Construction Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Steel Ridge Construction is seeking a detail-oriented and efficient Estimator to join our growing reconstruction and renovation team. This role is responsible for producing accurate, thorough estimates across a wide range of projects — from small insurance jobs to full home remodels — and carrying those estimates through to purchase orders that set our field team up for success. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and takes ownership of the numbers from initial site meeting through final PO issuance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Estimating

•    Attend initial site meetings alongside the Project Manager to observe conditions firsthand, hear homeowner expectations, and gather the information needed to build a complete and accurate estimate

•    Review project scopes, site visit notes, and architectural/insurance documents to develop detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates

•    Produce estimates across a wide project range — from $10,000 insurance claims to $500,000 full home remodels — with speed and accuracy appropriate to each job size

•    Solicit and obtain real bids and quotes from high-impact subcontractors and vendors during the estimating process — estimates should reflect actual market pricing, not assumptions

•    Develop and maintain estimating templates with current market pricing, labor rates, and material costs

•    Refine estimates based on client and Project Manager feedback prior to final approval

•    Prepare estimates in Buildertrend and Xactimate / Xactanalysis as required by project type and insurance carrier

Change Orders

•    Price and prepare all change orders as scope additions or modifications arise during the course of a project

•    Ensure change order pricing reflects current labor and material costs and maintains appropriate job margin

•    Coordinate with the Project Manager to identify scope changes early and initiate pricing in a timely manner so field work is not delayed pending approval

•    Maintain organized records of all change orders in Buildertrend, linked to the corresponding job and original estimate

Purchase Orders & Scope Documentation

•    Upon estimate approval, produce complete and accurate purchase orders for all trades and suppliers

•    Write clear, detailed scopes of work that leave no ambiguity for subcontractors in the field

•    Maintain organized documentation of all estimates, revisions, and approved POs in Buildertrend

Vendor & Trade Relationships

•    Build and maintain professional relationships with trade partners and suppliers

•    Qualify and onboard new subcontractors as needed

•    Support periodic trade partner performance reviews

Cost Control & Reporting

•    Track budgeted vs. actual costs and flag variances early

•    Identify value engineering opportunities without compromising quality or scope

•    Provide cost summaries and margin reports to leadership as requested

COMPETENCIES

•    Speed & Accuracy — ability to turn estimates and change orders quickly without sacrificing detail or precision

•    Organizational Discipline — manages multiple open estimates and jobs simultaneously with clean, trackable documentation

•    Communication — written and verbal clarity when conveying scope to subs, clients, and the Project Manager

•    Problem Solving — anticipates scope gaps and asks the right questions before they become field issues

•    Adaptability — comfortable shifting between small insurance jobs and large remodel projects in the same day

•    Professionalism — reliable, accountable, and represents Steel Ridge well in all client and vendor interactions

•    Technology Proficiency — fluent with Microsoft Office (Excel in particular), Buildertrend, and ideally Xactimate

QUALIFICATIONS

•    3+ years of experience in construction estimating, with residential renovation or reconstruction experience strongly preferred

•    Demonstrated experience pricing change orders in a construction environment

•    Proficiency with Buildertrend or similar construction management software

•    Xactimate / Xactanalysis experience strongly preferred — candidates without it who demonstrate strong estimating fundamentals will be considered

•    Strong understanding of residential construction materials, methods, and labor pricing across trades

•    High proficiency in Microsoft Excel

•    Excellent organizational, communication, and negotiation skills

•    Detail-oriented with a high standard for accuracy

•    Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Business, or a related field preferred, but not required for the right candidate

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is primarily an office-based role with regular site visits for initial scope meetings. You will work closely with the Project Manager and ownership to ensure every job is set up for financial success before a single nail is driven.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to:

View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Subject Line: Estimator Job Position — [Your Name]