Skills for Construction Estimators
Basic skill
The estimator needs basic innate skills for successful professional development. Of course, these skills are developed with experience, but the estimator must have at least certain innate skills to perform the job.
Anyone who wants to enter the estimating profession should have a combination of the core skills listed in Figure 1.
Math skills
Estimation by its very nature requires the formulation of numerous mathematical operations and complex calculations.
Mathematical literacy is essential for beginners.
Estimation by its very nature requires the formulation of numerous mathematical operations and complex calculations.
Mathematical literacy is essential for beginners.
Communication skills
Another necessary skill is the beginner's natural ability to develop good oral and written communication.
The success of the project is often hidden in the details and their correct evaluation.
In most situations, it is necessary to communicate on a routine basis with
Colleagues who specialize in the type of project in question.
Equipment and service providers.
The client.
With subcontractors.
Or with attendees at business meetings.
Good writing is another critical skill that will help you present complex reports clearly and concisely.
Another necessary skill is the beginner's natural ability to develop good oral and written communication.
The success of the project is often hidden in the details and their correct evaluation.
In most situations, it is necessary to communicate on a routine basis with
Colleagues who specialize in the type of project in question.
Equipment and service providers.
The client.
With subcontractors.
Or with attendees at business meetings.
Good writing is another critical skill that will help you present complex reports clearly and concisely.
Perseverance or persistence
This trait is a hidden gem, but essential to the estimator's personality.
Estimators must be persistent.
Perseverance is used, for example, in the painstaking effort to find the best price for an infinite number of materials for a project in a universe of suppliers.
Perseverance enables the estimator to complete all aspects of the bid in a timely manner, regardless of the effort required.
Honesty and reliability
Evaluation work requires honesty and reliability.
These qualities are required by:
The company's shareholders, who are interested in the economic success and prestige of their company.
Your own colleagues, who will manage projects based on the appraiser's preliminary analysis.