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What Does A Construction Estimator Do? A Comprehensive Guide

Riya Jamble

To excel as a construction estimator, you need more than just knowledge of construction estimating applications. Whether you’re aspiring to enter the field or a seasoned estimator looking to enhance your skills, this article provides valuable insights to help you succeed.

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Construction Estimator Guide

What This Guide Covers

Who Is a Construction Estimator?

A construction estimator is an individual responsible for accurately calculating and assessing construction project costs.

They gather project information, analyze plans and specifications, quantify material and labor requirements, obtain quotes from suppliers and subcontractors, calculate job costs, and present estimates to clients or stakeholders.

They play a crucial role in determining the financial feasibility and competitiveness of construction projects. Their accurate estimates help guide decision-making, budgeting and resource allocation throughout the project life cycle.

Responsibilities

Construction estimators serve as the financial architects of the construction industry. Their responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing architectural drawings, engineering plans and project specifications to understand the scope and identify key components.
  • Performing takeoffs to accurately determine material quantities required for construction projects.
  • Obtaining quotes from subcontractors (electricians, plumbers or HVAC specialists) and carefully evaluating pricing, qualifications and scope of work for accuracy and competitiveness.
  • Creating detailed cost breakdowns and itemizing expenses such as materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, permits and additional costs.
  • Monitoring progress, changes and deviations from initial plans and adjusting cost estimates as needed due to scope modifications, design changes or unforeseen circumstances like weather or labor shortages.
  • Collaborating with project teams and stakeholders, participating in meetings, providing cost insights, addressing concerns, and ensuring a clear understanding of estimated costs.
  • Staying informed about construction trends and fluctuations in material prices, labor rates and equipment costs.
  • Maintaining meticulous records of cost estimates, subcontractor quotes, project specifications and relevant documentation.
  • Contributing to value engineering and cost-saving initiatives by suggesting alternative materials, construction methods or design modifications that reduce costs while maintaining quality and safety.

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Key Skills

As a construction estimator, you should develop the following skills:

  • Analytical Skills: Analyze project plans and specifications to accurately assess material quantities, labor requirements and associated costs.
  • Mathematical Aptitude: Perform calculations, quantify materials, estimate labor hours and determine project costs with precision.
  • Attention to Detail: Thoroughly review project documentation to identify key components.
  • Communication Skills: Effectively communicate with subcontractors, project teams and stakeholders, conveying cost-related insights, addressing concerns, and presenting estimates and proposals clearly.
  • Time Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities and project timelines.
  • Problem-Solving Abilities: Adjust cost estimates and propose viable alternatives when facing scope changes, design modifications or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Digital Software Knowledge: Demonstrate proficiency in using estimating software, construction accounting apps and takeoff tools.
  • Negotiation Skills: Negotiate with subcontractors and vendors to obtain competitive pricing and optimize project costs.

Challenges

Construction estimating is a tedious task. It comes with several challenges. We’ve outlined the same below.

Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

Without a comprehensive understanding of the project scope, it can be challenging to identify all key components and potential cost factors, resulting in inaccurate cost assessments.

Similarly, if the provided plans or specifications contain errors or omissions, you might make incorrect assumptions or calculations, leading to flawed cost projections.

Scope & Design Changes

Scope and design changes can have ripple effects on other aspects of the project, such as scheduling, resource allocation and procurement. That’s why you need to stay abreast of any modifications throughout the project life cycle and be prepared to make timely adjustments to their cost estimates.

Uncertain Market Conditions

Fluctuations in material prices, labor rates and equipment costs can significantly impact project budgets. It can be challenging to accurately predict and adapt to market fluctuations while maintaining cost-effective estimates and ensuring the project remains financially viable.

Time Constraints

You need to prioritize tasks, manage your workload and make timely decisions to meet your construction timelines. Failure to meet deadlines can result in delays in project planning and bidding processes, potentially affecting the overall project schedule and profitability.

Unforeseen Circumstances

Unexpected events such as weather conditions, labor shortages or unforeseen site conditions can impact project timelines and costs. You must adapt estimates to account for these variables.

Collaboration Issues

Insufficient communication among estimators, project teams, subcontractors and stakeholders leads to misunderstandings, delays and estimating errors.

