Independent Contractor – Construction Estimator

Independent Contractor Construction Estimator

Location: Owings Mills, MD 21117 / Hybrid
Engagement Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Compensation: Commission Only No Base Salary
Experience: 5+ Years Preferred
Industry: Construction / General Contracting

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator / Business Development Estimator to support construction estimating, preconstruction, and business development activities on an independent contractor, commission-based basis.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced construction professional who is confident in reviewing project opportunities, preparing accurate and competitive estimates, developing project pricing, and helping convert qualified opportunities into profitable awarded projects.

This is a commission-only opportunity with no fixed salary, guaranteed hourly compensation, or guaranteed hours. Compensation will be earned through an agreed commission structure tied to qualifying projects that are successfully awarded and/or collected.

The ideal contractor will have strong knowledge of construction costs, labor, materials, subcontractor pricing, quantity takeoffs, bid preparation, and project profitability. Existing relationships within the Maryland construction market are highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

The independent contractor may provide estimating, preconstruction, and business development services including:

• Review construction plans, drawings, specifications, bid documents, and scopes of work.

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and prepare accurate project estimates.

• Calculate anticipated labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.

• Solicit, obtain, and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations.

• Develop competitive customer proposals, estimates, and bid packages.

• Participate in project walkthroughs, site visits, and pre-bid meetings when necessary.

• Identify potential scope gaps, exclusions, project risks, and change-order opportunities.

• Assist with value engineering, cost-saving alternatives, and alternative pricing strategies.

• Maintain professional relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, property owners, general contractors, developers, and other industry contacts.

• Identify and pursue potential construction opportunities.

• Assist with business development and customer relationship activities when applicable.

• Coordinate with company management regarding project pricing before final proposals or contractual commitments are made.

• Provide complete and organized estimating documentation and project handoffs when projects are successfully awarded.

• Maintain accurate records of estimates, proposals, supplier/subcontractor pricing, and project opportunities.

Commission-Based Compensation

This is a commission-only independent contractor opportunity. There is no base salary or guaranteed hourly compensation.

Commission terms will be established in the written Independent Contractor Agreement and may vary depending on project size, profitability, source of the opportunity, and the contractor's level of involvement.

Potential commission structures may include:

Percentage of Contract Value
Approximately 2% 5% of collected project revenue on qualifying projects estimated and successfully awarded.

Percentage of Gross Profit
Approximately 10% 20% of gross profit generated from qualifying projects estimated and successfully awarded.

Estimating + Business Development
A higher negotiated commission may apply when the contractor personally generates the opportunity, develops the estimate, assists with closing the customer, and the company successfully performs the work and collects payment.

Commission eligibility, calculations, payment timing, customer nonpayment, cancellations, change orders, project termination, and other compensation terms will be governed by the final written Independent Contractor Agreement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience preferred.

• Strong understanding of construction costs, labor requirements, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.

• Demonstrated experience performing quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed estimates.

• Ability to review construction drawings, plans, specifications, and scopes of work.

• Ability to independently prepare professional estimates, proposals, and bid packages.

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.

• Excellent communication, organization, and negotiation abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple estimating opportunities and deadlines.

• Ability to perform assignments with minimal supervision.

• Existing relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, general contractors, property owners, or developers are highly desirable.

• Knowledge of the Maryland construction market is strongly preferred.

Preferred Software Experience

Experience with one or more of the following is preferred:

• Bluebeam

• PlanSwift

• Procore

• BuildingConnected

• Microsoft Excel

• Construction estimating or takeoff software

• CRM and project management platforms

Independent Contractor Opportunity

This opportunity is intended to be structured as an independent contractor relationship rather than traditional employment, subject to the parties' written agreement and applicable law.

The contractor will generally be responsible for their own taxes, insurance, business expenses, equipment, and other obligations associated with operating as an independent business, as provided in the final agreement.

This opportunity does not provide a salary, guaranteed hours, paid vacation, traditional employee benefits, or other guaranteed employee compensation.

Performance-Based Earning Opportunity

This compensation structure is designed to directly reward successful results. An experienced estimator who can help identify opportunities, develop competitive estimates, and contribute to securing profitable construction projects has the opportunity to earn commissions based on successfully completed business.

If you have extensive construction estimating experience, understand project profitability, and are interested in a performance-driven independent contractor opportunity, we encourage you to apply.