Construction Estimator

Company: DNA Group
Location: Vaughan, Ontario / Greater Toronto Area
Department: Pre-Construction
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Office-Based / Site Visits as Required

About DNA Group

DNA Group is a multidisciplinary construction firm specializing in General Contracting, Construction Management, Pre-Construction, and BIM/VDC services across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

We work with established national and international brands, delivering projects that demand technical expertise, strong coordination, and exceptional execution.

As our company continues to grow, we are seeking a detail-oriented and technically capable Construction Estimator to support our estimating, tendering, and pre-construction operations.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Construction Estimator with experience preparing accurate and comprehensive estimates across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.

Working closely with our Operations Manager, Project Managers, and leadership team, you will be responsible for developing construction budgets, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, coordinating subcontractor pricing, and preparing competitive tender submissions.

Projects may include custom homes, major residential renovations, additions, commercial interiors, retail showrooms, tenant improvements, office renovations, industrial facilities, and other construction projects of varying size and complexity.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labour costs, subcontractor pricing, and multi-trade coordination, with the ability to identify scope gaps, evaluate construction risks, and develop comprehensive project estimates.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Estimating & Cost Planning

Prepare detailed construction estimates for residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.
Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs using architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and other construction drawings.
Develop estimates covering labour, materials, equipment, subcontractors, general conditions, site logistics, and project-specific requirements.
Prepare conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, detailed estimates, and final tender submissions.
Analyze construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and project documentation to establish complete scopes of work.
Develop accurate cost breakdowns organized by construction trade, division, and scope.
Estimate projects ranging from custom residential renovations and additions to complex commercial and industrial construction.
Identify missing information, scope gaps, drawing discrepancies, and potential cost risks.
Evaluate construction methods, material selections, labour requirements, and alternative approaches to improve cost efficiency.
Prepare value engineering recommendations and cost-saving alternatives while maintaining project quality and design intent.

Tendering & Subcontractor Coordination

Prepare and issue tender packages, bid invitations, and requests for quotations to subcontractors and suppliers.
Coordinate pricing across multiple construction trades, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and finishing scopes.
Review subcontractor quotations for completeness, accuracy, exclusions, qualifications, and scope compliance.
Prepare detailed bid comparisons and subcontractor leveling sheets.
Identify gaps and overlaps between subcontractor scopes to ensure comprehensive project coverage.
Communicate with subcontractors and suppliers to clarify pricing, specifications, and construction requirements.
Negotiate pricing and assist with subcontractor selection and procurement recommendations.
Maintain strong relationships with qualified subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
Ensure tender submissions are accurate, competitive, complete, and delivered within required deadlines.

Residential, Commercial & Industrial Project Estimating

Prepare estimates for custom homes, major renovations, additions, interior renovations, and residential construction projects.
Estimate commercial projects including retail fit-outs, showrooms, offices, restaurants, tenant improvements, and building renovations.
Support estimating for industrial projects, facility improvements, warehouse renovations, and building upgrades.
Evaluate project-specific construction requirements, including structural modifications, building systems, finishes, and site conditions.
Account for occupied buildings, phased construction, after-hours work, restricted access, and complex site logistics.
Assess construction sequencing, scheduling requirements, procurement lead times, and trade coordination when developing project budgets.
Participate in site visits and tender walkthroughs to assess existing conditions and identify potential construction challenges.

Pre-Construction & Project Coordination

Collaborate with the Operations Manager, Project Managers, designers, consultants, and company leadership during budgeting and pre-construction.
Review design development drawings and provide ongoing cost planning as projects progress.
Assist with preliminary construction schedules, procurement planning, and project feasibility assessments.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to clarify technical requirements and construction scopes.
Support design-build and construction management projects through budgeting, trade pricing, and cost analysis.
Prepare detailed estimating handover packages for awarded projects, including budgets, assumptions, exclusions, subcontractor quotations, and procurement information.
Assist with change order pricing, additional work estimates, and cost evaluations during active construction projects.

Cost Management & Estimating Systems

Maintain organized estimating records, tender documentation, subcontractor quotations, and pricing databases.
Track historical project costs and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
Assist in developing standardized estimating templates, cost databases, and internal procedures.
Compare estimated costs against actual project expenditures to improve estimating accuracy.
Monitor construction material pricing, labour rates, subcontractor costs, and market conditions.
Maintain accurate documentation of estimating assumptions, qualifications, exclusions, and project risks.
Continuously improve estimating processes to support efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across projects.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in construction estimating, quantity surveying, or a comparable construction role.
Demonstrated experience preparing construction estimates for residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
Strong ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and other construction drawings.
Proven experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing comprehensive multi-trade construction estimates.
Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labour productivity, building systems, and subcontractor scopes.
Experience preparing tender packages, obtaining subcontractor quotations, and conducting detailed bid comparisons.
Ability to estimate projects at different stages, from conceptual budgeting through detailed construction pricing.
Experience identifying scope gaps, pricing discrepancies, construction risks, and potential cost implications.
Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction estimating software.
Valid Ontario driver's licence and ability to attend project sites throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience estimating projects for general contractors, construction management firms, or design-build contractors.
Experience with custom residential construction, major home renovations, commercial interiors, retail showrooms, tenant improvements, or industrial renovations.
Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft 365, and construction project management platforms.
Experience preparing estimates using CSI MasterFormat or comparable construction cost classification systems.
Familiarity with Revit, BIM models, and digital quantity takeoff workflows.
Experience estimating mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection scopes.
Understanding of construction scheduling, critical path activities, project phasing, and site logistics.
Construction-related diploma, degree, or professional certification.
Experience with value engineering, cost planning, and design development budgeting.

What We Offer

Opportunity to estimate diverse residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.
Involvement in projects ranging from custom residential renovations to complex commercial and industrial environments.
Direct collaboration with company leadership, Operations Management, and Project Managers.
Meaningful involvement in projects from early pre-construction through construction delivery.
A professional and collaborative work environment that values technical expertise, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Opportunities for professional development, increased responsibility, and career advancement.
Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
The opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and development of DNA Group.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume outlining their relevant construction estimating experience, project background, and proficiency with estimating software.

DNA Group thanks all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.