencies. Maintain organized and complete estimating documentation for each project. Assist with value engineering and recommend cost-effective materials, products, methods, and design alternatives without compromising quality. Participate in preconstruction, project turnover, budget review, and post-project cost-analysis meetings. Continuously improve estimating standards, procedures, systems, and internal controls. Required Qualifications Previous experience in construction estimating, preferably with a residential home builder, commercial general contractor, land developer, or similar construction company. Working knowledge of residential and commercial construction methods, materials, labor requirements, and sequencing. Experience with estimating, budgeting, cost control, purchasing, accounting, or construction financial management. Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, blueprints, engineering plans, specifications, and scope documents. Ability to complete detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analyses. Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent organizational skills and a systematic approach to accuracy and efficiency. Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail with a commitment to producing complete and accurate work. Ability to independently identify issues, evaluate options, and recommend practical solutions. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Effective listening, negotiation, and relationship-management skills. Ability to work collaboratively with sales, operations, accounting, project management, field personnel, subcontractors, and suppliers. High level of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and follow-through. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating or project management software. Preferred Qualifications Experience estimating both residential and commercial construction projects. Experience estimating land development and site improvement work. Familiarity with construction accounting, purchase orders, job costing, change orders, and variance reporting. Experience developing standardized floor-plan pricing, option pricing, and estimating templates. Knowledge of value engineering, procurement, and subcontractor bid analysis. Key Competencies Estimating accuracy Construction knowledge Cost awareness and financial judgment Planning and organization Attention to detail Accountability and follow-through Problem-solving and critical thinking Negotiation and vendor management Communication and collaboration Process improvement Ability to perform under deadlines Work Environment This position operates primarily in a professional office environment but may require occasional visits to jobsites, supplier locations, or meetings with subcontractors and vendors.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$60,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
