Preconstruction Estimator
**Company: **Fourth Elm Construction, LLC
Location: Charlotte, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $80,000 - $100,000
About the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented Preconstruction Estimator to join our growing construction team in Charlotte, NC. This role is responsible for developing accurate project estimates, coordinating preconstruction activities, reviewing construction documents, and supporting project teams through the bidding and planning process.
The ideal candidate will have experience in commercial construction estimating, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor coordination, and project planning. This position works closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, subcontractors, and clients to ensure project costs, schedules, and scopes are accurately developed before construction begins.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop detailed project estimates, budgets, and preconstruction plans.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare material pricing estimates.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
- Coordinate with Project Managers and Superintendents to establish project schedules and sequencing plans.
- Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor bids and proposals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
- Conduct site visits to evaluate project requirements and support accurate pricing.
- Ensure proper scope coverage and identify potential project risks.
- Assist with safety planning during the preconstruction phase.
- Prepare and hand off complete estimate packages to operations teams upon project award.
- Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, designers, and internal stakeholders.
- Resolve preconstruction issues and contribute to successful project execution.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; equivalent industry experience considered.
- 2+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience in commercial construction.
- Strong understanding of construction documents, specifications, and bid processes.
- Experience with quantity takeoffs, budgeting, and cost estimating.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Sage 100 or other construction accounting/estimating software.
- CAD, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or estimating software experience.
- Commercial, retail, office, tenant improvement (TI), or ground-up construction experience.
- Knowledge of subcontractor procurement and bid leveling processes.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary ($80K-$100K)
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
- Referral Program
You should be proficient in:
- Commercial Construction
- Commercial Estimator
- Construction Cost Analyst
- Construction Estimator
- Cost Estimator
- Preconstruction Estimator
- Project Estimator
Machines & technologies you'll use:
- AutoCAD
- Autodesk
- Bluebeam
- On-Screen Takeoff (OST)
- PlanSwift
- Procore
- Sage 100
- Microsoft Office