Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Mechanical Estimator

A Mechanical Estimator is a professional who plays a vital role in the construction industry by estimating the costs and resources required for mechanical systems and projects. They analyze project specifications and drawings to determine the materials, labor, and equipment needed for mechanical installations. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Mechanical Estimators.

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Main Responsibilities of a Mechanical Estimator

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Mechanical Estimator:

Acquire

Acquire quotes from vendors and subcontractors for work being quoted.

Address

Address any addendum's, change orders etc.

Adhere to

Adhere to tendering procedures, examine and analyze tenders (commercially and technically).

Analyze

Analyze mechanical systems requirements and determine project needs.
Analyze sub-trade quotations, liaison with subcontractors for clarification of issues.

Arrange

Arrange for delivery of drawings in manual or electronic form.

Assemble

Assemble detailed and accurate quality take-offs and cost estimates.

Assess

Assess and document project site conditions and constraints.

Assist in

Assist in budget preparation.
Assist in contract negotiations and finalization.
Assist in establishing pricing including verification of subcontractor / vendor costs.
Assist mechanical operations staff for sourcing of materials and equipment.
Assist with shop drawing review.
Assist with the preparation of all documentation required to submit a tender.

Attend

Attend on-site pre-bid / proposal conferences and site visits.
Attend pre-bid meetings and project walkthroughs.
Attend pre-bid meetings for clarification.

Calculate

Calculate tolerance, dimensions and thermal and structural analysis.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with other estimators to validate project costs and assumptions.
Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers to gather pricing information.

Communicate with

Communicate with client to gather information, clarify specifications, wording, etc..

Complete

Complete bid forms, apply for project bonding, and coordinate estimates from other disciplines.

Conduct

Conduct material and equipment purchasing for secured jobs.
Conduct post-project analysis and evaluation for continuous improvement.
Conduct productive, efficient, and timely meetings when necessary.
Conduct takeoffs and measurements from drawings and plans.

Configure

Configure and estimate complex mechanical systems.

Contribute to

Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Control

Control costs by collecting and studying information.

Coordinate with

Coordinate purchasing with projects and accounting departments.
Coordinate various small projects.
Coordinate with other departments, such as procurement and engineering.
Coordinate with project managers and engineers to clarify project requirements.

Create

Create designs and estimates in line with company procedure, regulations and client standards.
Create sketches, drawings and specifications to meet client requirements.

Develop

Develop and maintain a network of industry contacts.
Develop and maintain strong subcontractor / supplier relationships.
Develop relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

Ensure

Ensure compliance with project specifications, codes, and regulations.
Ensure paperwork is kept organized and complete.

Establish

Establish and maintain tendering process, set up cost monitoring, reporting systems and procedures.

Estimate

Estimate Preparation - labour hours, material costs.
Estimate project timelines and schedules.

Evaluate

Evaluate offers to purchase by costing changes, additions, and site requirements.
Evaluate project requirements and propose value engineering options.

Facilitate

Facilitate project turnover meetings between assigned sales and operations employees.

Hold

Hold and lead post-award turnover meeting from Estimating to Operations.

Identify

Identify and quantify project risks and contingencies.

Keep

Keep up-to-date with industry trends and market pricing.

Liaise with

Liaise, consult and communicate with engineers, suppliers, owners, contractors and subcontractors.
Liaise with suppliers and collect quotes on materials.

Maintain

Maintain an industry presence to ensure continuity of work now and in the future.
Maintain cost keys and price masters by updating information.
Maintain files and records of work.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops.
Maintain quality service by following Magnolia standards.
Maintain tendering process and set up cost monitoring and reporting systems / procedures.
Maintain tendering process, understand cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.

Manage

Manage multiple estimating projects concurrently.

Maximize

Maximize business performance and team effectiveness.

Meet with

Meet with Project Coordinators to review project specifications and drawings.
Meet with project managers, engineers, and clients to understand their needs and requirements.

Monitor

Monitor and track project changes and their impact on cost estimates.

Obtain

Obtain bids from vendors and subcontractors by specifying materials.

Order

Order required material from suppliers if the jobs require it.

Participate in

Participate in bid reviews and pricing discussions.
Participate in closing the bid including bid review meetings, etc..
Participate in development of project indirect costs and overheads.
Participate in hand over meeting with Project management team after award.
Participate in turnover meetings with Project Management on successful bids.

