Construction Estimator

Role Overview The Construction Estimator is the technical backbone of Altero’s preconstruction operation. This role owns the full estimating workflow end to end — from scope definition and takeoff through bid leveling and final pricing. This is a hands-on, build-it-yourself estimating role. The estimator personally develops the basis of estimate, performs the takeoff, levels subcontractor bids, prices general conditions, and produces the final bid summary. Construction judgment and field knowledge drive every number. Every assumption and judgment call is documented so estimating standards stay consistent across pursuits and accuracy improves over time. Core Responsibilities 1. Basis of Estimate & Cost Benchmarking Tools & sources: RSMeans (baseline cost data), Altero internal cost database, historical project data, ENR indices for escalation. • Build the basis of estimate at the start of every bid — assemble cost benchmarks, the scope checklist, risk flags, schedule benchmarks, and a draft RFI list from the documents. • Select benchmark comparables and confirm they are genuinely comparable — same building type, similar complexity, same market conditions. • Document the basis of estimate for each bid — which benchmark assumptions apply, which need adjusting for project-specific conditions, and why. • Develop the draft milestone schedule and adjust phase durations for project-specific conditions before general conditions pricing starts. • Document every judgment call made during the estimate so the assumption library stays consistent and benchmark accuracy improves on future bids. • Flag any benchmark with thin support — fewer than three comparables for this project type in this market — and apply additional conservatism. 2. Scope Definition & Document Review Tools & sources: Full bid package — architectural, structural, MEP, and civil drawing sets, specifications, addenda, geotechnical reports, bid forms, contract documents. Bluebeam or equivalent for drawing review. • Build the document index and scope gap report before starting the takeoff. • Read the specification divisions relevant to the work — Division 01 General Requirements and all technical sections covering self-perform and subcontracted scopes. • Finalize the inclusions and exclusions list — what the bid covers and what it explicitly does not, stated clearly enough that the owner can review it without ambiguity. • Prepare the RFI list and confirm it before submission — capture everything missed, remove anything answerable from the documents. • Define the bid strategy — which scopes are self-performed, which are subcontracted, which alternates to include, and any scope items requiring allowances. • Flag scope items where the drawing information is insufficient to quantify accurately — these feed the RFI list and must be resolved before the estimate is finalized. 3. Takeoff & Estimating Tools & sources: Digital takeoff software — Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Buildxact, or equivalent. Takeoff quantities logged by CSI division. • Perform digital takeoff from the full drawing set — quantities by CSI MasterFormat division for every scope item. • Work the scope checklist — check items off as they are quantified, flag any item that cannot be captured from the drawings alone. • Document all assumptions where judgment calls are required — unclear drawings, conflicting information, scope items requiring interpretation. • Run a post-takeoff variance check against benchmarks — investigate any division more than 15% outside the expected range before sub solicitation starts. • Confirm 100% scope capture before the takeoff is complete — every item either quantified or formally flagged as a gap requiring resolution. 4. Bid Leveling Tools & sources: Bid leveling matrix, benchmark database for gap-filling, subcontractor quote documents. • Build the bid leveling matrix for each trade — all bidders side by side, scope items as rows, coverage gaps identified. • Price missing scope using benchmark data and confirm the benchmark used is appropriate for this project. • Make the final sub selection per trade — best value based on complete scope, not just the lowest number. • Document the rationale for every sub selection, especially any that is not the low bidder. • Flag any trade where no submitted quote is acceptable — scope too thin, price too high, exclusions too aggressive — and decide whether to re-solicit or carry an allowance. • Confirm bid leveling is complete at least 24 hours before the estimate must be finalized. 5. Pricing, Overhead, Margin & General Conditions Tools & sources: General conditions template, overhead rate from the project profile, margin threshold from go/no-go scoring, validated milestone schedule. • Build the general conditions pricing line by line — superintendent time, site trailer, temporary utilities, fencing, dumpsters, safety program, permits and fees, insurance and bonds, cleaning, closeout documentation. • Confirm durations and quantities in the general conditions are reasonable for the specific project — adjust where assumptions do not match field reality. • Set the margin — based on competitive intelligence, relationship with the owner, and strategic reasons to be more aggressive or more conservative. • Review all scope items still carrying allowances rather than hard sub quotes — decide whether to tighten before submission or disclose as a risk. • Sign off on the preliminary bid summary — direct costs by division, general conditions, overhead, margin, total bid amount, cost per square foot. • Deliver the approved preliminary bid summary to the coordinator at least 48 hours before the bid due date. 6. Win/Loss Analysis & Benchmark Maintenance Tools & sources: Bid log, win/loss analysis, go/no-go scoring model. • Maintain the bid log and produce the win/loss analysis — track outcomes, margins, and patterns across pursuits. • Participate in the quarterly bid strategy review — surface patterns and add context on competitive dynamics, market conditions, and competitor behavior. • Calibrate the go/no-go scoring after each quarterly review — confirm adjustments before they are applied. • Flag any systematic estimating issue the data reveals — consistent overruns in a division, recurring scope gaps, patterns in how project types perform vs estimate. • Update the benchmark database after every project closeout — validate division cost benchmark updates before they are locked.