Senior Estimador
Company: Blue View Builder
Role summary
Senior Estimador is a full-time role at Blue View Builder in San Diego, California, United States (hybrid). Posted 2026-10-22. Salary: USD 97,000–170,000 per year. Experience level: 5-10. No degree required.
- Job title
- Senior Estimador
- Company
- Blue View Builder
- Location
- San Diego, California, United States
- Work arrangement
- hybrid
- Employment type
- full-time
- Category
- Trades & Construction
- Salary
- USD 97,000–170,000 per year
- Experience level
- 5-10
- Degree required
- No
- Date posted
- 2026-10-22
You’ll love this opportunity if you enjoy the puzzle of construction pricing and want to help build custom residential homes. It’s a high-paying role that values your hands-on experience over a degree, offering a great chance to influence the profitability and success of diverse building projects.
Job description
The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, detailed cost estimates for residential construction
projects (custom homes, modular/prefab homes, ADUs, additions, and small multifamily). This includes
analyzing plans and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, pricing materials/labor/subcontractor
work, identifying risks and value-engineering opportunities, and supporting competitive proposals that
help win profitable work.
Key Responsibilities
• Review architectural drawings, blueprints, specifications, and other project documents to fully
understand scope.
• Conduct site visits (virtual or physical) to assess conditions, measure quantities, and identify
challenges.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and related costs using digital
tools (e.g., Revit, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, STACK, or similar).
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates including material pricing, labor productivity,
subcontractor bids, general conditions, overhead, contingency, and profit.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level supplier quotes; maintain strong vendor relationships (especially local
San Diego/Southern California networks).
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, value engineering options, and potential risks or scope gaps.
• Collaborate with sales, design, project management, purchasing, and production teams to align
estimates with build methods (particularly modular/factory-built processes).
• Prepare and present clear proposals and bid packages to clients or internal leadership.
• Track historical costs, update pricing databases, and support post-bid analysis and handoff to
operations.
• Ensure estimates comply with California building codes, Title 24, local permitting requirements,
and company standards.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, templates, and software.
Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience as an estimator in full-scope residential construction, remodeling,
modular/prefab, or general contracting (modular experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of residential construction methods, materials, sequencing, and California
building practices.
• Proficiency with estimating/takeoff software and Microsoft Excel; experience with construction
management platforms (Procore, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings and specifications accurately.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills; client-facing experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field
preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to visit job sites as needed
Preferred
• Experience with modular, manufactured, or off-site construction.
• Knowledge of sustainable/green building practices and cost implications.
• Local San Diego subcontractor and supplier relationships.
Hybrid or office-based with site visits; full-time, exempt.
Other incentives: Profit sharing, ESOP (employee stock ownership)
Allowances: Vehicle/truck allowance or company vehicle + fuel ($500–$1,500+/month common for roles with site visits); mileage reimbursement
Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance; 401(k) with company match (often 3–6%); paid time off; professional development, pension, employee discount