A good Estimator

IT IS NOT easy to become professional estimator but we all might have thought it is just a minor part of a construction company. In my country, all engineering graduate or diploma holder will find it easy task due to the nature of my country's construction industry. Then what kind of abilities should does an estimator possess? The following will tell us how hard it is to become a professional estimator. To be a good estimator, a person must possess the following skills:-

• An estimator must have a sound understanding of the construction methods, materials, and the capacities of skilled labor. Because of the great variety of work, it is impossible for an estimator to be versed in all forms of construction. Therefore, an estimator must specialize in one or more areas of construction. An estimator may specialize in a subcontractor trade such as electrical, mechanical, or excavation. An estimator may also specialize in an area of construction such as residential, tenant finish, or highway construction. Because the methods of construction, the preferred materials of construction, and the skill of labor vary from market to market, estimators must also specialize in a specific market area, such as a state or region.
• An estimator must possess the basic skills needed to determine the quantities of materials, labor, and equipment necessary to complete a project. This requires the estimator to read blueprints, understand the design that the architect or engineer has specified, and determine the quantities needed to complete the project. Because much of an estimator's time is spent working with quantities, estimators must have strong mathematical skills.
• An estimator must be a good communicator, both verbally and in written form. Part of an estimator's job is to obtain pricing from vendors and subcontractors. To do this, the estimator must convince vendors and subcontractors to bid on projects, communicate what pricing is needed, and - when the company has won the job - communicate the responsibilities of the vendors and subcontractors in the form of purchase orders and subcontracts to the vendor, subcontractor, superintendent, and so forth. Estimators may also be required to present estimates to owners- which requires good presentation skills - or prepare proposals - which requires good writing skills.
• An estimator must possess strong computer skills. Much of today's estimating is performed using computer software packages, such as Excel. Estimators also need to be able to prepare contracts, proposals, and other documents using a word processing program.
• An estimator must be detailed oriented. Estimators must carefully and accurately determine the costs and quantities needed to complete the project. Simple mistakes - such as forgetting that the drawings are half-scale or not reading the specifications carefully enough quickly turn a successful project into an unprofitable job, and in extreme cases bankrupt a company.
• An estimator must have the confidence to quickly prepare takeoffs and make decisions under pressure. Bid days are hectic. Many vendors and subcontractors wait until the last hour to submit their bids. As the bid closing approaches, the estimator must compare and incorporate new pricing as it is received and fill in missing pricing with limited time and information. Making a bad decision or failing to make a decision under pressure can cause the company to lose the bid or take an unprofitable job.
• Finally an estimator must have a desire for constant improvement. Much of a company's success or failure rides on the abilities of the estimator to obtain profitable work.

Because of the high degree of uncertainty in estimating costs, estimating is more of an art than a science. Like any art, one can only become a good estimator by practicing. One would not expect to become a good pianist after a few lessons. It takes practice. Likewise, becoming a good estimator takes practice. But practice is not enough. Practicing bad estimating skills will only turn a person into a bad estimator. Truly, practice makes permanent. To be a good estimator, a person must practice using good estimating skills; and for a person to practice good estimating skills, he or she must have a sound understanding of the fundamental principles of estimating.