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Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

AlphaHire

Richmond, Virginia, United States

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About the role

We’re seeking a hands-on Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial building projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and ground-up construction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop project budgets and detailed estimates for commercial construction projects.
  • Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to determine project scope, quantities, and pricing.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
  • Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids, compare proposals, and identify scope gaps or pricing discrepancies.
  • Prepare complete bid submissions with detailed cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability issues, scheduling constraints, and procurement risks during preconstruction.
  • Collaborate with project managers, field supervisors, designers, and trade partners to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies.
  • Monitor labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and market trends to maintain accurate estimates.
  • Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, and client discussions to clarify project requirements.
  • Maintain organized bid records, cost databases, and historical pricing information.
  • Transition awarded projects to the operations team, communicating budgets, scope details, and estimating assumptions.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor.
  • Experience estimating commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and/or ground-up construction.
  • Strong understanding of construction costs, labor productivity, materials, and subcontractor pricing.
  • Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
  • Hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid solicitation, proposal leveling, and final estimate preparation.
  • Ability to identify scope omissions, pricing inconsistencies, and trade overlaps.
  • Proficiency with construction estimating software; Bluebeam Revu experience preferred.
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and time management.
  • Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Proven ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions, rather than solely overseeing the estimating process.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on experience.
  • Health insurance options.
  • Retirement plan options.
  • Paid time off.
  • Additional company-sponsored benefits.