Are you a construction estimator who has been thrust into the world of remote work? If so, you'll know that there are new conditions to get used to.
According to industry projections, over 25 percent of professional jobs will go remote by the end of 2022 – and that figure doesn't exclude construction workers. For those in the construction industry, that means a greater need for estimators who can work remotely.
Are you a construction estimator who has been thrust into the world of remote work? If so, you'll know that there are new conditions to get used to, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and on-site inspection.
To help you acclimate to these new arrangements, let's explore some techniques and strategies for making the most of remote estimator jobs.
In any remote position, communication is key – but it's particularly challenging in remote estimator jobs when you can't see the people you're working with. Remote employees need to be proactive in their communication and take care to ensure they are understood.
Let's run through some strategies for effective communication.
Have a set of guidelines in place for how you will communicate with your team. This can include things such as how often you will check in, what kind of information you need to provide, and how you will handle disagreements or conflicts.
In 2022, there are all sorts of tools we can use to help communication. From video conferencing, to chat software and beyond – there's a tool for every occasion.
Make sure you are familiar with the technology your company is using, and be proactive in suggesting its use when needed. You might also want to consider investing in some personal tools like Zoom or Skype, which can help with more personal interactions.
It's especially important to be clear and concise in remote estimator jobs, as there is no opportunity for people to interrupt you or ask clarifying questions. When speaking, take a moment to think about what you want to say and how you can best communicate it. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
When you aren't in the same room with someone, it can be difficult to gauge their reactions and understand their tone of voice. You may need to wait a little longer for a response, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you're not sure what someone is trying to say.
There's nothing worse than completing hours upon hours of work, only to have it all disappear in a blink of an eye. This is why it's important to back up your work often, especially if you're working on a remote estimator. By doing so, you'll minimize the risk of losing everything if something goes wrong with your computer or internet connection.
In remote estimator jobs, your construction clients are relying on you to have the most accurate estimate possible, which you cannot accomplish without access to your data. Make sure all your data is stored in a secure location and that you have backups in case of a computer crash or other unforeseen event.
You can store your data in:
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Cloud storage is a great way to ensure that your data is always accessible, regardless of what happens to your computer. It keeps a copy of your data in a secure location and makes it easy to share with others.
Some of the most trusted cloud sources include:
Cloud solutions are great, as they don’t take up your physical computer storage. They are also an excellent way to double-back your data.
The last thing you want is to admit to a client that your data was lost because you didn’t have a strong password, or worse – that their personal information was compromised because you didn’t take the necessary precautions. Use a password manager to create strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.
Our final strategy for conquering remote estimator jobs may seem like a no-brainer, but without organizational skills, even the most experienced estimators can fall behind. No matter how you choose to work, it’s important to have some kind of system in place that allows you to track your progress and keep track of what still needs to be done.
One of the best ways to stay organized is to create a system that works for you. This could include having different folders for different types of files, color coding your calendar, or using specific labels for emails.
When you’re working remotely, it can be easy to forget how you did something the last time. Document your workflows so that you can easily refer back to them later. Make an effort to cut down on processes and optimize your workflows as much as possible.
Several tasks can be automated, such as email sorting and task management. Automating these tasks will free up your time so that you can focus on more important things.
In the digital age, some tools can help you automate and stay organized, including task management software, calendar applications, and document organizers. Some of the most reputable include ClickUp, Slack, Google Drive, Asana, Trello, and Jira.
To be successful as a remote construction estimator, it is important to have good communication skills, back up your data, and stay organized. These strategies will help you to be productive and efficient as a remote estimator – from preconstruction right through to the finish line.
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