Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Construction Bid Estimator – In-House

Company: Cooks Finish Carpentry
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Cooks Finish Carpentry

Cooks Finish Carpentry is a premier finish carpentry and millwork contractor specializing in high-end custom residential construction. We take pride in exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and delivering quality work on schedule. Our team works closely with builders, project managers, designers, and clients to ensure every project meets the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented In-House Construction Bid Estimator to join our team and contribute to our company's continued growth.

Position Overview

The Construction Bid Estimator will manage the estimating process from initial project inquiry through the preparation and submission of accurate, detailed bid proposals. Responsibilities include reviewing architectural plans and specifications, performing material and labor takeoffs, identifying project requirements, obtaining current pricing, and preparing comprehensive estimates for high-end residential finish carpentry and millwork projects.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of residential construction, excellent blueprint-reading skills, and the ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and revisions independently.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Blueprint Review

• Review architectural plans, interior design drawings, specifications, finish schedules, and door schedules.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for finish carpentry, doors, trim, mouldings, millwork, and related scopes of work.
• Prepare accurate labor and material estimates using STACK or equivalent construction estimating software.
• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, exclusions, and potential conflicts before bids are submitted.
• Prepare clear, detailed bid proposals reflecting project requirements, pricing, assumptions, and scope of work.

Bid Management & Communication

• Manage incoming bid requests and organize project information, drawings, specifications, and deadlines.
• Communicate with builders, clients, project managers, and vendors to clarify scope requirements and resolve questions.
• Obtain and review pricing from vendors and suppliers for materials, doors, hardware, and millwork.
• Track active bids, submission deadlines, revisions, and follow-ups to ensure timely delivery of proposals.
• Revise estimates as plans, specifications, pricing, or project requirements change.

Cost Control & Accuracy

• Maintain current material pricing, vendor quotes, labor rates, and estimating databases.
• Verify quantities, measurements, calculations, and pricing assumptions for accuracy and completeness.
• Evaluate labor requirements and project complexity to develop realistic, competitive estimates.
• Maintain organized records of estimates, bid documents, pricing, and revisions.
• Coordinate with project management and field personnel as needed to validate scope assumptions and improve estimating accuracy.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 7+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably in finish carpentry, architectural millwork, or high-end residential construction.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed construction bids from architectural plans and specifications independently.
• Proficiency with STACK or equivalent construction estimating and takeoff software.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, architectural drawings, interior design plans, and construction specifications.
• Working knowledge of residential finish carpentry, including doors, jambs, mouldings, trim, hardware, and custom millwork.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and time management.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines independently.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive, accountable approach to identifying issues and meeting commitments.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company matching.
• Company-paid 50% of employee medical insurance premiums.
• 100% company-paid dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional, team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunity for professional growth and expanded responsibility as the company continues to grow.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, understands the details that drive accurate construction estimates, and takes pride in producing thorough, reliable bids. The right candidate will work independently, communicate professionally, manage deadlines, and help our team deliver successful projects in the high-end residential construction market.

If you have the estimating experience, construction knowledge, and attention to detail needed to produce accurate, competitive bids, we encourage you to apply.

Cooks Finish Carpentry’s primary goal is to exceed our clients' dreams and expectations for their custom homes. With over fifteen years of experience in the industry, our knowledge and craftsmanship are elegant, even if we are accomplishing a simple task. Since the start, we have worked with numerous builders, designers, and homeowners in the Orange County area, and this continues to grow yearly.

Company Description

Cooks Finish Carpentry’s primary goal is to exceed our clients' dreams and expectations for their custom homes. With over fifteen years of experience in the industry, our knowledge and craftsmanship are elegant, even if we are accomplishing a simple task. Since the start, we have worked with numerous builders, designers, and homeowners in the Orange County area, and this continues to grow yearly.