Job Summary
The Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates, budgets, bids, and proposals for residential construction and home-improvement projects. This role reviews plans and specifications, performs quantity and material takeoffs, develops labor and material cost assumptions, obtains subcontractor and supplier pricing, identifies scope gaps and cost risks, and tracks actual project costs to improve future estimating accuracy. The Estimator works closely with company leadership, the Superintendent, architects, designers, subcontractors, vendors, and customers to support effective preconstruction planning and successful project handoff.
Duties and Responsibilities
Estimating, Bidding & Budget Development
· Review plans, specifications, drawings, scopes of work, and project requirements to understand the complete scope of each project.
· Prepare detailed estimates and budget costs for residential construction projects using plans, specifications, labor requirements, material needs, and production assumptions.
· Develop bids, pricing, and project proposals for construction projects and present budgets, estimates, reports, and project plans as needed.
· Perform quantity and material takeoffs and identify labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, permit, and other cost components that influence project pricing.
· Determine factors of production and labor that may affect project cost and schedule.
· Use bid data and historical information to compare detailed cost analyses and improve estimating accuracy.
Vendor & Subcontractor Pricing
· Solicit, obtain, and evaluate pricing information from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
· Review subcontractor quotes for scope completeness, exclusions, assumptions, and alignment with project documents.
· Analyze and resolve cost differences by gathering and comparing relevant pricing, scope, production, and project information.
· Maintain organized vendor, subcontractor, and material pricing information for future estimating use.
Scope Review & Preconstruction Planning
· Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, allowances, potential cost risks, and other items that may affect the accuracy or completeness of an estimate.
· Work closely with architects, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and other professionals to clarify plans, specifications, scope, and pricing requirements.
· Review applicable building codes and construction requirements that may affect project scope, cost, or execution.
· Participate in staff, bid, preconstruction, and project meetings and communicate estimating assumptions, budget concerns, and cost impacts.
· Support project handoff from estimating to construction by clearly communicating scope, budget, assumptions, exclusions, materials, subcontractor commitments, and other key project requirements.
Cost Tracking & Estimate Improvement
· Compile, record, and track actual project costs and compare actual results to estimated costs to identify variances.
· Review completed-project results and use lessons learned to improve future labor, material, subcontractor, and production assumptions.
· Maintain organized estimating records, pricing histories, project assumptions, bid documentation, and supporting cost information.
· Assist with updating estimating templates, cost databases, and standard pricing information as needed.
Change Pricing & Project Support
· Review project changes, customer requests, and field conditions for potential cost impact.
· Prepare or assist with pricing for change orders, additions, alternates, and other scope changes.
· Coordinate with the Superintendent and field leadership to understand actual job conditions that may affect pricing or future estimates.
· Provide estimating and cost information to management and project teams as needed throughout construction.
Professional Communication
· Communicate clearly and professionally with customers, architects, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal team members.
· Prepare and maintain professional budgets, reports, proposals, bid summaries, and other estimating documentation.
· Regularly attend staff, bid, preconstruction, and project meetings as required.
Qualifications
Knowledge & Skills
· Strong working knowledge of residential construction estimating, budgeting, quantity takeoffs, bid preparation, and detailed cost analysis.
· Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, specifications, and building codes.
· Strong math skills, including algebra, geometry, basic arithmetic, and practical construction calculations.
· Proficiency in preparing job proposals, budgets, bids, and project cost documentation.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail and accuracy.
· Ability to manage multiple estimates and assignments simultaneously and meet deadlines.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with Excel and construction-related estimating documentation.
· Working knowledge of residential construction methods, materials, labor requirements, and sequencing.
Education & Experience
· High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
· Minimum of 5 years of construction estimating or closely related residential construction experience required.
· Residential construction field experience strongly preferred.
Credentials, Certificates & Licenses
· Valid driver's license required when travel to job sites, suppliers, or project meetings is necessary.
Work Environment
This position works primarily in an office or administrative setting with regular visits to residential construction sites. Job-site visits may involve exposure to construction equipment, loud noise, airborne particles, uneven surfaces, and varying weather conditions. The role requires the ability to review plans and documents for extended periods and to walk active job sites as needed to verify scope and conditions.
About Mt. Tabor Builders
Mt. Tabor Builders has more than two decades of hands-on experience serving Clear Spring, Hagerstown, and the surrounding Maryland area. The company designs and builds custom homes and completes major home-improvement projects. Employees can expect a collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our motto is simple: Do It Right.
Other Duties and Requirements
The duties, responsibilities, and requirements listed above are not intended to be a comprehensive list. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as appropriate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law and provided the accommodation does not create an undue hardship or direct safety threat.
EEO Statement
Mt. Tabor Builders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need and are made without discrimination on any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The company maintains a drug-free workplace and may conduct substance-abuse testing and background verification when warranted and permitted by law.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $81,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
