Cost Estimators

Cost Estimators typically perform the following tasks: • Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. • Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. • Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products. • Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. • Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. • Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations. • Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors. • Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work. • Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures. • Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components. • Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project. • Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost. • Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services. • Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors. • Use remote sensing technologies or drones to evaluate site conditions when in-person visits are not feasible.