Estimator jobs

The cost of the construction work, as well as the quantity of materials, labor, and equipment required to finish the job, are estimated by a professional who is called an estimator.

What does an estimator do? Common employers | Education and experience requirements | Essential skill sets

Estimators, who are also known as cost planners, are the individuals who are tasked with determining how much money will be needed to complete a planned construction project in terms of the amount of labor, machinery, and materials that would be necessary. They often work for construction contractors, the companies that actually build the project, and they are engaged in the pre-construction phase of the project during the bidding stage (in which a construction company bids for the work, stating at what price and to what timescale it could complete it). Depending on the nature of the project, it may include new construction, continuous maintenance, or renovation.

The following are some of the usual tasks of an estimator:

doing a study of the project's blueprints, bills of quantities, and other data in order to provide a cost estimate

researching, sourcing, negotiating and receiving the lowest rates and bids from suppliers and subcontractors

analyzing data that might impact expenses, such as rates of currency exchange and rates of productivity at the organization

analyzing the potential downsides to the project from a financial, technical, and operational standpoint

traveling to several project locations in order to collect information

maintaining an awareness of the most recent advances in building technology

maintaining a level of awareness on the most recent legal and regulatory requirements

influencing decisions regarding whether or not to submit bids for the projectmaintaining close contact with important members of the project team (such as the bid manager) and maintaining open lines of communication with customers and vendors

maintaining precise records, as well as composing reports.

The function is somewhat comparable to that of a quantity surveyor in many respects. The primary distinction between a quantity surveyor and an estimator is that the latter often has a broader scope of responsibility than the former. If they are engaged by a consultant, which is responsible for the design of the project, they will assign costs to the designs and give documentation that are used as a reference by estimators who are employed by contractors. If quantity surveyors are employed by a contractor, they will be responsible for calculating and keeping an eye on the real cost of the project as it moves forward.

Estimators normally work office hours, although longer shifts may be necessary on occasion. Estimators may sometimes visit construction sites, but for the most part, they are based in an office setting. Construction sites may be visited on occasion. As they advance in their careers, they might decide to specialize in a certain kind of project, such as residential or utilities, or in a specific kind of construction package (part of a project), or in a particular construction discipline, such as "civils," groundworks, mechanical, or interiors. Alternatively, they might specialize in a particular type of construction package.

Employers who often hire estimators

Contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry

Builders of houses

Developers of real estate

The government as well as community-based housing organizations (a few vacancies).

Qualifications and experience are expected of applicants.

Traditionally, one would advance into the profession of estimating after beginning their career in a capacity such as surveying assistant; however, there are a few trainee estimator roles that are now accessible. Employers will typically require applicants to have a BTEC, an A level, an HNC, an HND, or a bachelor's degree in an area of study that is relevant to the construction industry. These areas of study may include civil, structural, or mechanical engineering, quantity surveying, and construction management.

It's possible that becoming a member of a professional organization that's related to your field can help your job chances. There are relevant organisations such as the Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE), which needs you to have studied for an engineering qualification, or the Chartered Institute of Building, which also requires you to have studied for an engineering qualification (CIOB).

Key abilities for estimators

Numeracy

Attention to detail

A systematic way of going about one's business

Awareness of business practices

Skills in working in a team, cultivating relationships, and exerting influence

Negotiation

Communication

Organisation and time management

Problem solving.