A single estimation error can cost you up to 20% of your project budget. Well, that’s a huge price tag for choosing the wrong estimator! But who is a construction estimator and Why are they so important? Well, construction estimators turn your vision into a reality. They are the financial architects behind your dream project. They make sure that your project runs smoothly without any hiccups. Thus hiring them is a crucial process.
But finding the “right” estimator feels like finding a needle in a haystack, right? Do you know hiring the right estimator can save you 5-10% on your overall project cost resulting in real financial gains? They ensure your dream project stays on track, within budget, and free from nasty surprises. Then, are you worried about how to hire a construction estimator? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this blog, we’ll guide you through the necessary steps to secure the perfect construction estimator for your dream project. So, grab your hat and blueprints, as it’s time to build that dream project of your confidence!
Hire a Construction Estimator: Step By Step Guide
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Identify Your Hiring Needs
How huge is your dream construction project? Identify the scope and duration of your project as it is going to have a huge impact on the hiring decision. Do you wish to hire a full-time or a part-time construction estimator? Are you looking for a team of construction estimators or a single highly qualified and experienced person will do? All of this depends on your project.
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Look into the Candidate’s Background
Start with years of experience: Look for someone who has experience related to a project like yours. Request specific project examples and delve into their roles. Did they handle similar projects successfully? Can they demonstrate impressive cost management skills? Also, make sure to check licenses and certifications for your local area. Verify them through official channels.
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Understanding Salary Ranges
Salaries are a crucial part of the job. It helps us to attract the right pool of candidates. A construction estimator’s pay scale depends on multiple factors like job location, description, employee certifications experience, etc. A higher salary range will help you attract the right employee.
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Can He Culturally Fit in Your Company?
This is a crucial step. Many people are unable to culturally fit into the company. The construction manager should align with the company’s mission and goals. Only this can help ensure a smooth integration into your project.
Qualifications of Construction Estimators
Usually, it is preferred that the construction estimator has a degree in architecture or construction management. But don’t just look for a degree. Look for someone who also has experience in the field. Experience matters a lot. So choose the person who has education and experience, both in this field.
In addition to education and experience, consider seeking out individuals who have qualities like proficiency in Microsoft products and estimating software. Someone who has strong communication skills, Also someone who has great attention to detail, can work independently and can handle stress.
Ways to Find Talented Construction Estimators in a Labor Shortage
Skills Assessment:
Pro tip: Always, look for candidates who show strong communication skills as this is a valuable talent.
How is their ability to gather data?What about their problem-solving skills? These are a few questions that come to mind while doing a skill assessment. Do they have the experience to generate accurate estimates? They should also have an eye for detail and time management skills.
Experience Alignment:
The culture of the company plays an important role in the growth of its employees. Thus, the candidate’s experience must align with the company’s specific needs. On-the-job adjustments are necessary for a positive mindset. Also, keep in mind that the employee should have experience in technical documentation and blueprint interpretation.
Competitive Compensation:
Recognize the value that skilled estimators bring to your company’s operations. They save your company from a lot of losses. Thus, recognize their services by offering them a handsome salary. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for construction estimators is $68,406.
Qualities to Look For:
In addition to technical proficiency, look for qualities such as analytical thinking, time management, and clear communication. These skills contribute to a project with minimum losses and high quality. As a result, the success will be all yours.
Exploring Recruitment Options:
Are you too busy to search for the right construction estimating company? In today’s fast-paced world, if you’re having trouble finding the right talent then worry not. You can reach out to people you know in your industry for help. You can also contact a recruitment agency that focuses on construction jobs. They can help you find potential candidates, which saves you both time and effort.
Outsourcing Solutions:
In this digital era, many companies are updating to digital ways of doing things. They are trying to make their operations more efficient and flexible. One way they do this is by cutting down on extra departments that aren’t essential to their main goals. For example, many companies decide to cut back the construction estimating department. They outsource their projects. This helps them save money. Also, they get accurate cost estimates from experts at half the cost.
Benefits of Construction Estimators
Generate Realistic Timelines
Working with fixed budgets and deadlines can be difficult, especially when stakeholders have unrealistic expectations. It is the construction estimator’s task to make sure the project’s budget or timeline is not too tight. This can further help in correctly estimating the budget of the project, causing very little to no financial strain on the owner. Maintaining accuracy is crucial for an estimator’s reputation.
Predict Accurate Future
The construction estimators try to predict the future accurately. This means estimators are always trying to hit a moving target. Prices and availability of materials, equipment, and labor are always changing Hence they have to accurately predict the supplies or labor to avoid any unexpected shortages which will eventually lead to an increase in costs.
