Estimator / Specifier- Design + Build

Major Goal:

The Estimator/Specifier is responsible for generating revenue by specifying and estimating project costs and duration so that projects can be consistently produced on time and at the estimated gross margin. The Estimator/Specifier produces Ballparks, Conceptual, and Final Build Budgets; Build Specifications; and Build Contract Documents. The Estimator also produces Design revenue by working efficiently, thereby maximizing billable hours.

Experience/Requirements:

Demonstrates good interpersonal skills and concern for clients. Has 4+ years’ experience in residential design/construction. Computer proficiency and demonstrated skill in using software such as Word, Excel, Sage, and Builder Trend. Has current product and cost expertise for doors, windows, skylights, cabinetry (made to order and custom), lighting, plumbing fixtures, finishes (such as tile, stone, solid surfacing, and laminates), millwork, appliances, and flooring. Has current trade cost knowledge for demolition, concrete, roofing stucco, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, insulation, drywall, wood flooring, and painting. Is able to produce “Ballpark numbers from schematic plans, sketches, notes, and verbal information provided by designers. Is able to produce conceptual estimates and final build budgets and detailed build specifications from detailed plan set drawings. Reviews and marks plane set drawings with edit notes as necessary when more information is required.

Job Duties:

• Schedule site visits with Sales/Designers, Production Team and Trade Specialists. Meet at the project site with key Trade Specialists to transfer project information. Visit job sites to verify accuracy of data such as site measurements, existing conditions, and design feasibility; and take photographs of existing conditions as needed. Proper attire for job site safe at job site visit (closed toe shoes and protective clothing for site walk or crawl space crawl).
• Contact Trade Specialists and vendors for estimates. Meet at the project site with key Trade Specialists to transfer project information to them. Create materials takeoffs from plan set and custom materials schedule. Provide labor estimate for each task Harrell production team will perform.
• Prepare conceptual estimates and final build budget using Harrell proprietary Excel worksheet and transfer final budget to Sage Builder for accounting and production departments use. Prepare final contract specifications and build contracts using Harrell Word templates. Create a Subcontractor-list for each job which has all relevant lead times of product and sub-contractor days needed. Discuss preliminary production schedule with Project Manager. (Project Manager prepares the build calendar schedule for the contract presentation on BuilderTrend.)
• During the design portion of the project offer design alternatives, paying special attention to client's requests, and cost considerations, code constraints, and design "buildability". Assist Sales/Designers by meeting with clients to finalize selection of custom materials, finish materials, fixtures, and appliances if requested. Coordinate with Design Manager, Sales Manager, Sales/Designers, CAD, Custom Materials Coordinator and Production team to finalize contract specifications, drawings, and schedule; to determine contract price; and to set start date of project.
• Assist CAD personal and Sales/Designers in creating accurate and complete working plan set drawings consistent with contract specifications.
• Solicit and integrate feedback from the Production team during Production review before final documents are prepared. This review is to maintain accuracy and completeness of estimates, specifications, and contracts.
• Arrange for proper transfer of production package to Project/Site Manager at Custom Materials Baton stage of Design process. Attend the internal Custom Material baton to pass information from Estimating to Production with the Sales/Designer, Project/Site Manager, Lead Carpenter and Custom Materials Coordinator. Assist Production team in resolving actual-vs.-estimated site conditions.
• During the build portion of the project assist in resolving design issues and product selections with Sales/Designer and clients. Assist Production team in preparation of large or complex change orders when requested.
• Keep up with continuing education opportunities to advance product and/or technical knowledge. Maintain a standard materials price list. Update Specifications, Build Contracts, conceptual estimate, and Sage build templates as needed. Actively search for new qualified Trade Specialists and confirm they meet Harrell requirements.
• Attend and participate in Sales meetings. Production Meetings as necessary and approved. Discuss Lessons Learned on the project at Sales meetings. Participate in marketing events as requested by the CEO, Design Manager, Sales Manager, or Estimator Manager and act as a Harrell representative. As a representative for Harrell, act in a professional manner in the office and on site.
• Ensure that all timesheets and reimbursable expenses for the department are submitted to the Senior Estimator and/or the Design Team Manager weekly. Assist in other aspects of Harrell daily operations as requested and/or as needed. Including, but not limited to -- seminars, office clean up, meeting set up, etc.