Estimator
Estimators calculate how much it costs to supply products or services to a client before building works can start.
The Role
- Weighing up all the information about the building work and deciding exactly how much money it will take to do what the customer wants
- Researching prices
- Collecting quotes
- Checking what the client wants
- Using computer software
- Collecting quotes from suppliers and sub-contractors
- Drawing up bids for work
- Keeping an eye on projects to make sure costs stay in line with forecasts
- Drawing up detailed and accurate price lists for everything needed on a construction project
- Adding up materials prices
- Working out the costs for hiring heavy or specialist equipment
- Calculating transport costs, fuel and labour
- Considering Risk assessment, Health and Safety requirement, Inflation, Exchange rate, and Projected timescale costs.
Salary
- Newly trained estimators can earn in the region of £18,000 - £20,000
- Trained with experience estimators can earn in the region of £20,000 - £35,000
- Senior, chartered or master estimators can earn in the region of £35,000 - £40,000
Qualifications & Training
There are no set academic entry requirements to train as an estimator, but GCSEs 9-4(A*-C) in science, technology, English and maths are useful or their equivalent. An IT qualification is also good to have.
You could also study for a BTEC HNC, HND in subject areas such as structural engineering, civil engineering or construction.
An excellent way to start is by looking for construction apprenticeships with a building or construction engineering firm, then working up. Your employer might want you to take more on-the-job qualifications. These could include an NVQ in Project Control Levels 3 and 4, NVQ in Construction Contracting Operations levels 3 and 4, and Certificate and Diploma in Site Management Level 4.
With a Level 3 NVQ and several years’ experience, you can apply for membership of the Association of Cost Engineers. For further information see the website: www.acoste.org.uk
Many people also take on this role after first as a craft person, assistant technician or administrator.