Job Description
Overview:
We are a subcontractor company seeking a skilled, experienced Wood Framing Estimator with a strong background in commercial and residential multi-unit construction projects. The ideal candidate will play a key role in pre-construction and bidding efforts. This role is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive estimates for wood framing and related scopes on commercial projects where the employer is a subcontractor .
This role requires a combination of technical expertise in estimating and strong project management capabilities to ensure successful execution from start to finish.
Position Overview – Wood Estimator
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience estimating for a trade subcontractor (wood framing, drywall, metal stud, or similar) and understands union labor, production rates, and the realities of building on active commercial job sites.
Key Responsibilities
Subcontractor-Focused Estimating
- Prepare detailed estimates for wood framing, backing, blocking, shear walls, and related scopes , often as part of combined framing/drywall packages.
- Develop complete subcontractor bids that comply with GC bid instructions, alternates, addenda, and clarifications .
- Ensure all relevant scopes are captured and clearly documented, including inclusions, exclusions, Bid Strategy & Coordination.
- Coordinate with general contractors, developers, suppliers, and internal teams throughout the bid process.
- Issue and track RFIs related to scope gaps or drawing conflicts.
- Participate in internal bid reviews to align on strategy, pricing assumptions, and risk profile.
Scope Development & Documentation
- Draft transparent, trade-specific scope sheets for wood framing and related scopes.
- Flag overlaps and gaps between wood framing, metal stud, drywall, and other trades.
- Maintain organized estimate files, revisions, and historical cost data.
Turnover & Support to Operations
- Participate in project handoff meetings to review scope, assumptions, and key details with Project Managers and Field Superintendents.
- Assist with change-order pricing , budget updates, and value-engineering options as projects progress.
Required Qualifications
- Subcontractor Experience (Required)
- Minimum 3–5 years of estimating experience for a commercial subcontractor (wood framing, drywall, metal stud, carpentry, or closely related trade).
- Proven track record bidding as a subcontractor to general contractors , not solely performing internal GC or owner budgeting.
- Technical Skills & Knowledge
- Strong understanding of wood framing systems in commercial construction (shear walls, floor/roof framing, blocking, backing, headers, etc.).
- Familiarity with union labor environments and how wage rates, fringes, and crew makeup affect pricing.
- Proficiency with digital takeoff/estimating tools (e.g., PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam , or similar).
- Education & Soft Skills
- A bachelor’s degree in construction management , Engineering, or an equivalent field of study will be considered.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with internal teams, GCs, and suppliers.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced subcontractor environment.
Compensation & Benefits
This employer offers a market-competitive compensation package aligned with the Los Angeles commercial construction market.
Job Tags
For contractors, For subcontractor,