Preconstruction Estimating Consultant (Takeoff)

Compensation: USD/month, depending on experience
Location: Remote, LATAM preferred
Schedule: U.S. business hours / Eastern Time Zone overlap required
Employment Type: Full-Time Consultant

About the Company

A U.S.-based commercial mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC and plumbing systems is seeking a Preconstruction Estimating Consultant to support its growing preconstruction team.

The company works on commercial construction projects and is looking for an experienced estimating professional who can contribute to accurate, competitive project pricing while working closely with the preconstruction and project teams.

Role Overview

The Preconstruction Estimating Consultant will support the preconstruction team throughout the estimating and bidding process.

This is a hands-on estimating role focused on interpreting construction drawings and specifications, performing accurate material and labor take-offs, gathering vendor and subcontractor pricing, preparing change order estimates, and supporting the development of competitive project estimates.

The ideal candidate has experience estimating commercial HVAC and/or plumbing projects and is comfortable working with mechanical drawings, specifications, pricing, and estimating software.

Experience with U.S. commercial construction is particularly valuable.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Quantity Take-Offs

Perform accurate quantity take-offs for HVAC and plumbing projects using construction drawings and specifications.
Review mechanical plans and specifications to identify project scope and material requirements.
Estimate material and labor requirements for mechanical construction work.
Estimate new piping installations, modifications, and related mechanical work.
Review project revisions and identify changes that may affect project pricing.
Support the preparation of accurate and competitive project estimates.

Change Orders & Scope Revisions

Prepare pricing for change orders and revisions to existing projects.
Review drawings and project documentation to identify scope changes.
Update quantities and pricing based on revised project requirements.
Assist with rebuilding or revising drawings when required to reflect scope changes.
Maintain clear documentation supporting estimates and change order pricing.

Vendor & Subcontractor Pricing

Request pricing and quotations from vendors and suppliers for equipment and materials.
Obtain, compare, and evaluate supplier quotations.
Solicit subcontractor bids for applicable project scopes.
Review subcontractor pricing for completeness and alignment with project requirements.
Incorporate approved vendor and subcontractor pricing into project estimates.

Preconstruction Team Support

Work closely with estimators and the preconstruction team throughout the bidding process.
Help ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and delivered within required deadlines.
Maintain organized estimating files, drawings, quotations, and supporting documentation.
Communicate with project managers, estimators, vendors, and subcontractors regarding project requirements and pricing.
Identify discrepancies, missing information, or potential scope issues before estimates are finalized.

Hard Skills

Experience in HVAC and/or plumbing estimating or preconstruction.
Strong ability to interpret mechanical construction drawings and specifications.
Experience performing material and labor quantity take-offs.
Knowledge of change order pricing and construction cost analysis.
Experience obtaining and evaluating vendor, supplier, and subcontractor quotations.
Understanding of commercial mechanical construction, including HVAC equipment, piping, plumbing, and/or sheet metal.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
Experience with estimating and construction software such as Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Trimble, FastPIPE, FastDUCT, or similar platforms.
Familiarity with design-build and/or plan-and-spec estimating is preferred.
Experience with U.S. commercial construction projects is strongly preferred.

Soft Skills

Highly detail-oriented and accurate.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Able to manage multiple estimates, revisions, and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Clear and professional written and verbal English communication.
Proactive when identifying missing information or potential scope issues.
Comfortable working independently in a remote environment.
Reliable and consistent with deadlines and follow-through.
Collaborative and comfortable communicating with estimators, project managers, vendors, and subcontractors.

About the Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced mechanical estimating professional who understands how commercial HVAC and plumbing projects are priced and can confidently work from drawings and specifications to develop accurate quantities and costs.

They should be comfortable moving between take-offs, vendor pricing, subcontractor bids, change orders, and drawing revisions while maintaining strong attention to detail.

A candidate with U.S. commercial construction exposure will be particularly well suited to the role, especially someone familiar with the terminology, documentation, estimating practices, and expectations associated with U.S. mechanical construction.

Why This Role Matters

Accurate estimating is fundamental to the company's ability to win and successfully execute commercial mechanical projects.

This consultant will provide critical support to the preconstruction team by ensuring that quantities, pricing, scope changes, vendor quotes, and subcontractor bids are properly reviewed and incorporated into project estimates.

The role offers an opportunity for a strong estimator to become an important part of a growing preconstruction function while working closely with an experienced U.S. commercial mechanical team.

Takeoff/ Estimating Consultant - 63578792766