Career Advice for a Construction Estimator

As a Construction Estimator, you will be responsible for estimating the costs of construction projects, including materials, labour, and equipment.

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How to Become a Construction Estimator

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Construction Estimator

Should you wish to work as a Construction Estimator you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Construction Estimator

  • A Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • Experience in construction estimating or a related field.

Key Responsibilities for a Construction Estimator

  • Preparing accurate cost estimates for construction projects.
  • Reviewing project plans and specifications to determine project scope and requirements.
  • Identifying potential cost savings and value engineering opportunities.
  • Communicating with project stakeholders to ensure project goals are met.
  • Maintaining accurate records of project costs and expenses.
  • Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

What to expect as a Construction Estimator

As a Construction Estimator in the UK, you can work for construction companies, contractors, or consultancies.

Recommended Construction Estimator Jobs

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How to get Construction Estimator Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Construction Estimator job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Construction Estimator application. If you have not held a Construction Estimator position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Construction Estimator role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Construction Estimator CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Construction Estimator application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Construction Estimator in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Construction Estimator 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Construction Estimator and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Construction Estimator experience.

How to get Construction Estimator Experience

What does it take to be a Construction Estimator? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Construction Estimator jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Construction Estimator through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Construction Estimator Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Construction Estimator part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Construction Estimator or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Construction Estimator freelance work

If you have impressive Construction Estimator qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.