Pre-Construction Estimator (Level 1)
11 days ago
Lakewood
Job Description Department: Sales and Design Reports To: Remodeling Project Developer Location: Lakewood, CO Employment Type: Full-time Company Overview At VL Builders, we’re on a mission to improve lives through design-build remodeling, for our clients, our team, and our community. We live by our core values of BUILDERS: We Build it Right, act with Uncompromising Integrity, Improve Lives, Lead with Respect, show Dedication to Excellence, Elevate the Experience, put Relationships First, and Seek Continuous Growth. Together, we create spaces and experiences that stand the test of time. Join our dynamic team as we work together to achieve our 10-year goals of becoming a multi-division residential design-build company known for improving lives, with a leadership team running day-to-day, multiple revenue streams for stability, and a lasting culture that develops leaders and gives back to the community. Our primary clients are single-family residential property owners, aged 35-65, with household incomes of $140k+ who live within 30 minutes of our office and are seeking to age in place. If you’re eager to show up, learn, and focus on growth, you’ll be recognized and rewarded. Our company operates purely on EOS, which means that as a member of this team, you will have a leader who: • Gives clear directions, • Ensures you have the necessary tools, • Acts with the greater good in mind, • Delegates tasks appropriately, • Takes time to truly understand your role and how you can help the company, • Makes their expectations clear, • Communicates effectively, • Conducts efficient and purposeful meetings, • Meets with you one-on-one quarterly, or more as needed The Pre-Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate preliminary budgets and scopes of work during the early stages of the sales and design process. This role translates field documentation, client priorities, and conceptual layouts into clear, realistic budget ranges that support Vision Alignment presentations and drive clients into Pre-Construction Service Agreements (PSA). This position is critical to maintaining speed, accuracy, and profitability in the front end of the sales and design pipeline. Key Responsibilities 1. Budget Development & Assembly • Build 2–3 detailed budget options per project utilizing VL Builders’ Budget Setting Worksheet, • Develop clear, accurate budget ranges aligned with client priorities and project goals, • Ensure all budgets reflect realistic construction costs, sequencing, and trade involvement 2. Plan Review & Scope Interpretation • Review all project information provided by Remodeling Design Consultants (RDCs), including:, • Site photos, • Floor plan scans and/or sketches, • Project notes and priorities, • Translate conceptual layouts into clear scopes of work, • Identify missing information and proactively request clarification 3. Quantity Takeoffs & Cost Input • Perform accurate take-offs from floor plans and field documentation, • Input labor, material, and subcontractor costs into the Budget Setting Worksheet, • Establish appropriate allowances for finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, and specialty items 4. Sales & Design Team Collaboration • Work directly with RDCs to clarify scope, assumptions, and budget direction, • Support budget revisions based on internal feedback and client input during Vision Alignment Presentation, • Align budgets with client expectations while maintaining company margin targets 5. Scope Accuracy & Risk Identification • Identify potential scope gaps, constructability challenges, and cost risks early, • Flag items requiring further investigation and allocate costs in budgets for variability with flagged items (engineering, utilities, structural, etc.), • Education:, • High school diploma or equivalent required, • Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Architecture, or related field preferred, • Experience:, • 2–5+ years of experience in residential construction, remodeling, or estimating required, • Proven experience assembling project budgets, take-offs, or scopes of work, • Experience with conceptual or preliminary estimating strongly preferred, • Field experience (carpentry, lead carpenter, assistant PM, or similar) is highly preferred, • Technical Knowledge:, • Strong understanding of residential building systems, including:, • Foundations, • Structural framing, • Exterior building systems and claddings, • Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC systems, • Interior finishes and assemblies, • Solid understanding of:, • Unit cost estimating, • Markup vs. Margin, • Cost drivers across different project types (kitchens, baths, additions, etc.), • Ability to think through full project sequencing and constructability from a conceptual level, • Technical Skills:, • Ability to read and interpret floor plans and field documentation, • Proficient in performing quantity take-offs and estimate organization, • Experience with Buildertrend or similar construction management software preferred, • Core Competencies, • High attention to detail and accuracy, • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, • Clear written and verbal communication with internal team members You will love it here if you display core values of: • B – Build It Right, • U – Uncompromising Integrity, • I – Improve Lives, • L – Lead with Respect, • D – Dedication to Excellence, • E – Elevate the Experience, • R – Relationships First, • $65,000-$85,000 Salary + Incentives, • Health, dental, and vision insurance, • Supplemental benefit contribution, • Retirement plan with 4% company match, • Unlimited paid time off and 7 paid holidays, • 1 week PTO for company-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day VL Builders is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they are a perfect fit for VL Builders. Join VL Builders and be part of a team that values dedication, innovation, and quality! Together, we’ll build more than just homes – we’ll build dreams. Company DescriptionVL Builders is a residential design-build remodeling company on a mission to improve the lives of our clients, team members, and community. Guided by our purpose and vision of 'Expertly Crafting Dream Remodels,' we specialize in residential design-build remodeling. As a people-centered company, we are committed to creating exceptional living environments through our core values.VL Builders is a residential design-build remodeling company on a mission to improve the lives of our clients, team members, and community. Guided by our purpose and vision of 'Expertly Crafting Dream Remodels,' we specialize in residential design-build remodeling. As a people-centered company, we are committed to creating exceptional living environments through our core values.