What is a Construction Estimator?

If you have decided to embark on a building project or any construction work, you would understand the difficulty of setting out and completing such projects.

If you have decided to embark on a building project or any construction work, you would understand the difficulty of setting out and completing such projects. In an industry that rakes in more than 3.9 trillion dollars annually, there is much room for work in the construction industry. With various professionals and workers in the industry, the role of a construction estimator stands out. 

So if you want to know more about a construction estimator and what they do, buckle up as we look at who a construction estimator is, what skills an estimator should have, what a construction estimator does, how much a construction estimator earns, and much more. We will cover the basics and help you see if being a construction estimator is a good fit for you.

What is a construction estimator?

A construction estimator is a professional who helps to compile a list of materials to determine the estimated cost of a construction project. This estimate would cut across equipment, materials, and even labor, and it is usually based on available information regarding the market situation then. Estimators also project or try to predict future market changes, so they do not end up with a loss for the contractor at the end of the project period. 

Estimators are vital.  Because, without an estimator, it would be difficult for a contractor to submit a bid for a contract in the first place. Without proper estimates, it would also be near impossible for the construction project to get on the way. Cost Estimators can work on entirely new projects or ongoing projects that require fresh perspectives. Construction estimators are also known as preconstruction estimators. 

How to become a construction estimator

Becoming a construction estimator usually requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant course like construction management or engineering or Quantity survey may be necessary. Like every other job, you will need some experience after your degree, and you can get this through internships or working an entry-level position in a company before you can decide to branch out on your own.

Construction estimation also shares similarities with a lot of professions, as there are areas in which you can specialize as a construction estimator. You can decide to be a mechanical and electrical construction or structural estimator. There are more areas, but you are encouraged to start as a generalist taking in all you can before you diversify. 

At this point, you might want to ask, “What skills should an estimator have?” Cost estimation for a project calls for a systematic strategy but also requires some degree of artistry; as a result, you would need a range of skills to function well here, and here are some of the skills you would need.

What skills should a construction estimator have?

  • Math Skills: A construction estimator should have good mathematical knowledge; this would be very handy in this line of work.
  • Organizational skills: Beyond being able to calculate well, a good construction estimator has to be organized. You should be able to track numbers and adequately assign the right places on a worksheet.
  • Data Analysis: As a cost estimator, you must understand what you’re looking at. All of those numbers and pieces of information that you’ll be going through will need to be analyzed and interpreted so that you can make a competitive and accurate bid.
  • Detail-Oriented: As a construction estimator, you must pay keen attention to details, as a slight mistake could jeopardize an entire project.  
  • Technical Skills: Technical skills are important if you want to be a construction estimator. You have to have a level of knowledge on the subject of construction itself and other attendant topics.
  • Communication Skills: While all the other skills are vital to becoming a construction estimator, many overlook this skill since it seems so far removed from the range above, but being able to communicate appropriately is equally important, as you would be interacting with other people on the course of your job, and you would need to accurately present your information to whoever you are communicating with without confusing. 

All of the above are just several key skills you need to work well as a construction estimator. 

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It is important to note that the job of a construction estimator is quite different from that of an engineer, as an engineer deals with the actual work and the technical areas of the work; on the other hand, a construction estimator majorly counts the cost and does not engage in the practical sense.

How much does a construction estimator make?

A construction estimator’s salary is really a fast way of knowing if being a construction estimator is a rewarding job, and to a large extent, it is. Looking at the average construction estimator salary in the US some Junior Estimators can earn between $80-$90,000

Is estimating a stressful job?

If a bid exceeds a contract’s price, the GB will certainly lose the contract. Similarly, if it’s too low, the GC may end up out of pocket. Having that responsibility obviously comes with its own deal of stress, but if you speak to any estimator – it’s that responsibility that makes the job worthwhile. 

How many hours do estimators work?

A typical construction estimator works an average of 40 hours a week. 

What is the job title of an estimator?

An estimator can be known as a Construction estimator, a cost estimator, a cost engineer, a cost planner, or a preconstruction estimator. There are also varying roles, from Junior Estimator, through to Commercial Estimator, Preconstruction Manager, Director of Preconstruction, and VP of Preconstruction. 

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