Cost Estimator

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Residential Turnkey Cost Estimator to oversee comprehensive cost planning, quantity measurement, and procurement for high-end residential design-build projects ranging from bespoke villas to multi-story homes. This pivotal position serves as a link between architectural design, engineering, and construction execution to ensure accurate budgeting and timely delivery.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from structural and architectural plans including foundations, beams, slabs, steel reinforcements, and masonry, factoring in standard wastage.
• Prepare precise cost estimates for structural components like fabricated steel sections, anti-corrosive treatments, and formwork areas.
• Estimate earthwork, compaction, waterproofing, and termite treatments for foundations and wet zones.
• Develop thorough cost analyses for premium interior finishes such as custom cabinetry, wardrobes, modular kitchens, specialized floor and wall finishes, and acoustic treatments.
• Measure and estimate false ceiling systems, lighting channels, window glazing, and other fenestration elements.
• Coordinate allowances for MEP components including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fixtures, and fittings to control budget creep.
• Conduct competitive vendor tendering by floating RFQs, preparing technical-commercial comparisons, negotiating pricing, and managing supplier directories.
• Manage coordinated purchase orders aligned with delivery schedules to optimize logistics and reduce storage damage on-site.
• Convert internal cost plans into clear client proposals outlining scope, milestones, inclusions, exclusions, and escalation matrices.
• Handle client-initiated design changes by preparing variation orders and rate analyses, ensuring approvals prior to implementation.
• Audit contractor invoices against verified site measurements to authorize payments.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or Architecture.
• 3 to 7 years of specialized experience in cost estimation, quantity surveying, or commercial tendering focused on residential turnkey or high-end villa projects.
• Strong understanding of RCC, structural steel workflows, bespoke joinery details, architectural hardware, and end-to-end residential construction processes.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets skills with macro, pivot tables, and automated BOQ templates.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for takeoff extraction; familiarity with SketchUp, Revit, or PlanSwift is advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of regional material pricing for cement, steel, aggregates, finishing materials, and premium bath fittings.
• Strong commercial acumen to identify scope discrepancies between design and site conditions and prevent unbudgeted changes.
• Excellent communication skills to convey cost implications to design teams and budget-conscious clients.

Performance Metrics

• Maintain estimate accuracy with final project costs within 3–5% of initial budgets.
• Enhance procurement savings by 4–8% through competitive tendering and value engineering without compromising design quality.
• Deliver preliminary BOQs within 5 working days of receiving final architectural and engineering documents.
• Ensure 100% documentation and approval of variation orders prior to procurement or construction activities.