Construction Project Estimator

About Us

At D H Construction, we build innovative projects, lasting client relationships, and strong careers for our team. Founded in 1981, we are a mid-sized, established general contractor. Our work includes renovation of multi-family affordable housing for top nonprofit developers in the Bay Area.

Why Work Here?

• Join an elite team with direct access to firm leaders
• We are established, yet growing
• Our clients are mostly nonprofit developers driving to expand affordable housing in the Bay Area
• We offer competitive compensation and benefits
• We aim to create an inclusive, respectful environment
• Benefit from exposure to multiple aspects of the industry

The Position

A D H Construction Project Estimator is a skilled professional with at least five years of experience and a proven track record in preparing accurate, competitive estimates for residential affordable housing or multi-family projects. As a key member of our preconstruction team, you will help ensure project success from concept through completion by:

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for all phases of construction, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Review and interpret project plans, blueprints, and specifications to determine scope and requirements; perform constructability reviews and provide feedback to optimize project design.
• Conduct comprehensive quantity take-offs and develop complete scopes of work for all trades, ensuring clarity for budgeting and bidding.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier bids; build and maintain strong relationships to enhance bid competitiveness.
• Prepare thorough bid leveling sheets, resolve scope gaps, and coordinate trade packages to ensure comprehensive project coverage.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and clients to clarify requirements, resolve discrepancies, and serve as a primary point of contact during preconstruction as needed.
• Identify and develop value engineering opportunities to improve project value and reduce costs.
• Assist with final budget assembly and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) bids; support client presentations and respond to questions.
• Reconcile current estimates against previous budgets, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay current with market trends, pricing fluctuations, local building codes/regulations, and maintain historical cost data and unit pricing databases.
• Support project handoff and ongoing cost control during construction phases; perform other duties as assigned to support the estimating and preconstruction team.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the estimating and preconstruction team.

What’s Required by You

• Minimum 5 years of construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor or developer.
• Strong experience with affordable housing and/or multi-family residential projects is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Timberline, Procore, Bluebeam, Excel, or similar).
• Exceptional analytical and mathematical skills; meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, plans, and specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, organizational, and time-management abilities.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal affordable housing regulations.
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices and cost implications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred but not required (equivalent experience will be considered).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk and using a computer.
• Visual acuity to read documents and operate computer screens accurately.
• Manual dexterity for operating office equipment and handling documents.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, office supplies).
• Occasional walking and climbing stairs during site visits; must be able to navigate construction environments safely.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions and the ability to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., steel-toe shoes, gloves, hard hats) while on job sites.

Must be local to the San Francisco Bay Area and able to work at the Berkeley office and at job sites throughout the greater Bay Area. No relocation assistance will be offered.

D H is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status.