Estimator

Estimators are responsible for providing estimate costs for residential, commercial or civil construction projects. A determination of project size and even whether a project goes ahead or not is based on the detailed associated costs provided by the estimator. Estimators consider expenses for things like materials, labour, land and equipment.

Qualification

Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Estimator)

Sector

Residential / Civil / Commercial

What might a working day look like?

Every day is different and varies depending on the job,

• but you may be involved in:Identifying and producing estimated costs for building and construction projects
• Working with managers to evaluate the scope, value and timeframe of projects and budgets
• Preparing, evaluating and lodging tender documentation
• Creating and interpreting plans, drawings and other documents
• Incorporating building codes and standards into the construction costs
• Managing and monitoring budgets for existing projects
• Estimating the equipment, manpower and materials required to complete a job
• Ensuring job specifications and standards are met and can work to a deadline

Working hours

• Full-time hours per week

Conditions

• Mix of office and site work

Skills and personal qualities

• Be able to understand technical drawings and plans
• Have a careful, methodical and accurate approach to work
• Be good at managining your time
• Have excellent literacy and numercy skills to assist with problem solving
• Have good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a range of personalities

How to get started

Entry into this occupation can begin by enrolling into a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Para Professional Pathway) pre-apprenticeship. Once completed you can then move on to complete a Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Estimator).

Future Pathways and opportunities

• Estimating Manager
• Building Scheduler
• Building Contract Administrator