Construction Estimators

Construction companies employ estimators in order to calculate costs, materials, and staff necessary to complete projects.  These numbers are used to determine if a project will be profitable for a company when organizing bids to present to owners.  They view introductory drawings and conditions and travel to sites in order to gather information pertaining to drainage, cleaning, earth movement, water, electric, and sewer lines.  Once this data has been obtained, it is filled into the preliminary drawings, and calculations are completed in order to figure necessary costs.  The next step is the cost summary report.  All figures are compiled in a legible report that has the total costs, taxes, insurance, markups, and other necessary charges.  With this form, a formal bid is prepared and presented to the owner.  Multiple companies often compete for business, so a bid may need reworked before it is accepted. 

Candidates that are interested in pursing a career as an estimator have a few options. Employers commonly prefer education in construction building, construction, science, or construction management.  Previous experience in the field is generally preferred, but not all employers deem it necessary.  Candidates with excellent math and verbal skills, creativity, and the ability to think quickly will have the highest success.  Construction estimators work with many aspects of the construction business, so a thorough understanding of all practices and procedures is generally needed.  Although it is not mandatory, many employers prefer professionals who have obtained voluntary certification.  Depending upon the specific program, two to eight years of experience and the completion of an exam may be necessary for certification.  Some licenses require candidates to have a minimum of one published article or paper. 

Travel may be required for these careers, with the majority of their commute being to and from construction sites, company headquarters, subsidiary companies, or sub contractors’ offices.  While overtime is not uncommon, estimators generally work within offices on an average of 40 hours per week.  Construction companies rely heavily on the expertise of these professionals because if calculations are inaccurate, large amounts of money and/or bids may be lost.  There is immense pressure associated with maintaining this accuracy, sometimes within tight deadlines.  

Construction careers are projected to grow more rapidly than other industries.  There will be open positions due not only to occupation growth, but also for replacement of candidates leaving these positions.  As the population ages, there is an increased need for nursing and rehabilitation facility construction and maintenance repairs.  Individuals with the highest education and most experience will have the best career options.   For more information on a career as a construction estimator, please visit the following sites:

• Professional Construction Estimators Association
• Bookmark Inc
• cpr Software
• Estimators' Reference
• Construction Experts, Inc

To find your next construction estimator, or search for available positions, please visit iHireConstruction.