If you want to become a Florida construction estimator, buckle up! A reliable and professional estimator is responsible for managing a project’s money. If you want clients to trust you with their money then you need to be qualified and experienced. Clients feel comfortable in choosing an estimator that is credible.
Becoming an estimator is easy but making your place in the construction industry is not as easy. But don’t worry as this guide will explain how you can be a professional estimator and what skills you need to build up your career. So dive right into it!
What are Construction Estimating Services in Florida?
It’s important to understand the responsibilities of Construction Estimating Services in Florida before choosing it as your career. Currently, several firms are operating in Florida. Bidding Estimate is one of the leading estimation companies. They create accurate budgets with quick turnarounds. So to be the best in your field you’ll need to create budgets that are as precise as possible.
Estimating services carefully calculate all direct and indirect costs involved in the project. They forge a financial plan after accurately quantifying materials and staying on top of market trends.
Steps to Become a Construction Estimator in Florida
Here’s how you can become a construction estimator in Florida!
1) Basic Education
Like every other field, you also need a degree for cost estimation. A Bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field should give you the basic knowledge about constructing buildings. You can also have a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field such as civil engineering.
Since no university offers a proper degree in cost estimation, most cost estimators also take finance or accounting to get a better grip on money management. So if you want to make a good career in cost estimation we recommend that you take a side course in finance as well.
2) Field Experience
A cost estimating service has years of experience. Clients usually feel more comfortable hiring estimators who have dealt with construction projects in the past. So to get an ample amount of experience you should look for opportunities such as internships. Don’t worry if the internship is unpaid! It’s important to make the best of fieldwork to increase your knowledge.
Keep in touch with other professional senior estimators and contractors. It will help you in job hunting. Furthermore, it can guide you whenever you face a problem.
3) Advance Courses and Certifications
Being certified is not compulsory to become a construction estimator in Florida but it does increase one’s credibility. Many different courses offer certifications. An estimator becomes eligible to apply for a certification after a couple of years of experience. In some certification programs, one had to pass an oral exam after a written examination.
Some courses being offered for certifications are
- Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
- Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCE/A)
- Associate Estimating Professional (AEP)
Tips to Be a Competent Florida Estimator
Here are some additional tips that will help you to become a construction estimator in Florida.
1) Market Trends
ALWAYS stay on top of market prices. Marketing prices are always changing as the economy changes. Moreover, they also vary from place to place. So to create accurate estimates one needs to follow market trends and make sure they have the current pricing.
An easy way to get zip code-based pricing is by using a real-time pricing guide. Instead of going to multiple suppliers to get a quote, one can simply use software.
2) Cost Estimating Software
Some Construction Estimating Services in Florida use advanced cost estimating software for accurate and quick estimates. They have shifted from past methods of manual calculations and taken a digitalized approach toward cost estimation. Nowadays, every estimator needs to have a grip on cost-estimating software. You can practice using various AI-powered software and try out made-up scenarios to see how it works.
3) Historical Data
Historical data allows one to analyze previous similar construction projects. It helps to identify potential risk factors. For example, you are creating an estimate for installing the MEP system in a restaurant and you notice that in most cases there is a labor shortage. So through historical data, one can analyze that sufficient labor is needed to install the MEP system correctly. It aids in creating accurate budgets and increases precision.
4) Quick Turnarounds
An estimator should always provide quick turnarounds. For example, Bidding Estimate provides a turnaround rate of 24 to 48 hours!
Your clients are not going to wait forever! Some beginners may find it hard to balance time and accuracy so it is recommended to start with smaller scale projects. Be wary of time and make sure that you deliver according to the deadline.
5) Comprehensive Reports
An important job of an estimator is to deliver detailed reports about possible future expenses. To become an estimator in Florida, you need to be able to draft professional cost reports. Use simple and concise language to make sure that your client understands all the expenses.
Conclusion
This article aimed to explain how one can become a construction estimator in Florida. It serves as a guide to beginners who are looking for a road map to start their career but are confused. If you do want to become a cost estimator, you also need to be qualified and experienced. Getting certified is not a requirement but it does add to one’s value. But above all, the most important thing is that you must remain consistent. There will be times when your estimates are not as accurate. But it’s important that you continue to improve yourself and don’t get disheartened.
