Despite the ongoing pandemic, there seems to be no shortage of construction projects lately. Seriously, you’d think that a global pandemic would at least put these projects on hold. But progress stops for no one, it seems. It maybe brought by construction of houses outside the CBD with remote workers relocating. Who knows?
But because of these construction projects, the online estimator is seeing a surge in online remote job demand today.
But wait, what is an estimator? Even I didn’t know that there’s a specific kind of engineer like this. A building estimator is responsible for estimating the construction cost and materials, labour, and equipment needed for a construction project. They are involved in the project’s pre-construction phase, during which the company bids to get the project.
Duties and Responsibilities
Before we begin, let’s discuss your duties and responsibilities first. The duties and responsibilities of an online estimator include:
- Analyze company data, manage company budgets and prices using estimating software such as ProEst, EasyEst, and Projul.
- Analyze plans, bills of quantities, and other project documentation to determine the construction cost.
- Assess the financial, operational, and technical risks of the project.
- Keep detailed records and write reports.
- Oversee the different phases of the construction project to ensure that follow the forecast plan.
- Get quotes from suppliers and subcontractors within a specified time.
- Research the cost of materials, equipment, and labour.
- Visit the project site to gather information.
- Remain up to date with the latest regulatory and legislative requirements.
- Contribute to the discussion on whether or not to bid on a construction project.
The salary range for a new full-time online estimator job ranges from Php 18,000 to Php 23,000. Experienced online estimators can expect to earn from Php 37,000 to Php 40,000.
If you’re looking for home-based estimator jobs, then this article is for you. Here are 9 crucial skills you need to have for an online estimator job.
Research Skills
After discussing your duties and responsibilities, let’s now focus on this article’s main topic. One of the most crucial skills you’ll need as an online building estimator is research skills. This wide range of skills includes data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. In short, research skills allow you to solve any problem you may encounter while planning the construction project.
Research skills allow you to analyze and discover the perfect tools, supplies, and labour for a construction project and where to get them. Aside from this, research skills also help you better assess the various risks regarding the construction project. As you can see, you won’t get far as an online estimator without honing your research skills.
Technical Skills
Next up is technical skills. Engineering know-hows can’t be learned overnight. You should have the technical knowledge to analyze what the project is about and what costs it entails. It includes blueprint reading, engineering laws, and math skills. It can even extend to construction laws in the area of your client.
Make sure to hone your technical skills to back up the client’s expenditure more accurately.
Communication Skills
Next up is communication skills. As I mentioned in the duties and responsibilities, part of your job involves negotiating with suppliers and other subcontractors for supplies and labour. For these negotiations to be successful, you must learn to communicate your request to your suppliers while listening to them.
For example, you’re planning to buy supplies for your company’s new construction project from a new supplier. During the negotiations, clearly state the products you’ll be purchasing, how many, and when you need them delivered. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarifications to avoid any misunderstandings, and don’t forget to check the products if they’re of good quality.
Budgeting Skills
After all the technical skills involved, it’s time to know the costs of a project. With this, your budgeting skills will come in handy. You should know how to identify factors that will affect costs. And it’s not only material costs.
Take into account production time, labour, and permits. And with the budget in hand, there should also be an allowance for unforeseen expenses.
With your budgeting skills, you can make sure that the project will be ongoing without hiccups in payments.
Organizational Skills
Possessing excellent organizational skills is another crucial skill you want to hone for your work. Having organizational skills allows you to focus on which task to prioritize and how to accomplish them efficiently. Being organized also means that you won’t waste time looking for your tools or data anymore.
An excellent example of honing your organizational skills is when you’re storing your notes and data. When doing so, place them in a secure yet easily accessible location and arrange them by priority. Doing this gives you easy access to your data when you need them while keeping them secured.
Basic Computer Skills
And finally, the last crucial skill that I’ll be talking about is basic computer skills. Knowing how to use your computer or laptop and its apps allows you to be more productive and confident at your remote work. Your computer knowledge doesn’t have to be extensive. Familiarity with the various Microsoft Office programs and the estimating software of your choice is enough.
Another set of apps that you should also be familiar with are online communication apps. Your clients and co-workers will use apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and Skype to communicate with you. Familiarizing yourself with these apps allows you to better communicate with them and avoid missing out on important announcements.
Adaptability
And finally, the last crucial skill that I’ll be talking about is adaptability. As an online estimator, there will be times when your suppliers will notify you that they won’t be able to supply your needs on time. Or perhaps, the budget that you thought was final is suddenly changed again.
Being adaptable allows you to seamlessly adjust to these changes without stressing too much about them. Having this skill also prevents you from panicking to unforeseen changes, so you can better assess the situation and find a proper solution.
Adaptability also connects to communication skills. Being able to communicate well with your co-workers will help you find a solution to your problem. Of course, an adaptable online estimator isn’t just good at improvising a solution. They must also be capable of foreseeing issues as well, so they can better prepare for them.
Lastly, it can entail adaptability to modern-day advancements in technology. You should be up-to-date on the latest happening in your field so that you can know what costs it will incur. And if it will save some bucks from your clients.
Conclusion
And we’re done! Here are the crucial skills that you will need for your online estimator job. Of course, there are many other skills that you will need for this job. The skills that I have discussed are just the important ones that you should never forget. Why you may ask? Because these skills are what allow you to use what you have learned effectively at work.
Of course, it is still up to you to hone these skills yourself. At first, you may have trouble adjusting yourself to remote work. But with enough practice and dedication, you will be able to find your rhythm and work more efficiently.
If you’re looking for opportunities in this field, you can check these online work at home options for you. Who knows, you might find the remote job you’ve been looking for. Cheers!
