What Does A Construction Estimator Job Do?

There are many construction jobs but one that doesn't get too many attentions when people are looking for a career in the industry is being a construction estimator. What is construction estimator anyway? Construction estimators have a significant role in a construction company such that they are responsible in estimating or calculating everything from the construction costs to how much time is needed to complete the project. All the needed elements will have to be taken account by the estimator to finally draw up an estimated figure needed for the entire project's cost.

Much of this job is done in the office; however, the construction estimators need to communicate with other construction officials like the architects, surveyors, and other construction staffs and to the clients as well to help accurately forecast the project costs. Other specific tasks that they are expected to do are:

- Calculate proposals and quotes
- Ensure the proposals selected are those that will offer a decent return on the investment made by the company
- Negotiates contracts
- Prepares estimated prices based from the architect's drawings
- Estimate the amount of construction jobs required
- Estimate the amount of materials needed.

What are the qualifications to become a construction estimator?

- For educational requirement, the applicant needs to hold degree relevant to this area which estimating and analyzing skills are the main component. Construction management or construction science degrees are ideal for this job.
- The applicant must have in-depth knowledge regarding construction materials, procedures, and costs.
- Post graduate trainings in math or work backgrounds will be a big plus to the data analysis aspect.
- Aspirants who have advanced knowledge on computer data analysis are preferred by the construction companies. If you have worked with estimation software package, the more edge you have.
- Must be an excellent communicator as estimators interact with different people of all levels in the construction industry.

Background Experience

When it comes to this aspect, any relevant background will give you an edge. Some experience is a big plus already since construction estimators in different companies do not have the same trainings particularly that each company has its own specific estimating process. When you are hired by a new company then, you will be expected to be trained according to their set of standards as well as learn new things that your previous company doesn't have.

Working as construction estimator will open up many ideas and knowledge as you are not only interacting with one kind of construction people but almost all of them. So, an experience where interacting with various kinds of people was the main component of your job can be a great advantage to you when applying for this job.

Development opportunities for you 

The advantage of becoming a construction estimator is that you can take this as a path towards a higher career with higher paying potentials in a construction jobs field. Once you have become a construction estimator, you will have the opportunity to select specialized field in this area. For example, if you are done with the general estimating job, you can opt to specialize in mechanical or electrical estimating.

There are appropriate trainings for this, so you might be required to have them before you can move on to another level. However, if you plan to be in your existing position, you can have the opportunity to work on a senior position giving you the benefits of higher pays, higher employee value, and interactions with more prestigious construction projects.