Commercial Construction Estimator - General Contractor

AlphaX•Richmond, VA

About The Position

An established commercial general contractor in Central Virginia is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial building projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and ground-up construction. This hands-on estimating role covers the process from initial drawing review and cost analysis through final bid submission and project handoff. Candidates must personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions, rather than solely oversee the estimating process.

Requirements

At least 5 years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor.
Experience estimating commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and/or ground-up construction.
Strong understanding of construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, and subcontractor costs.
Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
Hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid solicitation, proposal leveling, and final estimate preparation.
Ability to identify scope omissions, pricing inconsistencies, and trade overlaps.
Proficiency with construction estimating software.
Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with excellent attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple estimates at once and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions, not solely oversee the estimating process.

Nice To Haves

Bluebeam Revu experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop project budgets and detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents to define scope and pricing.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids, level proposals, and identify scope gaps or pricing discrepancies.
Prepare complete bid packages with detailed cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions.
Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability concerns, scheduling constraints, and procurement risks during preconstruction.
Work with project managers, field supervisors, designers, and trade partners to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies.
Track labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and market trends to keep estimates accurate and competitive.
Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and client discussions to clarify project requirements.
Maintain organized bid records, cost databases, and historical pricing.
Hand off awarded projects to operations with clear budgets, scope details, and estimating assumptions.