Perform

Perform any other duties or tasks as required by the General Manager.
Perform quantitative take-off of HVAC and Plumbing systems for plan / spec and design build projects.
Perform thorough Risk Assessments.

Prepare

Prepare accurate and detailed cost breakdowns and proposals.
Prepare and lead estimates from conceptual to detailed.
Prepare and lead industrial mechanical, process piping and structural estimates.
Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.
Prepare and maintain detailed accurate material, labor, equipment, subcontracts, etc. estimates.
Prepare and present cost estimates to clients and stakeholders.
Prepare and schedules meetings including minutes.
Prepare and submit any documents required to submit estimates.
Prepare and track Request for Quotes from subs and suppliers.
Prepare a project handover with Project Manager and Supervisor to ensure smooth project transition.
Prepare basis of estimate documentation for inclusion into reports.
Prepare bid bond applications.
Prepare bid packages for customers.
Prepare construction budget by studying plans.
Prepare cost estimates for labor, materials, and equipment.
Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates and proposals for current and upcoming projects.
Prepare discipline estimates by calculating complete take-off for each of scope of work.
Prepare discipline estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work.
Prepare estimating data for new systems and allowances.
Prepare, evaluate and submit budget estimates, proposals, tenders, RPF's, etc..
Prepare project handover with project managers and supervisors to ensure a smooth transition.
Prepare RFI's as needed for quotation.
Prepare special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.

Prioritize

Prioritize estimating workload.

Produce

Produce material and labour take-off through estimating software to develop accurate quotations.

Provide

Provide expertise and recommendations on mechanical systems and materials.
Provide operational and troubleshooting advice as needed.
Provide RFP / RFI support to potential clients accurately and efficiently.
Provide support and guidance to project teams during the estimation phase.
Provide support during the building and installation process.

Read

Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings, and specifications.

Receive

Receive and respond to client technical support inquiries.

Research

Research and develop alternative, improved solutions when possible.
Research and obtain pricing for mechanical components and materials.

Resolve

Resolve cost discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.

Review

Review and prepare tenders.
Review bid package blueprints and drawings.
Review customer specifications and drawings.
Review of documents, compile proposal information, participate in closing meetings.
Review prints and project specifications for estimating purposes.
Review project specifications, drawings, and scope of work.
Review specifications and other data to develop mechanical layouts.
Review take-offs checking for mathematical and technical accuracy.

Revise

Revise bid packages and prepare addendum's as needed.

Speak with

Speak with technicians, foremen, sales team, clients, suppliers, etc. for various items.

Stay abreast of

Stay abreast of and educates others on new product information.

Travel

Travel to job sites or factories to measure physical dimensions.
Travel to various sites or clients to undertake the above.

Understand

Understand and provide value engineering opportunities.

Update

Update and maintain a database of material and labor costs.

Use

Use AutoCAD to sketch and draw designs using input from engineers and architects.

Utilize

Utilize estimating software and tools to streamline the estimation process.

Work with

Work closely with other Estimators / Project Managers to create a bid strategy, techniques, etc.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Mechanical Estimator:

Proficiency in construction estimating software, such as ProEst or Bluebeam.
Strong knowledge of mechanical systems and components.
Understanding of construction drawings and specifications.
Experience with takeoff and measurement techniques.
Knowledge of building codes and regulations related to mechanical systems.
Familiarity with cost estimating methodologies and practices.
Proficiency in using spreadsheet software for cost calculations.
Understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
Knowledge of HVAC systems, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
Experience with value engineering and cost-saving techniques.
Familiarity with construction project management processes.
Understanding of subcontractor and supplier relationships.
Knowledge of material costs and market pricing trends.
Experience with bid preparation and proposal writing.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications.
Understanding of labor productivity rates and unit costs.
Knowledge of project scheduling and timeline estimation.
Familiarity with project risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Experience with cost database management and updates.
Proficiency in using cost estimating software and tools.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Mechanical Estimator:

Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in cost calculations.
Strong communication and presentation abilities.
Problem-solving and critical thinking mindset.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Collaboration and teamwork skills.
Effective negotiation and persuasion abilities.
Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic construction environment.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Customer service orientation and professionalism.

Conclusion

Mechanical Estimators play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and competitive cost estimates for mechanical projects. By possessing a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and effective communication abilities, these professionals contribute to the success and profitability of construction endeavors.