# Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

> AlphaX · Richmond, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-20

**Workplace:** on_site

## Description

We’re looking for a hands-on **Commercial Construction Estimator** to manage preconstruction planning and develop accurate, competitive pricing for commercial building projects. This role requires strong technical estimating skills, subcontractor coordination, and the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities before construction begins.

**Key Responsibilities**

-   Build project budgets and detailed bids for commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and ground-up construction.
-   Analyze architectural, structural, and MEP plans to establish project scope, quantities, and pricing requirements.
-   Calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs using detailed quantity takeoffs.
-   Solicit bids from trade contractors and suppliers, compare proposals, and reconcile pricing differences or missing scope.
-   Develop comprehensive bid submissions with clear cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions.
-   Evaluate design details and construction plans to flag budget concerns, scheduling constraints, constructability challenges, and procurement risks.
-   Collaborate with project managers, field supervisors, design professionals, and trade partners to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies.
-   Track changes in labor rates, material pricing, subcontractor costs, and market conditions to maintain accurate estimates.
-   Participate in site walkthroughs, pre-bid meetings, and client discussions to clarify project requirements.
-   Maintain organized bid files, cost databases, and historical pricing records.
-   Hand off awarded projects to the operations team, ensuring budgets, scope details, and estimating assumptions are clearly communicated.

## Requirements

-   5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, ideally with a general contractor.
-   Background estimating commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and/or ground-up projects.
-   Strong understanding of construction pricing, labor productivity, materials, and subcontractor cost structures.
-   Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
-   Direct experience performing quantity takeoffs, managing subcontractor bids, leveling proposals, and preparing final estimates.
-   Skilled at identifying scope omissions, pricing inconsistencies, and overlaps between trades.
-   Proficiency with construction estimating software; Bluebeam Revu experience is preferred.
-   Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective time management.
-   Ability to handle multiple bids simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
-   Proven ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions, rather than solely overseeing the estimating process.

## Benefits

-   Competitive salary based on experience.
-   Health insurance options.
-   Retirement plan options.
-   Paid time off.
-   Additional company-sponsored benefits.

## Apply

[Apply at AlphaX](https://apply.workable.com/alphax/j/5AA03163FD/apply)

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