Residential Construction Estimator (AU)

Join a specialist Australian residential builder as its dedicated estimator, working fully remotely from the Philippines. This is an opportunity to take ownership of the estimating function end to end, with a clear path to build a long-term career alongside a supportive, founder-led team that values precision, accountability and continuous improvement.

Role Summary

As the dedicated estimator, you will own the estimating function end to end for residential duplex projects, from interpreting drawings, plans and specifications through to preparing comprehensive project cost estimates, bills of quantities (BOQs), requests for quotation (RFQs) and tender documents.

The role requires broader exposure to the range of trades involved in Australian residential construction. You will be responsible for pricing materials, labor and subcontractor work, sourcing and reviewing supplier and subcontractor quotations, and developing accurate, competitive quotes that support a fixed-price delivery model.

The key distinction is that this role goes beyond quantity take-offs and measurements. We are looking for someone who can take a project from reviewing drawings and establishing quantities through to full project pricing, cost analysis and tender preparation. You should be comfortable estimating across multiple trades rather than specializing in only one or two areas of construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive project cost estimates, bills of quantities and tender documents for residential duplex projects.

• Complete accurate quantity take-offs across the full range of relevant residential construction trades and materials.

• Price materials, labor, subcontractor works and other project costs to develop complete, competitive estimates.

• Prepare and issue requests for quotation (RFQs) to suppliers and subcontractors, and review, compare and assess returned quotations.

• Develop full project pricing and tender submissions, from initial quantities and scope through to final cost estimates and fixed-price quotes.

• Estimate across multiple trades and construction stages, demonstrating a broad understanding of Australian residential construction rather than being limited to specific trades.

• Identify discrepancies, omissions, unclear details and scope gaps in drawings and project documentation and follow up where clarification is required.

• Liaise with the founder and wider project team to clarify requirements, resolve pricing queries and finalize estimates.

• Apply knowledge of Australian residential construction methods, standards and building codes to ensure estimates are realistic and appropriate.

• Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, efficiency and accuracy, including the practical use of AI in the estimating workflow.

What We Are Looking For

• Previous construction estimating experience, ideally in Australian residential construction, duplex projects or similar residential building environments.

• Proven experience preparing full project cost estimates and tenders, not just quantity take-offs, measurements or bills of quantities.

• Broad exposure to the range of trades involved in residential construction, with the ability to estimate and price work across multiple trades.

• Demonstrated ability to price materials, labor and subcontractor work and consolidate these costs into a complete project estimate.

• Experience preparing RFQs and reviewing, comparing and assessing supplier and subcontractor quotations.

• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, plans, specifications and associated documentation.

• Familiarity with Australian construction standards, building codes and residential construction practices. Knowledge of the Sydney construction market and local supplier pricing will be an advantage.

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with estimating tools and digital workflows.

• Genuine interest in incorporating AI into estimating processes to improve efficiency, consistency and accuracy.

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Quantity Surveying, is preferred.

• Excellent written and spoken English, with the confidence to communicate clearly and follow up with suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• Stable work-from-home setup (reliable internet, laptop or desktop, quiet workspace).

• Available to work full-time during Australian business hours.

• Proactive attitude, able to follow up suppliers, subcontractors and third parties without being prompted.

Benefits

• Full-time, work-from-home role aligned to Australian business hours.

• A stable, long-term opportunity with a growing residential builder.

• Direct engagement with the founder and a supportive, close-knit team.

• Training and support provided.