Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

AlphaHire•Richmond, VA

About The Position

We’re looking for an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial building projects. This role involves developing accurate project budgets and competitive bids, evaluating subcontractor pricing, reviewing construction documents, and identifying potential cost and scheduling risks before work begins. The ideal candidate has a strong general contracting background and hands-on experience managing estimates from initial plan review through final bid submission.

Requirements

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 commercial projects.
Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, building materials, labor costs, construction sequencing, and overall project cost structures.
Ability to independently read and interpret architectural, structural, MEP, and other construction drawings and specifications.
Hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bidding, bid comparisons, scope reviews, and final bid preparation.
Ability to evaluate subcontractor proposals and identify scope omissions, conflicting responsibilities, and overlapping work.
Proficiency with construction estimating software; experience with Bluebeam Revu is preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management abilities, with close attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced preconstruction environment.
Proven experience preparing estimates and bids directly, rather than primarily performing project coordination or administrative tasks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Bluebeam Revu

Responsibilities

Develop detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including preliminary budgets, conceptual estimates, and final bid proposals.
Analyze architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
Request, review, and compare subcontractor and supplier proposals, performing bid leveling to ensure accurate and competitive pricing.
Assemble bid packages with clearly defined assumptions, exclusions, alternatives, and scope clarifications.
Identify missing scope items, pricing inconsistencies, constructability challenges, and potential scheduling or procurement risks.
Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to resolve technical questions and confirm project costs.
Track material pricing, labor rates, subcontractor costs, and market trends to maintain reliable estimates.
Attend pre-bid meetings, conduct site visits, review project scopes, and participate in client discussions when necessary.
Maintain accurate estimating records, bid documentation, historical pricing, and project cost data.
Coordinate the transition of awarded projects to the operations team, communicating approved budgets, scopes, pricing assumptions, exclusions, and other critical bid details.