Similarly, inefficient integration between estimating software and project management systems hinders seamless collaboration, causing data inconsistencies, duplication of effort and challenges in tracking project changes.

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How To Become a Construction Estimator

From acquiring the right education and training to honing your analytical abilities, we’ve discussed the essential steps and skills necessary to embark on a successful journey towards becoming a cost estimator below.

Pursue Relevant Education

While not always mandatory, obtaining a postsecondary education in construction-related fields can enhance your prospects as a construction estimator.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers often prefer estimators with a bachelor’s degree in construction or engineering.

Consider pursuing a construction management degree to gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of the construction industry, including project planning, design, cost estimation methods, scheduling and construction management.

These degrees also enable you to gain familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD), BIM apps and accounting systems to help you perform accurate calculations and create detailed estimates.

Gain Work Experience

To gain estimating experience, you should actively seek opportunities to immerse yourself in the field of construction estimation. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Seek Entry-Level Positions: These positions may include roles such as estimator assistant, junior estimator or estimating technician. By starting at this level, you can learn the fundamentals of construction estimation and gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
  • Collaborate with Estimators: Reach out to experienced estimators and express your interest in learning from them. Offer to assist them on projects or shadow their work to observe their estimating processes.
  • Volunteer for Construction Projects: Consider volunteering for construction projects, such as those organized by non-profit organizations or community initiatives. While your primary role may not be estimating, express your interest in assisting with cost-related tasks.

Remember, gaining estimating experience is a continuous process that requires dedication and a willingness to learn. Embrace every opportunity to apply your knowledge, collaborate with professionals and refine your estimating skills.

Obtain Certifications

Consider acquiring certifications to enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise as a construction estimator. Some organizations that offer certifications include:

The American Society of Professional Estimators

To obtain certification from the American Society of Professional Estimators, you can enroll in either the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or the Associate Estimator Professional (AEP) courses.

For the CPE course, you need at least five years of experience as a construction estimator. The application fee is $655 for members and $790 for non-members. The course duration is between three to six months, and upon completion, you must pass the CPE examination to obtain the certification.

For the AEP course, you should either hold or should be working towards obtaining a construction degree or have at least one year of experience as an estimator. The application fee is $185 for members and $200 for non-members. You need to pass the General Estimating Knowledge exam to obtain the certification.

The Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating (AACE)

AACE International offers various certifications for professionals in the field of cost engineering, project management and scheduling. Some of their certifications include:

To obtain these certifications, you need to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass a comprehensive examination, and adhere to the organization’s professional ethics standards.

The Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis

The Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis offers the Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst certification to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals in cost estimating and analysis. You need five years of experience as a cost estimator to enroll.

It helps demonstrate proficiency in areas such as cost estimating techniques, data analysis, risk assessment and cost modeling.

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Salary & Job Outlook

Construction estimators can earn a competitive income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction estimators was $65,170 in May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,880, while the highest 10% earned more than $115,690.

It’s important to note that salary can vary based on factors such as experience, education, geographic location, and the size and complexity of projects. Estimators with specialized knowledge or certifications may command higher salaries.

Additionally, working for larger construction firms or in metropolitan areas with high construction activity can also lead to higher earning potential.

In terms of job outlook, employment of cost estimators is projected to decline by 2% from 2021-2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, the industry will see an average of 18,500 job openings per year, primarily driven by worker replacements and retirements.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, estimators who possess a combination of relevant education, experience and strong analytical skills are in demand.

Work Conditions

Construction estimators typically work a 40-hour week with a five-day schedule. However, you may need to work additional hours due to the dynamic nature of the construction industry. The requirement for extra hours varies based on project scope and geographic location.

You might primarily perform calculations on computers in office settings. You also might have to regularly visit construction sites to verify progress and ensure the accuracy of estimates. During site visits, you’d have to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, hard hats and steel-toed boots, to maintain safety standards.

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Next Steps

Building a successful career as a construction estimator requires dedication, curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement. With perseverance and proactive learning, you can excel in this dynamic field.

If you’re an experienced estimator seeking to streamline your estimating workflows, we suggest you invest in construction estimating software.

But with several options out there, it becomes difficult to select the right one. You can access our comparison report to evaluate vendors and select your perfect match!

What strategies do you employ as a construction estimator to enhance your estimating processes and improve overall project outcomes? Please let us know in the comments below.

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