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Trade Estimator Expectations

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  1. Trade estimator expectations
    1. See the performance evaluation sheet below.
  2. Design Review & Feedback
    1. We are not just number collectors
    2. Review plans and provide feedback on what is not typical on the project
      1. Be sure to communicate with the other estimators and lead as you review the Construction Docs and inform one another of notes, discrepancies, etc., that you encounter. For example, you will quite often come across notes that affect the drywall sub or painter on MEP plans, and these notes can easily be missed, causing exposure to KAST and its Subcontractors
    3. Identify alternate materials and systems
      1. Are we utilizing lintels or tie beams?
    4. Scope specific alternates (cost reduction)
    5. Design metrics
      1. Concrete – lbs rebar per CY of rebar, CY horizontal to vertical concrete
    6. Pay attention to statistics, ask questions to subcontractors
  3. Time Management
    1. Daily tasks established the night before
    2. Split days between projects. ½ day on project A and ½ day on project B
    3. Call subs in the morning
    4. Communicate with the project lead if you need help. It is always better to ask for help than scramble at the end when deadlines need to be met.
  4. Blame Free Communication
    1. No one is perfect; we do not want to repeat mistakes, but we need to know about them in order to protect the company.
    2. Give feedback to trade estimators if mistakes are found.
    3. Golden rule. Treat others as you want to be treated. Be respectful.

 

Employee Information:

Employee Name:                                                                                                       Today’s Date:

Position:                                                                                                                          Hire Date:

 

Performance Evaluation: Rate the employee’s performance on each factor. While comments are always appropriate, provided to explain instances where someone is rated a 4 or a 1.

 

Performance Factor

Rating *

Comments / Necessary Support

Scope Sheets:

  1. Estimator scopes are written, so an owner, subcontractor or someone who does not know the project can understand the scope of work.
  2. Estimator provides essential details in the scope of work and is not just repeating plans and specifications.
  3. Estimator is witting scopes of work that are project specific and not just copy & paste from other projects.
  4. Estimator confirms his/hers scope sheet final number matches the estimate.
  5. Estimator provides a list of alternate and value engineering items in the scope sheet
  6. Estimator is knowledgeable of the project specifications.
  7. Estimator scope sheet is well organized and includes the following:

      > Quantities takeoff

      > Bond Rates

      > Provides notes to explain his/her reasons for plug number for Operations team

 

 

 

Sub Tracking / Coverage:

  1. Estimator takes the initiative to reach out to subcontractors without Lead estimators direction
  2. Estimator updates Bid Tracker and notes daily for review to include:

              > Reasons why a subcontractor is not bidding

              > Informing Lead if sub not responding in a timely manner

              > Knowing which subcontractor is the right fit for the project

  1. Estimator is prepared to present resume and bonding of a new subcontractor with the low number.

 

 

 

Qualifications & Assumptions:

  1. Estimators Q&A are written, so an owner, subcontractor or someone who does not know the project can understand the scope of work.
  2. Estimator understands why he/she is qualify an item.
  3. Estimator has completed the Q&A in the required time.

 

 

 

Time Management:

  1. Estimator is able to organize and schedule work effectively.
  2. Estimator approaches work in a systematic nature and is efficient in time management
  3. Estimator follows up on requests in a timely manner to the lead without being reminded.
  4. Estimator can be relied upon to “get the job done.” Reliable and dependable.
  5. Estimator adequately monitors the progress of their assignments, meeting deadlines without continually scrambling at the last minute.

 

 

 

Takeoffs:

  1. Estimator completes all necessary takeoffs when due.
  2. Estimator accuracy of takeoffs.