Plumbing Estimator

Role Overview

You will be the go-to person for turning construction blueprints into precise, competitive cost proposals for commercial plumbing projects. Your daily focus will be on analyzing project documents, calculating material and labor needs, and building reliable bids that keep our company competitive and profitable. Your estimates directly determine which projects we win and set the financial foundation for successful project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Build complete plumbing cost estimates in QuickPlumb, ensuring every fixture, pipe run, and labor hour is accounted for.
• Interpret architectural and mechanical drawings, along with spec books and contract terms, to define the full scope of work before pricing.
• Measure and quantify materials, labor, and equipment directly from digital or paper plans, using standard takeoff methods.
• Reach out to suppliers and subcontractors for current pricing, compare quotes, and negotiate where appropriate to strengthen your bid.
• Assemble detailed bid packages, including line-item cost breakdowns, budget summaries, and any required clarifications for submission.
• Flag value engineering options that preserve quality and code compliance while lowering overall project cost.
• Keep pricing databases current for common materials, labor rates, and equipment rental costs so future estimates stay accurate.
• Hand off completed estimates to project managers, walking them through assumptions, risks, and cost drivers so field execution matches the bid.
• Attend pre-bid walk-throughs and client meetings to verify site conditions and clarify ambiguous scope items.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least two years of hands-on plumbing estimating experience, ideally on commercial construction projects.
• Proficiency with QuickPlumb estimating software is required — you will use it daily for takeoffs and pricing.
• A diploma or degree in mechanical engineering, building services, construction management, quantity surveying, or a related field.
• Solid ability to read and follow plumbing drawings, riser diagrams, and construction specifications with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of plumbing system design, installation sequencing, and relevant codes such as IPC or UPC.
• Comfortable with math-based tasks like area calculations, unit conversions, and pricing extensions without errors.
• Confident using Excel for cost summaries, pivot tables, and data comparisons; also comfortable with Word and Outlook.
• Capable of juggling several bids at different stages simultaneously while still hitting strict deadline windows.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with vendors, architects, and internal teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Past bids on healthcare, education, multifamily, industrial, or institutional projects are a plus.
• Familiarity with BIM, Revit, or digital takeoff tools such as Bluebeam or PlanSwift.
• Prior experience in field plumbing installation or construction supervision provides a practical edge.
• Understanding of procurement workflows and subcontractor scoping for specialty trades.