Job Overview

Our premier client is searching for a detail-driven Residential Construction Estimator to independently produce accurate quantity takeoffs, detailed cost estimates, and precise project pricing. This role focuses directly on home renovations, extensions, and additions, requiring a sharp, commercially minded professional. If you can effortlessly translate complex project documentation and construction drawings into watertight estimates, our client wants to hear from you.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sydney Timezone, with 1 hour unpaid break (40 work hours per week)

Responsibilities

Residential Estimating & Costing (Core Focus)

• Prepare accurate project estimates and pricing based on scope, drawings, plans, and specifications
• Estimate Australian residential renovation, extension, and addition projects
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural and construction drawings
• Build detailed cost breakdowns covering labour, materials, trades, subcontractors, and other project costs
• Review project scope to ensure all required work and costs are captured
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, and potential cost risks
• Review and validate supplier and subcontractor pricing
• Update estimates based on scope changes, revised drawings, variations, and client requirements
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across estimates and pricing structures

Tender, Supplier & Pricing Support

• Request and follow up supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Review, compare, and analyze received quotations
• Incorporate accurate supplier and subcontractor pricing into estimates
• Identify pricing discrepancies or unusual cost variations
• Assist with tender and quotation preparation
• Prepare clear cost summaries and pricing breakdowns for owner review
• Assist with alternative pricing and value-engineering options where appropriate
• Ensure estimates and pricing are completed within agreed deadlines

Estimating Quality & Administration

• Review estimates against drawings, specifications, and project scope before submission
• Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing information, templates, and supporting documentation
• Keep supplier and subcontractor pricing information organized and up to date
• Track estimating deadlines and prioritize multiple projects as required
• Maintain clear documentation of estimating assumptions and exclusions
• Identify recurring estimating errors, gaps, or inefficiencies
• Communicate missing information or clarification requirements promptly
• Work closely with the owner and construction team to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements

Process Improvement & SOP Creation

• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, efficiency, and consistency
• Document recurring estimating and quantity takeoff processes
• Create and maintain SOPs, checklists, templates, and estimating guidelines
• Standardize estimating workflows and best practices where appropriate
• Identify process bottlenecks and recommend practical improvements
• Maintain and update SOPs as estimating processes, systems, and business requirements evolve
• Use AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT where appropriate to improve productivity, documentation, and workflow efficiency

Requirements

• 3+ years of construction estimating experience in the Australian residential market, particularly renovations, extensions, and additions.
• Proven experience conducting quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed project cost estimates.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Experience pricing materials, labour, trades, and subcontractors, including obtaining, reviewing, and comparing supplier quotations.
• Strong understanding of Australian residential construction processes, terminology, and project workflows, with the ability to identify scope gaps, cost risks, and pricing inconsistencies.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail and time management.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to work independently, remotely, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Nice to Have

• Experience estimating Australian renovation and extension projects
• Experience working directly with Australian builders or construction companies
• Experience with construction estimating or quantity takeoff software
• Experience with Cubit Estimating
• Experience with Wunderbuild
• Familiarity with Australian building standards and construction practices
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for estimating and cost analysis
• Experience using AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT for productivity and process documentation

Key Traits for Success

• Highly detail-oriented, precise, and commercially minded, with strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with confidence in interpreting construction drawings and documentation.
• Proactive in identifying scope gaps, cost risks, and missing information.
• Highly organized, deadline-driven, and focused on accuracy and efficient processes.
• Able to work independently, take ownership, communicate proactively, and continuously improve estimating workflows.

Key Success Measures

• 95%+ accuracy across estimates and quantity takeoffs
• Estimates completed within agreed deadlines
• Minimal pricing errors, omissions, and avoidable rework
• Complete coverage of project scope, including appropriate assumptions and exclusions
• Accurate supplier and subcontractor pricing incorporated into estimates
• Effective identification of scope gaps and potential cost risks before estimates are finalized
• Clear and organized estimating documentation
• Consistent use of standardized estimating processes and templates
• Creation and maintenance of practical estimating SOPs
• Implementation of measurable process improvements that improve estimating accuracy or efficiency

*Pay can be received in USD if you have a USD account.

Independent Contractor Perks

• Permanent work from home
• Immediate hiring
• Health Insurance Coverage for eligible locations

Note

Please click the "Apply" button to complete your application, including the assessment questions, technical check, and voice recording. Your hourly pay rate will be established based on your performance in the application process; submissions with all requirements fulfilled will receive priority review.

One application, multiple possibilities: When you apply, our team reviews your background against all current openings, not just this one! If a different role fits your skills, we'll get in touch! We also encourage you to keep exploring our job board and apply directly to any position that excites you.