Introduction

Construction Estimators are those professionals who are important in our culture but are rarely noticed or recognized. Their work is essential to any construction project that is finished on time and within budget.

Similar Job Titles

• Construction Cost Analyst

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Construction estimators do?

A Construction Estimator would typically need to:

• Analyse available data to accurately estimate and determine the cost of a building project
• Manage and coordinate construction projects
• Estimate the likely costs of materials, labor, production time, and equipment using company-approved software.
• Examine the influence of new variables, such as foreign exchange rates and the company’s productivity rates, on expenses.
• Create construction subcontracts based on contract bids, prices, schematic drawings, and requirements.
• Suggest advantageous bidding procedures, study and analyze tenders, aid in tender selection, and conduct negotiations to obtain the best rates and quotes.
• After researching the project’s financial, technical, and operational risks, initiate, sustain, and conclude tendering procedures.
• Establish cost monitoring and reporting systems; prepare construction progress schedules.
• Record total material requirements, including codes, brands, and contact information required to process orders.
• During the execution of a project, draught periodic expense statements and predictions to ensure that it stays within pre-determined boundaries.
• Do economic feasibility studies on revisions to cost estimates in collaboration with owners, engineers, architects, contractors, and subcontractors
• Maintain an updated directory of reliable suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors
• Preserve records and prepare regular reports of estimated and actual expenditure

Standard Work Environment

Construction Estimators spend the majority of their workday in an office, although they may need to go to building sites and factory assembly lines. You will work as part of a team but may need to make decisions on your own at times. It is critical to work closely with clients and suppliers.

Work Schedule

The usual workweek for a full-time Construction Estimator is 40 hours, except during peak periods when they work overtime to prepare bids and fulfil deadlines. The number of additional hours per week will vary depending on the job, construction sector, and region in which they work.

Employers

Seeking a new job may appear difficult. Construction Estimators can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Construction Estimators are generally employed by:

• Construction Contractors & Subcontractors
• House Builders
• Construction & Property Development Companies
• Civil Engineering Firms
• Engineering Firms
• Infrastructure Groups
• Facilities Management Organisations
• Public Sector & Local Housing Associations
• Consultancy Firms
• Rail Track Construction Companies
• Specialist Highway Services
• Mechanical, Engineering & Plumbing Service Providers
• Carpentry & Joinery Subcontractors
• Architects
• Interior Fitters

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional groups and organizations, such as The American Association of Cost Engineering International, are essential for Construction Estimators who want to further their professional growth or network with other experts in their industry or trade. Participation in one or more of these organizations adds value to your resume while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Inaccurate estimates due to lack of adequate time to study all the factors and work on the estimate
• Working with fixed budgets and schedules
• Unrealistic expectations of an owner, designer, or contractor
• Creation of accurate estimates in the face of constantly changing prices and availability of materials, equipment, and labour
• Increase in prices due to shortages in supplies or labor

Suggested Work Experience

Companies favour candidates who have completed an internship or industrial placement as part of their academic curriculum.

When your tasks outside of the classroom precisely align with your teachings inside, you will get the most out of them. When more experienced workers manage to turn seemingly ordinary occurrences into unique learning experiences, you may be able to hear endless stories from them and gain significant hands-on knowledge.

Previous expertise in the industry for which they are looking for work, as well as considerable experience in managing construction projects, construction design (engineering or architecture), or manufacturing, will be advantageous.

Many Construction Estimators start out as surveying assistants, administrators, craftspeople, technicians, trainee estimators, or as apprentices in a construction or engineering firm. At least three years of experience as an assistant to an estimator or quantity surveyor will help you advance to the position of the estimator.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview/job shadow specialists in construction estimation.

Recommended Qualifications

The most common qualification companies look for in applicants for the position of Construction Estimator is a bachelor’s degree in construction/civil/structural/mechanical engineering, construction management, or mathematics.

In some cases, a professional diploma, HNC (Higher National Certificate), or HND (Higher National Diploma) in the topics specified above may be appropriate.

Focus on math, business, and English in high school.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Construction estimation certification from a reputable and objective organization will help you stand out in a competitive employment market and allow you to work as an independent consultant. By including a Code of Ethics, successful certification programs defend the public welfare.

Certification normally requires a mix of education, experience, and examination, though criteria vary by location. For specific requirements, check with your local education providers.

Projected Career Map

Construction Estimators’ careers are driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. They may be promoted as Project Team Leaders, Quality Assurance Inspectors, or Contracts Managers.

You can also specialize in residential or utilities, as well as a certain sort of construction package or discipline such as civils, groundworks, mechanicals, or interiors. It is also usual for people to move into adjacent fields such as quantity surveying, supply chain management, or general management.

Job Prospects

Applicants with an appropriate bachelor’s degree, certification, and construction-related experience will have the best job possibilities.

Beneficial Professional Development

CPD will assist an active Construction Estimator in developing personal skills and competency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Your employer may provide on-the-job training to ensure that all new hires are comfortable with their operations. Furthermore, numerous private training providers offer various professional development courses in cost budgets, risk analysis, estimating and organizing resources, as well as contract and legal work.

Your employer may also be willing to cover the costs of extra formal training and certifications in project management, construction contracting operations, and site management.

A Level 3 NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) and substantial experience may qualify you for membership in a professional cost engineering association in some places.

Despite the fact that it is not required, some Construction Estimators pursue postgraduate studies in construction projects and cost management, quantity surveying, or construction management.

CPD will also allow you to renew desired certifications on a regular basis and keep you up to date on the latest construction technology as well as regulatory and legislative needs.

Conclusion

Construction estimating, as simple as it may appear, is no easy task. It’s time-consuming, stressful, and needs a lot of talent. Construction Estimators, on the other hand, get the incomparable gratification of a job well done every time they successfully complete a project as planned.

Advice from the Wise

A planned and organized approach to work, as well as a calm attitude, will help you overcome the unavoidable challenges in construction estimation.