Position: Residential Construction Estimator

Location: King County, WA

Are you an experienced residential estimator who takes pride in precision and truly owns your numbers? At Better Builders, you won’t just be plugging in costs-you’ll play a critical role in shaping high-quality custom homes and remodels. If you’re looking for a collaborative, process-driven team where your expertise is valued and your work directly impacts project success, this could be your next move. 

Who We Are: 

Better Builders is an award-winning residential Design/Build firm based in West Seattle. We are a close-knit, collaborative team that values integrity, accountability, communication, and craftsmanship.  

Our mission is to guide and empower homeowners through life-changing home transformations- always doing what’s right, not what’s easy. We believe in transparency, structured processes, and working together to deliver an exceptional client experience. 

If you’re looking to contribute to meaningful residential projects within a thoughtful, people-centered environment, you’ll feel right at home here. Learn more about who we are at our website: https://betterbuilders.com 

What You Will Do: 

As our estimator, you will develop accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for residential remodeling and new construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors. 

You’ll interpret plans, define project scope, and build detailed Scopes of Work (SOW), while collaborating closely with designers, project managers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients to ensure a transparent and successful project process. 

Essential Functions:  

Project Knowledge 

• Develop a deep understanding of each project by reviewing plans and design intent  
• Conduct site visits to evaluate access, staging, sequencing, and site conditions  

Cost Preparation & Administration 

• Perform take-offs and develop budgets using Sage software  
• Analyze plans to identify and include missing or implied scope details  
• Collaborate with the Project Developer and Designer to fill scope gaps  
• Solicit, organize, and follow up on subcontractor and vendor bids  
• Review and negotiate proposals for cost efficiency and alignment  
• Finalize budgets and maintain accurate project documentation  
• Continuously improve estimating tools, systems, and processes  

Project Development 

• Support Sales, Production, and Project Management teams  
• Coordinate subcontractor site visits for quoting  

Project Handoff 

• Deliver complete digital project files via BuilderTrend  
• Review budgets and construction approach with Production and Project Managers  

General 

• Uphold company values, processes, and standards  
• Seek feedback and continuously improve  
• Perform additional duties as needed  

What You Bring: 

Education/Experience: 

• 3+ years in residential construction estimating  
• OR  
• 4+ years of Design/Build experience in residential construction Estimating  
• Bachelor's Degree  
• Lifelong learner (we love to learn; we hope you do too!)  

Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong math skills with attention to detail for accurate cost estimates  
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and site conditions  
• Working knowledge of construction methods, materials, and production rates  
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and time-management skills  
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines  
• Cost- and profit-focused mindset with adaptability under pressure  
• Customer-focused and collaborative team player  

What You Will Get:  

• Salary: $70,000 – $90,000  
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance  
• 401(k) with Company Match  
• Profit Sharing  
• Paid Holidays  
• Sick Leave  
• Paid Vacation  
• Mileage Reimbursement  
• Flexible Work Schedule  
• Ongoing professional development  

What Makes You Successful In This Role: 

• Strong interpersonal skills—you connect easily with others  
• Ownership mentality: proactive, resourceful, and accountable  
• Excellent listener and communicator  
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality  
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment  
• High integrity, transparency, and professionalism  
• Emotionally intelligent, confident, and team-oriented  
• Humble, ethical, and growth-minded 

How to Apply 

• We’d love to see your most recent resume!

We have a formal recruiting process and have a relationship with Zephyr Connects LLC, whom we use for the screening and hiring process.  If you are selected for the next steps, you will get instructions from Caitlyn Ball within 3 days of your submission.  Everyone will be contacted.   

Better Builders LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Better Builders LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  

Alternative titles: Budget Manager, Cost analysis, Pre-construction coordinator, residential senior estimator

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