Job Title: Construction Estimator/Purchaser
Location: San Carlos, CA (On-site to start; potential for remote work after integration)
Employment Type: Full-time, Salaried
Reports To: Company Owner/President
Company Overview
We are a well-established general contracting firm specializing in upper-end remodeling of existing single-family residences in the Mid-Peninsula area. With $5–6 million in annual sales and a reputation for craftsmanship, we manage projects ranging from $10,000 to $4,000,000. Our work is detail-oriented, often custom, and supported by an in-house team of framing and finish carpenters, craftspeople in various trades, and experienced project managers.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Estimator/Purchaser to join our team and play a key role in budgeting, estimating, and procurement processes for both complex residential remodeling projects and simpler projects for existing clients and new prospects. This position is pivotal to the success of our operations and will require both technical estimating proficiency and an ability to communicate clearly with vendors, subcontractors, engineers, staff, architect and design professionals. Our company has been growing strategically over the past five years. This position is essential to our continued growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop accurate cost estimates for residential remodeling projects based on architectural plans, specifications, and client input.
- Coordinate with internal carpentry and production management teams to estimate in-house work scopes.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain bids and pricing for items such as windows, doors, cabinetry, tiling, roofing, insulation, drywall, etc.
- Analyze drawings and specifications to understand design intent and project requirements.
- Collaborate with designers and architects to verify materials, product choices, and custom details.
- Purchase finish materials and long lead time items (e.g., doors, cabinetry, windows) and verify details to ensure accuracy prior to order placement.
- Assist in the ongoing development and standardization of our estimating system (CoConstruct/BuilderTrend).
- Provide continuous improvement to our estimating and purchasing processes.
- Maintain vendor and subcontractor relationships and build new ones as necessary.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in residential construction estimating, particularly custom or upper-end remodeling.
- In-depth knowledge of single-family home construction methods and materials.
- Proficiency with estimating software (experience with CoConstruct/BuilderTrend is a plus).
- Ability to read architectural/structural drawings and translate them into accurate estimates.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with internal teams and external partners.
- High attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to take ownership of systems and implement improvements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
- Background in purchasing or procurement for residential construction.
- Interest in a long-term career with growth potential within the company.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive above-market salary (commensurate with experience)
- Benefits include 401K, profit sharing, health, dental, PTO
- Key leadership position with opportunities for long-term growth
- Supportive team environment focused on quality and collaboration
- Potential for remote work after initial in-office integration