How to Be Construction Estimator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 30, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The importance of construction estimators is often overlooked, but their role is critical to the success of a building project. They are responsible for accurately assessing the costs of materials, labor, and other associated expenses in order to ensure that a project is completed on time and within budget. Without a construction estimator, contractors and builders would be unable to accurately plan and price projects, leading to delays, cost overruns, and potential legal issues.

With the help of a construction estimator, contractors are better able to plan for contingencies and to accurately forecast overall costs, allowing for more efficient and profitable building projects. A construction estimator's experience and attention to detail can also help identify hidden costs and prevent costly mistakes from occurring.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in a construction-related field. Courses in construction management, construction engineering, architecture, or civil engineering are all excellent choices.
Gain experience in the field of construction. You can do this by working as a laborer, an equipment operator, or a project manager.
Obtain certifications or licensure for the area you plan to specialize in. This may include becoming a Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or a Certified Cost Estimator (CCE).
Understand the principles of cost accounting, construction law, and estimating software. Completing a course in these areas can help you gain the necessary skills required to be a successful estimator.
Develop a good understanding of the construction industry and the local market where you plan to work. Knowing which suppliers have the best deals and the current trends in construction can be beneficial when estimating costs.
Stay up-to-date with the latest tools, technology, and methods used in the construction industry.
Find a job as an estimator. Construction companies and general contractors often hire estimators to help calculate the costs associated with a project. You can also look for job postings online or through professional networks such as LinkedIn.

Becoming a skilled and competent construction estimator is a difficult process that requires talent and dedication. Firstly, to excel in the field of construction estimation, one must have a strong understanding of mathematics. This includes basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, and calculus.

Secondly, knowledge of the construction industry is essential. Construction estimators must have a thorough understanding of the different types of materials, labor and equipment needed for each job. they must be well-versed in the various industry regulations and codes of conduct.

Finally, it is essential to have excellent communication skills in order to effectively collaborate with other stakeholders such as contractors, suppliers, clients and architects. With the right combination of math skills, industry knowledge, and interpersonal skills, a talented individual can become a skilled and competent construction estimator.

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Job Description

Project Manager: Responsible for managing the entire project from start to finish, including overseeing the budget, scheduling, and communication between all parties.
Estimator: Responsible for creating accurate cost estimates for a construction project by evaluating drawings and specifications.
Construction Supervisor: Responsible for overseeing the daily construction activities on site and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Quality Control Inspector: Responsible for conducting regular inspections of the construction project to ensure that high standards of quality are being met.
Safety Officer: Responsible for ensuring a safe work environment by enforcing safety protocols, monitoring conditions, and providing safety training to personnel.
Architect: Responsible for designing the buildings layout and plans, taking into account the clients specific needs and requirements.
Civil Engineer: Responsible for designing the structures foundations, taking into account structural integrity, strength, and stability.
Electrician: Responsible for installing and connecting the electrical wiring and components of a project.
Plumber: Responsible for installing and connecting the plumbing pipes, valves, fixtures, and other components of a project.
HVAC Technician: Responsible for installing and maintaining the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems of a project.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of construction materials, methods, and tools.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction plans.
Ability to accurately calculate labor and material costs.
Ability to assess potential risks and plan contingencies.
Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to construction projects.
Ability to identify and address safety hazards.
Strong communication skills.
Highly organized with efficient time-management skills.
Knowledge of building codes and industry standards for construction projects.
Excellent problem-solving skills.

Having an eye for detail and strong analytical skills are essential for any successful construction estimator. When an estimator is tasked with putting together the cost of a project, they need to be able to quickly assess the project scope, including all associated materials, labor, and equipment costs. They must also be able to evaluate the complexity of the project and understand how changes in one aspect can affect the cost of another.

By having a strong understanding of construction regulations, codes, and design principles, the estimator can ensure that the project will be completed within budget and on time. Finally, having excellent communication skills is essential in order to effectively collaborate with clients and contractors throughout the construction process. Having these skills allows an estimator to provide accurate estimates that are competitively priced and ensure that projects are completed on schedule.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have creating construction estimates?
What is your experience with the bidding process?
How would you estimate the cost of a construction project?
How do you determine which materials to use in a construction project?
What techniques do you use to evaluate a job site?
How do you handle discrepancies in materials or labor costs?
How would you handle a situation where a customer questions your estimate?
How do you stay up-to-date on changes in building codes and regulations?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy in your estimates?
Describe a time when you successfully completed a complex construction estimate.

Common Tools in Industry

Blueprint Reading. The ability to interpret construction plans and specifications to properly estimate a project. (eg: understanding dimensions and notations on a blueprint)
Cost Estimating. The ability to accurately estimate the cost of labor, materials, and equipment for a given project. (eg: calculating the cost of a new kitchen remodel)
Scheduling Software. The ability to create a project timeline and manage resources to meet project deadlines. (eg: creating a Gantt chart with Milestones and Dependencies)
CAD Drawing. The ability to create digital drawings and models of projects in two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats. (eg: creating a floor plan in AutoCAD)
Bidding Software. The ability to submit a competitive bid for a project and manage the bidding process. (eg: using BidBoard Pro to submit bids for multiple projects)
Risk Management. The ability to identify risks associated with a project and develop strategies to minimize their impact. (eg: conducting a risk assessment to identify potential safety hazards)
Construction Accounting. The ability to track the financial aspects of a project and maintain accurate records of expenditures. (eg: budgeting for labor and materials costs)
Building Code Knowledge. The ability to understand local building codes and regulations and ensure compliance. (eg: confirming that a structure meets building code before construction begins)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)
Green Building Initiative (GBI)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)

We also have Construction Project Administrator, Construction Inspector, and Assistant Construction Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Bid Documents. The documents that include all the information related to a construction project, such as drawings, specs, schedules, and other requirements.
Specifications. A document that outlines the materials and processes to be used in the construction project.
Cost Estimate. An approximation of the costs associated with a construction project, including labor, materials, and overhead.
Bidding Process. The process of evaluating bids from vendors in order to select the most suitable contractor for the job.
Subcontractor. An individual or firm hired by a main contractor to perform a specific task on a construction project.
Overhead Costs. Expenses related to running the business, such as utilities, taxes, and insurance.
Takeoff. The process of measuring the materials needed for a project.
Scheduling. The process of creating a timeline and assigning resources to complete tasks on the job.
Profit Margin. The amount of money left over after all expenses are paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Construction Estimator?

A Construction Estimator is a professional who uses plans, drawings and other specifications to estimate the cost of a building project.

What qualifications are needed to become a Construction Estimator?

To become a Construction Estimator, one usually needs a bachelors degree in engineering, construction management, or related field, as well as experience in the construction industry.

What skills are necessary for a Construction Estimator?

A Construction Estimator needs to be proficient in mathematics, have strong communication and organizational skills, understand building codes and regulations, and be able to accurately read blueprints and other technical documents.

How does a Construction Estimator determine the cost of a building project?

A Construction Estimator takes into account the cost of materials, labor, equipment and other related expenses when calculating the cost of a building project. They also need to factor in any potential risks or unforeseen costs that could add to the total cost.