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.
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.
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.
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.
All of the above are just several key skills you need to work well as a construction estimator.
*Unsubscribe at any time
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.
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
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.
A typical construction estimator works an average of 40 hours a week.
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.
*Unsubscribe at any time
Accelerate your Preconstruction Career while earning a competitive salary with a Top Ranked ENR General Contractor
Apply for Construction Estimator JobsWe work with the Top 10% of Preconstruction Talent across the United States and can deliver this talent to you in 4-6 weeks
Post a job