Estimator Responsibilities

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An estimator is a person who prepares tenders and supervises the construction sites. The estimator responsibilities include supervising the assistant estimators and see to it that all the work is properly done by them. They generally coordinate with the department personnel to assist them in establishing the project scope and standard of construction projects. The estimator also prepares estimates and blueprints for the new construction and remodels existing facilities if necessary. Preparing estimates and blueprints is one of the most responsible tasks and requires a lot of knowledge and experience.

To start a career as an estimator, a candidate must be good with numbers and predictions. He or she must be completely aware or all the essential variables of the construction industry before he actually predict things. The knowledge of educational qualifications, key skills, job responsibilities of an estimator will further guide you in planning your career as an estimator. The job of an estimator is a responsible job and a candidate must be aware of all the important parameters required to become an estimator. The below given details of an estimator will definitely help you in planning your career.

Educational Qualification for Estimator

The estimator is supposed to be a well-educated person with expert knowledge about various civil aspects. According to various leading employers, to apply for the post of estimator, a candidate must at least possess a bachelor's degree in civil engineering along with a minimum four years of professional experience in this field. Along with this qualification and experience the candidate is also expected to possess good knowledge about the work of electrician, plumber, carpenter, and other important civil works. The employers also often prefer recruiting candidates with master's degree in civil engineering with some experience for the post of estimator.

The increasing construction industry has grown more complex and employers also look forward for estimators with a degree in construction management or architecture. This degrees provide a strong background of building science which is the most essential parameter for an estimator. The employers also look forward to hire candidates with a certified course in cost engineering or cost estimating and analysis.

Key Skills of an Estimator

The estimator must be rich with supervising skills, as most of the time he is indulged in supervising the assistant estimators and other workers on the construction site. Along with the supervising skills, he is also expected to possess the following skills:

• Expert knowledge of civil engineering
• Knowledge of building constructions
• Knowledge about various materials used during constructions
• Aware of various methods used during construction
• Knowledge about various building codes
• Knowledge about using various electrical appliances during construction work
• Knowledge about various safety measures to be carried out on a construction site
• Knowledge about plumbing works
• Ability and knowledge of using various mechanical instruments and machines on a construction site
• Thorough knowledge of the laws and ordinance regulating civil engineering and building construction
• Expert skills of reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications
• Expert verbal as well as written communication skills
• Ability to used various essential computer applications

Job Responsibilities of an Estimator

The job responsibilities of estimators include supervising the assistant estimators and seeing to it that the construction work is properly undertaken. Along with this they are also responsible for the following tasks:

• Coordinate with various departments to establish the project scope and standards of construction projects
• Expertly study and assess the location of the construction site
• Prepare all the necessary documents essential, before actually starting the construction
• Prepare a list of essential equipments, manpower, and materials required to accomplish each project
• Plan the budget according to the research made and considerations of various requirements
• Design sketches and blueprints and plan the work accordingly
• Supervise the work of assistant estimators and guide them whenever and wherever necessary
• Plan the work on the construction site and distribute work between the employees
• Decide the work priorities based on general guidelines
• Keep a track of all documents and see to it that the work is undertaken according to legal rules and regulations
• Estimate the final cost of the construction project, considering all small and big aspects such as employee salary, electricity required, special machinery, etc.
• Guide the assistant estimator to prepare updates and rephrase the estimated amount whenever required

Salary of an Estimator

The salary of an estimator ranges anywhere between $36,000 to $67,000. The average annual salary of an estimator is around $48,000. These numbers, however, may vary according to the employer, industry, educational qualification, and experience.

The above mentioned information about the estimator responsibilities will help you to understand all the essential work details of an estimator. The educational qualification mentioned above will guide you in planning your career in this field.