Construction Estimator - 20964

Role: Construction Estimator (Part-time)
Priority Location: Latin America
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 40hrs/week, 9AM-5PM US Eastern Time
Target Start Date: ASAP (Urgent Hiring)

The final offer is at the client’s discretion and will depend on the candidate’s interview result, skills, and experience. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a practical assessment as part of the application process.

About the Company:

Our client is a Los Angeles-based custom home builder specializing in high-end residential construction. The company manages complex custom home projects where accurate estimating, detailed quantity takeoffs, and thorough review of architectural plans are critical to profitability and successful project execution.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Construction Estimator with a strong background in custom residential construction to take ownership of project estimating and quantity takeoffs for a growing Los Angeles custom home builder. 

The goal is to hire someone who can eventually manage the estimating process from start to finish, allowing the owner to focus on project execution, client relationships, and growing the business.

The successful candidate will review architectural drawings and project documentation, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, prepare comprehensive estimates, identify discrepancies or missing information, and help ensure bids are complete and accurate before submission. 

The estimator should also bring expertise in professional construction estimating software such as PlanSwift, Sage Estimating, or comparable platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

End-to-End Construction Estimating

• Take ownership of the estimating process for custom residential construction projects.
• Review architectural drawings, plans, specifications, scopes of work, and other bid documentation.
• Develop detailed project estimates based on the construction documents provided.
• Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, and relevant project components.
• Organize estimates in a clear, logical, and reviewable format.
• Ensure all relevant scopes and quantities are captured before bids are finalized.
• Assist with preparing competitive and commercially viable project bids.
• Maintain consistency across estimating processes and documentation.

Quantity Takeoffs

Perform detailed quantity takeoffs directly from architectural and construction drawings. Responsibilities may include reviewing and quantifying:

• Concrete and foundations.
• Framing and structural components.
• Drywall.
• Flooring and finishes.
• Doors and windows.
• Roofing.
• Exterior materials.
• Interior finishes.
• Fixtures and relevant equipment.
• Other construction materials and scopes required for custom residential projects.

The estimator should be capable of independently navigating a complete set of plans and identifying the information required to develop an accurate estimate.

Plan & Drawing Review

• Thoroughly review architectural and construction drawings.
• Interpret dimensions, specifications, details, schedules, and notes.
• Cross-reference information between different drawing sheets.
• Identify inconsistencies or discrepancies within project documents.
• Flag missing information that could materially impact pricing.
• Recognize scopes that may have been overlooked or incorrectly quantified.
• Communicate questions clearly before assumptions are incorporated into an estimate.

Estimating Software & Process Improvement
The company would like the new estimator to introduce more sophisticated estimating processes and technology.The estimator will be expected to:

• Recommend appropriate estimating tools based on the company's needs.
• Help establish efficient estimating workflows.
• Create standardized templates where appropriate.
• Improve the consistency and repeatability of estimates.
• Reduce dependence on manual measurements and calculations.
• Help build an estimating process that can scale with increased bidding volume.

AI-Assisted Estimating

The company is already experimenting with Claude and AI-assisted quantity takeoffs. The estimator should be comfortable working in a technology-forward environment and evaluating where AI can improve efficiency without compromising accuracy. Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing AI-generated takeoffs.
• Validating AI-generated quantities against construction documents.
• Identifying errors, omissions, or questionable assumptions.
• Combining AI tools with professional estimating software and human judgment.
• Helping determine where automation can safely improve the estimating workflow.

Quality Control

Accuracy is one of the most important components of this position. The purpose of hiring an estimator is to remove workload, not create another layer of work that requires them to independently verify every calculation. The estimator will therefore be responsible for:

• Thoroughly reviewing their own work before submission.
• Validating quantities and calculations.
• Identifying potential omissions.
• Cross-checking estimates against drawings and specifications.
• Maintaining organized supporting documentation.
• Clearly documenting assumptions.
• Flagging areas requires clarification rather than guessing.

Required Qualifications

• Professional Experience: Proven experience as a Construction Estimator or Quantity Surveyor within the residential sector.
• Technical Estimating Skills: Expertise in construction methods, materials, and sequencing. Ability to independently perform detailed quantity takeoffs and interpret complex architectural drawings.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in any professional estimating software (e.g., PlanSwift, Sage Estimating, Bluebeam, STACK, ProEst, On-Screen Takeoff).
• Accuracy & Quality Control: Strong analytical skills with a focus on precision. Proven ability to identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential risks, ensuring estimates are thorough before submission.
• Technology & Process Improvement: Ability to evaluate and implement efficient estimating workflows. Familiarity with AI-assisted construction tools and experience introducing new systems to improve scalability and consistency.
• Communication & Collaboration: Fluent written and spoken English for effective interaction with U.S.-based professionals. Ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and project documentation independently in a remote setting.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Sector Background: Experience in high-end/luxury custom home projects and General Contractor environments.
• Remote Work Experience: Experience working remotely with U.S.-based construction companies.
• Education: Relevant degree or certification (Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture).
• Market Knowledge: Familiarity with U.S. residential construction practices, particularly those specific to California or the Los Angeles area.