Plumbing Estimator

Key Responsibilities Estimate Development: Complete quantity takeoffs; build labor, material, equipment, and subcontract costs; document clear inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions. Plan/Spec Review Bid Strategy: Read and interpret plans, specs, addenda, and RFIs; plan the bid around scope, schedule/duration, site conditions, client requirements, general conditions, alternates/allowances, and bid-form compliance. Scope Definition: Prepare proposal scopes that call out clarifications and exclusions; verify vendor/subcontractor scopes for accuracy and completeness. Sub/Vendor Pricing: Solicit, level, and secure quotes for fixtures, equipment, and specialty scopes; maintain current pricing and lead times. Labor Productivity: Apply standard labor units and crew build-ups; adjust for project conditions (shifts, height, phasing, logistics). Risk Value: Identify risks, recommend contingencies, and present value-engineering options. Proposals Bid Day: Assemble final bid/proposal packages, alternates, and clarifications; support final pricing decisions. Turnover to Operations: Lead review and turnover meetings; deliver takeoff files, buyout targets, schedule assumptions, and risk items. Cost History Improvement: Compare actuals vs. estimate; update databases, assemblies, and factors from lessons learned. Preconstruction Support: Provide conceptual budgets and iterative pricing through design development. Qualifications Required 510+ years in commercial/industrial plumbing (estimating and/or significant field experience). Strong blueprint/spec reading and rigorous quantity takeoff habits. Proficiency with Excel and at least one takeoff/estimating platform (e.g., Trimble Accubid, PlanSwift/On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, or Quick Pen). Working knowledge of applicable plumbing/mechanical piping codes (e.g., NC/VA Plumbing Code) and typical details (hangers/supports, sleeves, valves/fixtures, equipment selections) Clear communication; comfortable running scope calls and turnover meetings. Preferred Prior field background (Journeyman/Foreman) or Project Engineer experience. BIM/coordination review (Navisworks/Revit) and model-based takeoff. Experience with design-assist/design-build and GMP delivery. AS/BS in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. Tools Software Estimating/Takeoff: Trimble Accubid, PlanSwift/OST, Bluebeam Revu, Quick Pen (legacy) or equivalent. Collaboration: Microsoft 365 (Excel, Teams, SharePoint). BIM Review (plus): Navisworks / Revit. ERP/Ops (plus): Viewpoint, Spectrum, CMiC, or similar. Core Competencies Detail-driven and consistent; builds auditable estimates. Strong cost sense: market pricing, lead times, buyout strategy. Professional skepticism: challenges ambiguous scope and rosy assumptions. Time management under bid deadlines. Team-first mindset with PMs, Prefab, Purchasing, and Field. Success Metrics (KPIs) Estimate Accuracy: Actual cost vs. estimate within 20% at closeout. Bid Hit Rate: Target win rate on pursued work. Turnover Quality: Minimal scope gaps/RFIs post-award. Cycle Time: On-time delivery of budgets and bid packages. Value Engineering: Tracked savings/options presented and accepted. Physical Work Conditions Office/hybrid with periodic site walks (active construction, ladders). Standard computer work; carry plans/laptop as needed. Occasional day travel for pre-bid/site reviews and vendor meetings.