The Evolving Role of Estimators in Construction

Summary:

Estimators are the real MVPs behind bidding competitively. But right now, they’re stuck poring over plans instead of perfecting bids or focusing on pricing jobs better. 

Here’s the brutal truth: The average estimator wastes 1,040 hours a year on manual takeoffs . 

This needs to change. Why? So that estimators can evolve into strategic powerhouses who drive growth and profitability for construction companies. 

Their roles as construction estimators have evolved from manual, spreadsheet-based work to a tech-driven, data-centric function. This shift has also elevated their role to include more strategic responsibilities, such as proactive risk management, data analysis for competitive advantages, and a greater focus on value-added decision-making rather than just manual calculations.

And with AI tools reshaping most industries, construction is no exception. AI-based takeoff solutions are changing the game, reducing manual effort, speeding up bid submissions, and allowing estimators to focus on strategy rather than spreadsheets. In brief, AI is designed to shift estimators to higher-value tasks.

Let’s explore how this transformation is reshaping the ever-evolving role of estimators and why it’s crucial for companies to stay current.

The Current Reality

Estimators as Overburdened Number Crunchers (And It’s Costing You Bids & Customers)

1. The Time Drain of Manual Takeoffs

The modern estimator skillset is being used up on time-consuming manual work; 30-50% of the bid cycle is currently spent on taking off quantities manually. Grinding through takeoffs can eat days of your team’s time. Meanwhile, your deadlines tick closer. This delays bid submissions and project approvals. For larger projects, this takeoff process can stretch across weeks. 

2. The Ripple Effect of a Manual-Heavy Process

This inefficient process delays bids. 60% of the time the bid that reaches your prospect first wins. So half the battle is lost there.  

Besides, estimators caught in reactive workflows, miss opportunities to:

• Negotiate early with suppliers.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments.
• Propose smarter design decisions that could save costs.

3. The Industry Status Quo

Despite advancements, most companies rely on semi-automated tools requiring significant manual intervention. These tools allow users to draw polygons on site plans to take off quantities.

The result? Hours spent on doing takeoffs - leading to a slower bidding process further bringing down your bidding velocity. And you end up passing up opportunities that you could have bid on

The Potential: Estimators as Strategic Powerhouses

 What Estimators Could Be Doing Instead

1. Refining Estimates for Competitive Bids. Historical cost data offers insights into labor productivity, material usage, and cost fluctuations over time, enabling estimators to refine their estimates and enhance accuracy.
2. Value Engineering: They can identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize materials, and refine designs without compromising quality. For instance, proposing alternative materials or methods allows you to deliver bids that balance cost efficiency and value.
3. Collaborating with General Contractors and Vendors: Proactive alignment with general contractors and vendors ensures clear project scopes, reducing costly revisions and fostering smoother workflows.
4. Preemptive Problem-Solving: Insights from the preconstruction phase can help flag potential bottlenecks, enabling estimators to suggest solutions before issues escalate.

The Competitive Advantage

In a recent conversation with Irana Perez, Estimator, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors Inc., we understood in great detail how automating takeoffs with Beam AI has changed a couple of significant things for their team:

1. Expanded their opportunity pipeline - so no more passing up bids
2. Estimators are spending more time on client outreach and reviewing estimates further boosting competitiveness

The Role of Automation in Unlocking Estimators’ Potential

Automation elevates the estimator's role from a manual data-processor to a strategic project consultant by handling time-consuming, repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy. This shift empowers estimators to focus on higher-value activities that influence project success and profitability.

Automation can reclaim 70–80% of an estimator’s time. This opens a host of  possibilities:

• Engage with suppliers early for better pricing  
• Conduct in-depth market analyses
• Tailor bids with value engineering strategies
• Collaborate more effectively with GCs and vendors on scope planning

The result? Bids that are accurate, competitive, and on time. 

This illustrates the tangible benefits of embracing the modern estimator skillset, where automation supports strategic thinking.

Take the Next Step Toward Transformation

If your estimators are still bogged down by manual takeoffs, it’s time to reconsider your approach. Ask yourself: 

• How many hours are you losing to manual takeoffs?
• Could your estimators be more strategic if they had more time?
• Are you leaving money on the table by not bidding on more jobs?

The evolving role of estimators requires companies to equip teams with modern tools. With tools like Beam AI, we’ve seen firsthand how automated takeoffs can redefine the estimator's role. No more endless drawing polygons. Instead, your team can focus on optimizing bids, winning more jobs, and driving profitability. 

Don’t let your estimators waste another hour on manual takeoffs. 

Talk to us and get your first plan taken off for free today.

FAQs

1. What is the role of an estimator? 

Estimators are responsible for evaluating project requirements, generating cost estimates, and ensuring that bids align with profitability goals. 

They calculate total project costs, including materials, labor, and other expenses, before construction begins. Their role involves analyzing project plans, gathering supplier quotes, and providing clients with detailed cost estimates to help them decide whether the project is financially viable.

2. What are the four roles of an estimator? 

The four roles of an estimator include: 

a. Cost Calculation, which involves analyzing project requirements to estimate costs for materials, labor, and equipment 

b. Risk Assessment, where they identify potential financial risks and develop cost-saving opportunities

 c. Supplier and Vendor Management, which includes obtaining quotes, negotiating prices, and maintaining relationships with subcontractors

d. Communication and Documentation, where they prepare bids and proposals, and report findings to clients and project managers.  

Additional Responsibilities

• Risk assessments, especially for high-risk projects.
• Assisting project managers with bid preparation.
• Identifying opportunities for value engineering—proposing cost-saving alternatives without compromising quality.

3. What is the evolving role of estimators in construction?

The evolving role of estimators involves moving from manual takeoffs to strategic functions such as refining bids, performing value engineering, and participating in precon leadership activities.

4. What is precon leadership, and why is it important for estimators?

Precon leadership help with proactive planning during the preconstruction phase to identify risks, optimize scope, and propose solutions. Estimators who engage in this process contribute significantly to project efficiency and profitability.

5. What skills do estimators need? 

Estimators need a blend of technical, analytical, and soft skills to succeed in modern construction. Key skills include:

• Quantity takeoff and cost estimation: Accurately measuring materials, labor, and equipment needs.
• Understanding of construction methods and materials: Knowing how projects are built to assess costs effectively.
• Analytical and critical thinking: Interpreting data, historical costs, and design plans to produce precise estimates.
• Technology proficiency: Using digital tools and AI-based takeoff software to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Communication and collaboration: Working with project owners, GCs, subcontractors, and suppliers to clarify scope and negotiate costs.
• Strategic planning: Applying the modern estimator skillset to support precon leadership, value engineering, and proactive problem-solving.

The combination of these skills allows estimators to transition from manual tasks to strategic contributors who drive project profitability and efficiency.

6. How much time can automation save estimators?

Automation can reclaim 70–80% of an estimator’s time, which can then be spent on strategic initiatives that enhance project outcomes and business growth.