Estimators have the responsibility of estimating the financial costs of a certain project. This role entails work with contracts and sub-contracts that deal with supplies, employment, and completion of the project. Construction is one industry that requires the employment of estimators in order to properly estimate the costs and schedules of construction projects. Estimators make projections of costs in order to determine budget sufficiency.
Responsibilities of EstimatorsBecause construction projects often require large budgets, it is important to employ estimators to make sure that all financial aspects of the production are synchronized. One of the most common tasks of an estimator is to meet with and gather information on suppliers in order to bid and negotiate for good material costs. This information is then used by project and construction managers to determine contract agreements, schedules, and production costs. Estimators are able to make precise estimations with the use of financial records, company profiles, meetings, and other document research. Other tasks that estimators frequently perform include the following:
- On-site work to survey and collect information for further estimations
- Understand engineering specifications, architectural design, construction equipment, and other relevant processes and procedures in construction
- Estimation of profit margins
- Presentation of estimation reports to contract managers, project managers, and clients
Qualifying for an Estimator JobWith regards to education, many employers accept estimators with at least a high school diploma and some experience in the estimator field. Experience and knowledge of construction processes, materials, equipment, labour, and procedures are also a must to ensure the precision of estimations. A close attention to detail is needed to be able to properly organize and schedule meetings, contract details, and project details. Excellent numeracy and literacy skills are needed to be successful in this position. Communication and negotiation skills are also important in order to work well in teams, during meetings, and in presentations. Estimators are paid based on their experience, qualification, and the size of the project they are working on.
