What Roles and Responsibilities a Construction Cost Estimator Performs?

Whether it is a small project you are bidding for or a large, complex one, the construction estimator is an important factor as they are the one who develops the cost aspects, reviewing the technical details and blueprints pertaining to the construction project, and knows how to leverage the construction estimating software.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Construction Estimator:

In construction cost estimation, there is no one-size-fits-all policy, and the role of the estimator varies project to project. Here are the key job responsibilities of the construction cost estimator:

·        Determining Project Scope

It involves determining the logistics of the construction, helping contractors to further define the objectives and requirements. Determining the scope means providing the info related to materials, labor, equipment along with cost benchmarking.

·        Development of Cost Estimates

This level is the core of the cost estimation. It includes creating the material take-off list that includes encompassing the entire scope, right from the expense identification to the end of the project requisites. The logistical expenses are also an important aspect to be factored in by the estimator.

·        Analysis of General Factors That Impact Cost Estimates

What are the other construction factors that may directly or indirectly impact the overall cost of the project completion? There might be several such aspects that a constriction cost estimator cannot afford to overlook.

·        Working on Alternatives to Lower the Project Costs

In order to enhance the bidding success chance, the contractors need the cost estimate to not scale up too high. This is where estimators become important as they can work on and provide alternative recommendations which will lower the project completion costs.

·        Factoring in Additional Unexpected or Overhead Costs

There are several construction factors such as soil issues, weather problems, legal issues, logistics problems; that may lead to some unexpected cost addition later on. These are the factors that have to be accounted for in the estimating period so as to keep the budget as accurate as possible.

Conclusion:

An estimator has to be knowledgeable, skilled, and able to communicate effectively with contractors and teams while also leveraging construction management software efficiently for better and accurate cost estimation accuracy.