Estimator

Position Summary

Grand Homes is seeking an Estimator to join our Purchasing and Budgeting team. The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates for new residential construction projects. This role works closely with Purchasing, Architecture, Construction, Sales, and Pre-Construction to develop budgets, analyze costs, maintain pricing databases, and support profitability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates for new residential homes, model homes, and floor plans following company standards and procedures.
• Analyze construction plans, subdivision specifications, buyer customizations, and engineering.
• Coordinate with Architecture, Engineering, Sales, and Pre-Construction to identify and resolve job discrepancies before releasing jobs to the field.
• Work with Pre-Construction teams to identify value-engineering opportunities on new plans.
• Compare estimated costs to actual costs and review variances bi-weekly.
• Assist the in-office team with various needs related to takeoffs and costs.
• Set up and maintain new communities and plans in the estimating database to provide cost analysis.
• Support field personnel by validating material quantities requested.
• Verify labor and material quantities against master takeoffs, including lumber, roofing, gutters, and other construction materials.
• Update estimates based on plan revisions and code changes.
• Create, manage, maintain, and improve estimating tools, procedures, programs, and databases, including BRIX, PlanSwift, and AutoCAD.
• Audit takeoffs and budgets to ensure compliance with company standards and cost objectives.
• Learn how sales pricing works and provide sales pricing support to Sales Associates.
• Work at least two weekend days per month providing sales pricing support to Sales Associates; bonus pay applies for weekend days worked.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Production homebuilding experience.
• Knowledge of the new home construction process.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and engineering documents.
• Knowledge of construction takeoff software; PlanSwift preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP/homebuilding systems; BRIX preferred.
• Basic knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Teams, and Word.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and investigate cost variances.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across departments.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, establish priorities, and meet deadlines in a detail-oriented, deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• College degree or 2–4 years of residential home construction experience preferred.
• Residential construction estimating and material takeoff experience preferred.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a corporate office environment with regular interaction with Architecture, Accounting, Purchasing, Sales, Production, and Field personnel. The position requires frequent computer use and work in a deadline-driven environment where accuracy, organization, and timely communication are critical.

The position requires working at least two weekend days per month to provide sales pricing support to Sales Associates. Bonus pay applies for weekend days worked.