OVERVIEW
The Intermediate/Senior Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates and budgets for the company's new residential homes. Working from architectural drawings and specifications, this position develops quantity takeoffs and pricing that support the company's profitability, pricing strategy, and purchasing decisions. Requesting and managing pricing from trade partners for base model pricing and trade specific quotes will be an important task.
As a key member of the Ronmor Residential team, the Estimator will work closely with the construction, finance, design, and sales teams, build and maintain trade and supplier pricing, and help establish the estimating processes and systems that will support the company's growth.
KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Estimating & Quantity Takeoffs
- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural drawings, specifications, and trade quotes.
- Prepare take-offs and build pricing for pre-planned options. We are aiming to have various pre-planned options for base models and typical upgrades that clients in the market pick.
- Develop accurate cost estimates for new home models and plan revisions.
- Price options, upgrades, and change orders in a timely manner to support sales and construction.
- Review drawings and specifications for completeness and flag discrepancies before pricing.
Budgets & Cost Control
- Build and maintain detailed house budgets for each home.
- Track actual costs against estimates and budgets, and report on variances.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and support the company's margin targets.
- Provide regular cost and budget reports to the Operations Manager.
Trade Partner & Supplier Pricing
- Solicit, review, and level quotes from trade partners and suppliers.
- Maintain an accurate and current pricing database for labour and materials.
- Work with purchasing to negotiate competitive pricing and terms.
- Ensure trade partner scopes of work align with estimates and budgets.
- Manage neighborhood tenders to select existing or new trade partners based on bids submitted. Deliver data to the management team and collaborate with them to select trade partners.
Collaboration
- Work with construction, design, sales, and management teams on pricing, product selection, and constructability.
- Support value engineering initiatives that balance cost, quality, and buyer expectations.
- Provide pricing input for new home designs, communities, and product offerings.
- Come up with ideas for new pre-planned options based on market demand with other departments
Systems & Administration
- Maintain estimating and pricing data in the company's estimating and construction software.
- Help the company build and implement Brix and Build Pro software’s.
- Prepare purchase orders and starts packages as required.
- Document estimating processes and help establish standards as the company grows.
- Train junior estimators.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS)
- Three (3) to five (5) or more years of estimating experience in residential construction, preferably with a production or semi-custom home builder.
- Strong ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and engineering drawings.
- Solid knowledge of residential construction methods, materials, and trade sequencing.
- Working knowledge of the Alberta Building Code.
- Familiarity with the Calgary-area trade and supplier market.
- Highly accurate, detail-oriented, and organized, with strong analytical and math skills.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Experience with Brix and/or Build Pro is considered an asset.
- Post-secondary education in construction management, engineering technology, or a related field is an asset.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Core Competencies
- Accuracy and Attention to Detail
- Cost Analysis
- Blueprint Interpretation
- Negotiation
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management and Meeting Deadlines
- Communication
- Collaboration and Accountability
Working Conditions
- Primarily office based.
- Occasional site visits to homes under construction; appropriate PPE required on site.
- Standard business hours, with occasional extended hours to meet pricing deadlines.
Performance Expectations
Success in this role will be measured by:
- Accuracy of estimates compared to actual costs.
- On-time turnaround of estimates, option pricing, and change orders.
- Budget and margin performance.
- Accurate and up-to-date pricing data.
- Effective relationships with trade partners, suppliers, and internal teams.
