Estimator

Position Summary
The Estimator supports the preconstruction and estimating team in preparing project budgets, quantity takeoffs, and pricing analysis for ADU, remodel, and custom residential projects. This role assists in reviewing construction documents, gathering subcontractor pricing, managing cost databases, and helping develop accurate project estimates.

The Estimator works closely with the sales, design and construction teams to ensure project scopes are clearly defined and properly priced prior to construction.

This position is ideal for someone early in their construction career who wants to develop strong skills in estimating, construction planning, project cost management, and construction cost database management.

Highly organized with strong data management skills.

As the company expands into new jurisdictions, this role will also support the development and maintenance of pricing databases, subcontractor networks, and cost benchmarks to ensure estimates remain accurate across different markets and regulatory environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Estimating Support:

• Assist in preparing construction cost estimates for ADU, remodel, and custom residential projects.
• Perform takeoffs from architectural and structural plans.
• Support development of project budgets and cost breakdowns.
• Review plans and specifications to identify scope items.
• Assist in maintaining standardized cost templates and estimating structures for repeatable project types.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination:

• Assist in soliciting bids from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Track subcontractor proposals and pricing submissions.
• Help organize and compare subcontractor bids.
• Maintain subcontractor and supplier contact lists.
• Support the expansion and maintenance of subcontractor networks across multiple jurisdictions.
• Assist in maintaining pricing benchmarks for subcontractors in different service areas.

Scope Review:

• Assist in reviewing construction drawings and specifications.
• Help identify missing scope items or potential cost risks.
• Support development of scopes of work for subcontractors.
• Assist in verifying that subcontractor bids align with project scope and construction documents.

Documentation & Data Management:

• Maintain estimating templates and project cost data.
• Organize bid documents and estimate files.
• Support the estimating team with reporting and analysis.
• Assist in developing and maintaining the company’s construction cost database.
• Track and update pricing trends across materials, labor, and subcontractor costs.
• Support the development of pricing structures for multiple jurisdictions with varying permitting requirements, labor markets, and construction conditions.

Internal Coordination:

• Collaborate with estimators, project managers, and operations staff.
• Assist with project handoff documentation for construction teams.
• Participate in internal project review meetings.
• Provide feedback to help improve estimating accuracy and standardization across projects.
• Support the development of scalable estimating processes as the company expands into additional markets.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant construction experience may substitute for formal education.

Experience:

• 0–2 years of experience in construction, estimating, or project coordination.
• Internship or field experience in residential construction is a plus.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Basic understanding of residential construction methods and materials.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings (or willingness to learn).
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Interest in developing skills in cost analysis, pricing strategy, and construction cost database management.

Preferred Software / Tools:

• Buildertrend or other construction management platforms.
• Bluebeam or plan review software.
• Estimating or takeoff software (experience helpful but not required).
• Cost database or pricing management tools.
• Excel.

Growth Opportunity

This role provides a strong foundation in construction estimating and project planning. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow into more senior estimating or preconstruction roles within the company.

As the company expands into additional jurisdictions, estimators will also have opportunities to contribute to the development of scalable estimating systems, cost databases, and subcontractor networks that support long-term operational growth.

About Acton ADU:

Stan Acton has been a builder since he was 10 years old. It began the day he broke his father’s wooden mallet. The mallet had been crafted by Stan’s father when he was a kid, on his own father’s Shopsmith lathe. Stan was devastated and rushed to grab a piece of firewood. He carefully took the wood, placed it on his father’s Shopsmith--and in that moment, his passion for carpentry was born.Today Acton Construction is a Design-Build company with enthusiasm for crafting beautiful homes that are functional, lasting, and charming. Acton Construction thrives through established processes and utilizing expertise to provide customers with certainty, transparency, and value--always. This is Acton’s legacy.