Position Summary
The Commercial HVAC Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for commercial HVAC projects, including both plan/spec and design-build work. The estimator works closely with division management, project managers, field leadership, suppliers, and subcontractors to establish realistic project costs, identify scope gaps and document the assumptions behind each bid.
Responsibilities
• Analyze construction drawings, specifications, project scopes, schedules, and bid documents to determine project requirements and potential cost considerations.
• Perform complete quantity takeoffs for commercial HVAC projects, including both plan/spec and design build projects.
• Apply approved labor rates, labor burdens, overhead, and profit requirements. • Estimate HVAC ductwork, piping, equipment, controls, insulation, labor, materials, subcontractors, and other associated project costs.
• Solicit pricing from equipment vendors, material suppliers and subcontractors
• Identify scope gaps, potential cost exposure, project risks, exclusions, clarifications, and alternates prior to bid submission.
• Attend project walk-throughs and pre-bid meetings as required. • Present estimates to division management for review and approval.
• Upon project award, provide a complete and organized turnover to project management and operations, including estimate details, vendor and subcontractor quotes, scope, assumptions, exclusions, and other relevant project information.
• Gather positive and negative feedback from customers to understand wins and losses.
• Manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Tracking estimated costs versus actual to improve future estimates.
Preferred Qualifications
• 4+ years of experience in commercial mechanical/HVAC estimating.
• Engineering background with technical training and /or associate degree.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, mechanical plans, specifications, schedules, and scopes of work.
• Knowledge of commercial HVAC equipment and systems including RTU’s, air-handling units, split systems, VRF/VRV systems, VAV systems, controls, and associated mechanical equipment.
• Experience with both plan/spec and design-build estimating.
• Commercial field installation, supervision or project management experience
• Ability to identify incomplete scope, conflicts, constructability concerns, and potential cost risks during the estimating process.
• Knowledge of commercial in all facets – tenant improvement, commercial new construction, occupied construction, renovations and muti-family.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, and estimating software.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates and bid deadlines.
• Ability to build the project in your head and envision the project coming together in your numbers – not just a takeoff person
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with management, project managers, field personnel, vendors, subcontractors, and customers.
What Success Looks Like
The successful Commercial HVAC Estimator consistently produces complete, accurate, and competitive estimates while protecting the company from missed scope and unexpected cost exposure. This individual takes ownership of each estimate from initial document review through bid submission and, when awarded, provides a thorough and organized turnover to the project management and operations teams.