You can also read: Benefits of Outsourcing Estimators
How to Hire a Construction Estimator During this Time (Types)
Stretch Your Timeline
Time is of the essence. Do not rush! If you are in the process of hiring a construction estimator then take your time. You need to remind yourself constantly that this is a critical job post. The estimator plays a key role in ensuring that your project stays on track. Thus it’s important to avoid getting tempted and hiring the first candidate interviewed. So, to hire an estimator give yourself time. Stretch your timeline, and interview multiple candidates to find that person who will perfectly fit the role.
Offer Pay Accordingly
Various factors need to be kept in mind while determining salaries for construction estimators. For example, experience is key. The senior-level estimators typically earn more than entry-level ones. The location also matters. Estimators in big cities often earn more due to higher living costs.
The industry they work in also influences the salary of these construction estimators. Are you working in residential, commercial, or government projects? As all of them will pay differently. Some will give higher pay while most Government authorities give more perks and benefits.
The size of the company also plays a huge role. Larger companies offer higher salaries than smaller ones. Also, their qualification and certification matter a lot. Having a master’s degree can boost your earning potential, as can obtaining certifications like the “Certified Professional Estimator” (CPE) designation. Lastly, one should remember that construction estimators save companies from big losses. Hence they should be paid accordingly.
Offer Hybrid or Flexible Work Schedules
After COID-19 being flexible is important for job seekers, including construction estimators. If you provide flexible work hours and options to work from home sometimes, it shows that you care about your employees’ happiness. Having a good balance between work and personal life makes your company more appealing to construction estimators. This will attract the new generation of workers with more enthusiasm and appeal.
How to Set Them Up for Success
Do you know the formulae of success? It is a combination of education, experience, and skills that makes you a successful construction estimator in the industry. A construction estimator is an individual who is responsible for calculating the cost of the construction project from starting till the end. Let’s have a look at some steps that you should take to become a successful estimator.
Get Education and Training:
Obtaining a formal education will be your first step to success. Be it a degree in engineering, construction management, and architecture. Get it! This education provides you with knowledge of materials, methods, and principles. Also, acquire training to gain more credibility and experience.
Gain Experience
Experience is crucial for attaining a new job. One can gain it by doing internships, apprenticeships, or by applying for various entry-level positions in construction companies. This experience will help you understand the construction process and the costs involved.
Develop Strong Analytical Skills
The job of a construction estimator is to understand and estimate costs. It also insoles identifying ways to reduce costs and enhance sales. Analytical skills are a must for such roles. Professionals should also equip themselves with the knowledge of various software tools like Excel, etc.
Learn to Communicate Effectively
Effective communication skills are critical for building estimators, as you will be working closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders. You should be able to clearly and concisely communicate your estimates and explain your reasoning to others. Strong written and verbal communication skills are mandatory in this field.
Keep Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
In today’s era, the change is constant. The change is constant. This is no different with the construction industry. It is constantly evolving Therefore, building estimators must stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes. New materials are discovered, construction methods are getting more refined, and technologies are emerging. Also, professionals should listen to podcasts and attend conferences to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Obtain Professional Certifications
Every individual gets a specialized education to generate their professional career. But to amp it up Professionals enroll themselves into various certifications. This helps them stand out from the crowd and develop their expertise. One of the most famous organizations, The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) offers certification programs for building estimators. Their Certifications are highly respected and can help you a lot in your career.
Network with Industry Professionals
Networking is key to success in the current era. By networking with experienced professionals, individuals can stay up to date with the current trends. They can get more first-hand information and build contacts. There are many organizations and platforms like Linkedin where you can join such professional groups. This will help in their professional development as well.
Final Through
In this blog, we’ve covered everything you need to know about hiring a construction estimator. This involves several important steps to make sure you find the right person for the job. First, you need to identify your company’s needs by assessing the scope and duration of your project. Then, look into candidates’ backgrounds, experience, and qualifications. You can explore which benefits of using outsourcing estimating solutions, to find potential candidates. Additionally, we also explored the benefits of hiring a construction estimator. By following these steps, you can hire a skilled construction estimator who will contribute to the success of your projects.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I find a good construction estimator?
You can start looking for candidates with relevant experience and qualifications using online networking forums like LinkedIn, Indeed, and many more. There are online job boards as well as many recruiting agencies that can help you in finding the right candidate. Make sure to interview candidates and check their references before hiring the individuals. This will help you ensure that they’re the right fit for your project or not.
Are construction estimating services worth it?
Yes, construction estimating services are worth every penny. While there is the cost involved with hiring a construction estimator the benefits are much greater than those expenses.
What does a construction estimator do?
A construction estimator is responsible for calculating the costs involved in the project. How do they do that? Well, They make project plans in a way that reduces cost. Factors like time, material, labor, and equipment are analyzed by them to make sure they are optimally utilized.
What is the most common way for contractors to estimate costs?
Construction estimators use bid estimates to estimate costs. What are Bid estimates? Well, they are documents with cost estimates of various projects. Some estimators also use their experience and project information to estimate the cost of the project.