Job Purpose The Estimator is responsible for executing full estimating responsibilities for all New Homes and Renovations projects, utilizing knowledge of construction materials and how they are used. This role requires advanced estimating accuracy, strong collaboration with E&P counterparts, and disciplined execution of processes that reduce variance and support predictable Job Cost outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Core Estimating Execution

• Review architectural plan, specifications, and scopes of work to develop accurate estimates by the date of the pre-construction schedule for all projects.

• Prepare detailed, accurate unit-based takeoffs using estimating software (Planswift/Brix).

• Maintain accurate assemblies and estimates by incorporating plan revisions, analyzing purchase order variances, and collaborating with Drafting and Construction. 

• Ensure all estimates comply with company policies, building codes, and established E&P processes.

• Identify potential cost savings, value engineering opportunities, and alternative solutions.

Variance Prevention & Cost Accuracy updated language –

• Monitor estimate accuracy by reviewing cost variances and identifying trends.

• Partner with Purchasing and Construction to determine root causes of cost discrepancies and implement preventative solutions.

• Support company cost control goals by maintaining disciplined estimating practices.

• Review cost codes and estimate data to identify recurring errors or margin risk areas.

Structural & Design Change Request Management (SSR/DSR)

• Serve as the primary coordinator for all Structural and Design Selection Requests (SSR/DSR), ensuring accurate system setup and documentation.

• Verify that all requested changes are structurally validated, properly approved, and aligned with established pricing standards.

• Ensure options are fully functional in internal systems and ready for estimating, purchasing, and construction execution.

• Maintain organized records and audit trails for all changes to support pricing accuracy and variance control.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Purchasing to flag inaccuracies in plan/option setups, pricing files, or assemblies to prevent downstream variance.

• Cross-train with Purchasing to understand and support purchase order issuance, trade partner assignments, and variance-related purchase order processing as needed. 

• Obtain competitive, accurate price quotes from Trade Partners and Suppliers using bid requests through BuilderTrend.

• Maintain a strong and sufficient Trade Partner & Supplier base.

• Work directly with the inner office team, field team, and sales team to support a clean estimating-to-purchasing workflow.

• Organize all correspondence and project details to ensure clarity across departments.

Authority

• Ownership of structural and design change request setup and pricing accuracy.

• Authority to recommend value engineering and cost-saving alternatives.

• Authority to flag plan, pricing, or assembly inaccuracies that impact estimate accuracy.

Expectations

• Operate with a high level of accuracy, discipline, and attention to detail.

• Demonstrate advanced blueprint reading and structural interpretation capability.

• Maintain expert proficiency in estimating systems, tools, and E&P processes.

• Manage multiple projects and deadlines with consistency and reliability.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support a clean estimating-to-purchasing workflow.

• Model professionalism, respect, and alignment with Garman’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

• Conduct all work with strong ethical standards and integrity.

Accountability

• On-time delivery of complete and accurate estimates.

• Achievement of company job cost and variance performance targets 

• Continuous improvement of estimating accuracy through trend and variance analysis. 

• Integrity and accuracy of all structural and design change request pricing and system setup.

• Supporting predictable, scalable cost performance across all projects.

Relationships

• Estimating & Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Team, Drafting, Construction, Inner Office Team, Field Team, Sales Team, Trade Partners, Suppliers, Customers

Qualifications 

• 3+ years estimating residential new construction (production or semi-custom).

• Demonstrated experience estimating framing, MEP, and exterior scopes.

• Proven ability to solicit, level, and align trade partner bids.

• Advanced ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP plans.

• Proficiency in estimating/takeoff software (Planswift, Brix, or equivalent).

• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing estimate accuracy and variance performance (cost code level preferred).

• Experience working in a production environment (100+ homes annually).

• Familiarity with BuilderTrend or similar construction management systems.