Estimator

Construction Estimator

Location: Mount Pleasant, SC
Industry: Luxury Custom Residential Construction
Compensation: $75,000-95,000 + Benefits

Position Overview

We are partnering with a well-established luxury custom home builder in the Charleston market to identify an experienced Construction Estimator. This individual will play a key role in the preconstruction process by developing accurate budgets, coordinating bid packages, supporting permitting efforts, and helping ensure projects remain financially aligned from concept through construction.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, detail-oriented environment and enjoys working alongside project managers, architects, designers, subcontractors, and homeowners on high-end residential projects.

Key Responsibilities

    Estimating & Budget Development

• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, and final cost estimates for luxury custom residential projects
• Develop comprehensive budgets including labor, materials, specialty finishes, and subcontractor pricing
• Maintain and update project budgets throughout the preconstruction phase

    Takeoffs & Documentation

• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs from architectural and construction drawings
• Prepare and organize project specifications and supporting documentation
• Ensure all estimate documentation is complete, organized, and up to date

    Bid Management & Subcontractor Coordination

• Assist in creating bid packages, scopes of work, and subcontractor specifications
• Solicit and evaluate bids from subcontractors and suppliers
• Level and negotiate proposals to ensure competitive and complete pricing coverage

     Value Engineering & Project Collaboration

• Partner with architects, designers, and project teams to identify cost-effective solutions without compromising design intent or quality
• Collaborate closely with project managers and clients to align budgets with project expectations and goals

    Change Orders & Cost Tracking

• Prepare and price change orders as needed throughout the construction process
• Participate in ongoing cost reviews and financial tracking for active projects

    Permitting Support

• Manage permit applications, submissions, revisions, and approvals for residential construction projects
• Coordinate with architects and engineers to gather required permitting documentation
• Maintain organized records related to permitting and compliance

    Software & Systems

• Utilize platforms such as Google Workspace, Bluebeam, and Buildertrend to manage estimating and project documentation

Qualifications

    Experience

• 3–7+ years of residential construction estimating experience
• Strong preference for experience in luxury custom homes or high-end residential construction

    Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and sequencing

    Regional Knowledge

• Familiarity with South Carolina construction practices, coastal building requirements, and local subcontractor/vendor networks is highly preferred

    Communication & Organization

• Strong communication and negotiation skills when working with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and internal teams
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously

    Software Proficiency

• Experience using Google Workspace, Bluebeam, and Buildertrend preferred