If you work in the construction industry, you can explore the rising demand for remote jobs and start building success from home.
What Is A Construction Estimator?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics briefly defined a construction estimator as the person who collects and analyzes data to assess the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service.
To effectively perform their duties, professional estimators visit construction sites to gather necessary client requirement information and analyze proposals, specifications, blueprints, and construction documents to thoroughly understand the project.
According to Wize Hire, construction estimators commonly work closely with construction project managers to coordinate and oversee the vendors’ and subcontractors’ bid process.
Other Duties Of A Construction Estimator
Construction estimator jobs are offered by residential, commercial, and industrial construction companies and major electrical, mechanical, and trade contractors. Moreover, in some cases, they may be self-employed, a report mentioned.
Even in different companies or environments, the roles of a construction cost estimator remain similar.
Here are the common duties and responsibilities of a construction estimator, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Identify factors affecting costs, such as production time, materials, and labor
- Read and study plans, blueprints, proposals, and technical documents
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, clients, contractors, and other professionals
- Calculate and evaluate offers to purchase by site requirements, additions, and costing changes
- Recommend ways to cut cost
- Prepare and present budgets, reports, and project plans
- Develops bids for construction projects
- Work with sales teams to prepare estimates and bids for clients
- Maintain records of estimated and actual costs
- Schedule meetings with clients, site managers, and staff
- Navigates and understands building codes
- Monitor construction process and development
- Stay up to date with safety codes and improvements in construction
Qualifications To Become An Outstanding Estimator
Strong Math skills
Experts said a construction estimator must possess strong math skills including algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic. This is important to accurately perform the job of calculating cost estimates and other finances related to labor, material, and equipment estimates for construction projects.
Analytical skills
Analytical skills are soft skills that help you identify and solve complex problems on the job, according to Indeed.
In the construction industry, an estimator is expected to have the skill to analyze the best utilization of materials and resources based on cost and quality. A construction estimator should have the ability to understand and consider proposals to understand different approaches to managing a project. By thinking about each factor of a scheme, a construction estimator should have the option to advise approaches to cut down the cost without compromising on quality.
Detail-Oriented
Being detail-oriented means paying close attention to all of the small particulars of any job. Indeed posted an informative article online saying detail-oriented employees complete each assignment as flawlessly as possible before moving to the next task. This means the projects they submit are usually high-quality work with little to no errors. Detail-oriented employees focus closely on the specifications of each project and constantly find ways to finish their tasks efficiently.
To successfully manage construction projects, a construction estimator must have the ability to create a detailed list of all tasks to be done to remain productive all day. Moreover, detail-orientedness benefits an estimator to immediately notice inaccuracies or errors and fix them accordingly.
Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
A blog mentioned that commonly included in the job description of a construction estimator is to collaborate with engineers, architects, contractors, and other professionals. Given that, an estimator should possess strong written and verbal communication skills for better chances of employment.
Besides members of the team, a chief estimator also connects with the clients, subcontractors, and project managers. Good communication among all participants greatly contributes to the efficient workflow of any given construction project.
Time Management Skills
Any hiring manager favors an employee with exemplary time management skills. Work in the construction industry and any related field demands the focus. But how can an individual focus if multiple responsibilities should be accomplished simultaneously?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, time management is the practice of using the time that you have available in a useful and effective way. A person with this skill has the ability and knowledge to determine priorities at work. Once identified, they gradually complete tasks until all duties have been accomplished.
A construction estimator with time management skills can deliver good results to any company and employers.
education
Job seekers with bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering, architecture, accounting, construction management, or related fields have a strong application profile for the position of construction estimator.
training
An individual with a bachelor’s degree in any related field in construction is favorable when aspiring to become a construction estimator. However, people with none of this formal education may still acquire professional skills and certification through short-term programs and training.
Candidates who want to secure a job as an estimator in the construction industry should take a couple or several years of training as estimators. Accredited institutes teach individuals to utilize construction estimating software, and help them develop project management and other specific skills required to accomplish tasks in estimating costs and qualify for a full job description of a construction estimator.
experience
Following education and training, an aspiring construction estimator may apply to any company in the construction industry and other related fields. An apprenticeship with a building construction company is a good way to the industry.
During work on construction sites or even in the office, an apprentice accumulates hours of experience and learns about details including the latest building codes and other important knowledge.
Can It Be Done Remotely?
In recent years, the construction industry has witnessed a significant shift in the way professionals carry out their work. One advancement in the field is the emergence of work-from-home opportunities for jobs like construction estimating.
The rapid advancement of technology is one of the key factors contributing to the rise of remote construction jobs. The technological evolution and availability of project management tools and specialized construction management software have empowered remote workers to perform duties effectively from the comfort of their homes.
How To Hire A Work-From-Home Construction Estimator
Remote Raven is a workforce solutions company that connects employers to talented candidates.
If your construction business is seeking to hire a remote construction estimator, schedule an appointment with Remote Raven now. The company has impressive talent acquisition specialists who can identify and determine individuals who can perform specific tasks depending on your business needs.
Remote Raven can assist from the beginning until the end of the hiring process. They can help you create a personalized job description to reduce the risk of attracting unfit candidates. Moreover, the company can guide you in creating a structural compensation package including the salary and benefits for the job position of a work-from-home construction estimator.
Contact Remote Raven now to find the most suitable construction estimator for your company!
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