Will “Commercial Estimator” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.

• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.

• Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services.

• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.

• Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.

• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

• Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.

• Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.

• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.

• Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.

• Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.

• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.

• Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.

• Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost.