Painting and coating estimator

Job Description

Job Description

1. Position Summary

The Painting & Coatings Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive estimates for commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects.

The successful candidate will review construction documents, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, interpret technical specifications, calculate labor and material costs, solicit supplier and subcontractor pricing, and develop professional proposals.

This position requires strong technical knowledge of painting and coating systems, construction estimating practices, labor productivity, and project profitability.

The estimator will work directly with company ownership, project management, field supervisors, general contractors, and material suppliers.

The primary objective is to secure profitable projects through accurate estimating, competitive pricing, thorough scope analysis, and effective bid management.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Blueprint Reading & Quantity Takeoffs

• Review architectural, structural, and applicable construction drawings.
• Interpret project specifications, finish schedules, elevations, and reflected ceiling plans.
• Perform detailed square-foot, linear-foot, and unit-count takeoffs.
• Identify all surfaces requiring painting, waterproofing, restoration, or specialty coatings.
• Quantify walls, ceilings, doors, frames, handrails, exposed structural steel, concrete, and other applicable surfaces.
• Review addenda, revisions, and updated construction documents.
• Identify missing information, scope discrepancies, and potential change-order opportunities.
• Prepare requests for information (RFIs) when clarification is required.
• Maintain accurate and organized takeoff documentation.

B. Cost Estimating & Pricing

• Develop detailed estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
• Calculate labor hours using established production rates and project-specific conditions.
• Determine paint and coating quantities based on coverage rates, specified film thickness, number of coats, and waste factors.
• Obtain and verify current material pricing from manufacturers and suppliers.
• Calculate costs for scaffolding, aerial lifts, swing stages, and other access equipment.
• Estimate surface preparation, masking, containment, and cleanup requirements.
• Include project-specific general conditions, supervision, mobilization, and demobilization.
• Account for overhead, contingency, and target profit margins.
• Prepare itemized cost breakdowns and competitive bid pricing.
• Evaluate alternate materials, coating systems, and value-engineering opportunities when permitted by project specifications.

C. Painting & Specialty Coatings Estimating

The estimator must be capable of estimating, or developing the technical knowledge necessary to estimate, the following scopes:

Architectural Painting

• Interior and exterior painting
• Commercial and residential repainting
• New construction painting
• Walls, ceilings, doors, frames, and trim
• Exposed ceilings and dryfall coatings
• High-performance architectural finishes

Waterproofing & Restoration

• Balcony and pedestrian deck waterproofing
• Building envelope waterproofing
• Window and door perimeter sealants
• Concrete crack repairs and epoxy injection
• Stucco and concrete restoration
• Elastomeric and protective coating systems

Industrial & Specialty Coatings

• Structural steel and metal coatings
• Electrostatic painting
• Epoxy and polyurethane coating systems
• Sandblasting and abrasive surface preparation
• Epoxy and metallic flooring
• Roof coatings
• Decorative and specialty architectural finishes

D. Bid Preparation & Proposal Development

• Prepare professional, detailed, and clearly written proposals.
• Develop accurate scope-of-work descriptions.
• Identify inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and qualifications.
• Prepare base bids, alternates, and unit pricing when required.
• Review bid instructions, deadlines, and submission requirements.
• Coordinate pricing with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare bid packages for general contractors and private clients.
• Submit proposals within established deadlines.
• Maintain complete records of submitted bids and revisions.
• Respond to bid clarifications and pricing requests.
• Assist with post-bid negotiations and scope reviews.

E. Bid Management & General Contractor Coordination

• Monitor invitations to bid and identify relevant project opportunities.
• Review projects received through BuildingConnected and other bidding platforms.
• Coordinate with general contractors, construction managers, and project owners.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site walkthroughs.
• Communicate with architects and project representatives regarding scope clarification.
• Track bid deadlines, project status, and follow-up activities.
• Maintain an organized pipeline of active and upcoming opportunities.
• Support business development efforts through timely and professional communication.

F. Site Visits & Field Verification

• Conduct site visits to evaluate existing conditions.
• Verify measurements and quantities when necessary.
• Assess substrate conditions and surface preparation requirements.
• Identify access limitations, occupied-space restrictions, and logistical challenges.
• Evaluate equipment and manpower requirements.
• Document field conditions through photographs, measurements, and written observations.
• Coordinate with field supervisors to verify production assumptions.

G. Project Handoff & Cost Control

• Prepare complete estimating handoff packages for awarded projects.
• Review estimated labor hours, material quantities, and equipment allowances with project management.
• Provide approved scope documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, and critical assumptions.
• Assist with change-order pricing.
• Compare estimated costs with actual project costs.
• Review completed projects to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Maintain historical production rates and cost databases.

Division 9 Coating Specialists LLC is a Miami-based painting, waterproofing, and specialty coatings contractor serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout South Florida.

Our expertise includes interior and exterior painting, concrete restoration, waterproofing, epoxy flooring, electrostatic coatings, and high-end architectural finishes.

We are building a team of skilled, motivated professionals who take pride in their craftsmanship, value accountability, and are committed to delivering exceptional results. We offer an opportunity to grow with an expanding company where hard work, attention to detail, and teamwork are essential to our success.

At Division 9, we don't just complete projects—we build lasting relationships, develop talented professionals, and deliver on our promise:

On Time. On Budget. To Specification.

Company Description

Division 9 Coating Specialists LLC is a Miami-based painting, waterproofing, and specialty coatings contractor serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout South Florida.\r\n\r\nOur expertise includes interior and exterior painting, concrete restoration, waterproofing, epoxy flooring, electrostatic coatings, and high-end architectural finishes.\r\n\r\nWe are building a team of skilled, motivated professionals who take pride in their craftsmanship, value accountability, and are committed to delivering exceptional results. We offer an opportunity to grow with an expanding company where hard work, attention to detail, and teamwork are essential to our success.\r\n\r\nAt Division 9, we don't just complete projects—we build lasting relationships, develop talented professionals, and deliver on our promise:\r\n\r\nOn Time. On Budget. To Specification.