What a construction estimator does
Construction estimators prepare the cost estimates and bids that decide which projects you win and whether they make money. They review drawings and specifications, perform quantity takeoffs, request and compare subcontractor and supplier pricing, and assemble bids under deadline. A careful estimator spots scope gaps before they become losses. A rushed or inexperienced one can win work you later regret taking on.
The role sits between the office and the field, so the best estimators understand construction methods as well as spreadsheets. Finch screens candidates for the project types and trades they have estimated, their software skills and how they check their own numbers. Whether you are a general contractor or a trade contractor, we look for someone who fits the way your company bids and builds.
Typical responsibilities
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documents
- Performing quantity takeoffs for materials, labour and equipment
- Requesting, comparing and levelling subcontractor and supplier quotes
- Preparing detailed estimates and bid submissions on deadline
- Identifying scope gaps, risks and exclusions before bids go out
- Handing awarded projects over to project management with clear notes
Qualifications and credentials
- A college diploma or degree in construction, engineering or a related field is common
- Experience estimating the project types or trades your company bids
- Proficiency with takeoff and estimating software, plus strong Excel skills
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials and sequencing
- Gold Seal Certification or a Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors designation is valued by some employers
Who hires a construction estimator
- General contractors
- Mechanical and electrical contractors
- Residential and commercial developers
- Specialty trade contractors
- Construction cost consulting firms
Where we recruit construction estimator candidates
We fill construction estimator roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Project types, sizes and trades the candidate has estimated
- Takeoff and estimating software experience
- Accuracy habits and how they check their own work
- Field knowledge of construction methods and sequencing
- References on bid quality and reliability under deadline
Interview questions to ask
- How do you approach a takeoff when the drawings are incomplete?
- Tell me about a bid where you found a scope gap. What did you do about it?
- How do you compare subcontractor quotes that do not cover the same scope?