Your project’s success can be won—or lost—before the first shovel ever hits the ground. That’s where preconstruction estimators come in. Their expertise in analyzing project plans, assessing costs, and providing accurate estimates impacts profitability and client satisfaction. Retaining skilled estimators has become increasingly challenging.
Let’s explore some strategies that will help retention rates and ensure sustained growth.
The Critical Role of Preconstruction Estimators
Preconstruction estimators are responsible for evaluating project specifications, conducting material and labor cost analyses, and developing comprehensive estimates that guide decision-making processes. Their insights are key for setting realistic budgets and timelines, which are foundational to project success. Losing experienced estimators can result in project delays, budget overruns, and a loss of client trust.
Robert A. Nidzgorski, FCPE, VMA, CCHM, and Director of Preconstruction at Austin Commercial, puts it this way. “A good construction project starts with a good estimate and a schedule structured from the beginning that is realistic and follows a logical sequence.”
Recognizing the essential role of estimators underscores the importance of implementing strategies to keep them happy and retain them. Here are seven ways you can increase your preconstruction estimators' satisfaction with their role.
1. Implement Structured Career Pathways
One of the primary reasons estimators seek opportunities elsewhere is a lack of clear career progression. When your firm establishes a structured roadmap that outlines advancement from estimator roles to preconstruction managers, directors, or executives, it can motivate employees to envision a long-term future with your company.
Here are four things you can do to give them that vision.
- Fast-Track Career Pathing: Providing a transparent progression plan helps estimators understand the skills and experiences required for advancement. Regular performance reviews and personalized development plans can further support their growth.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Encouraging estimators to pursue certifications, such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or engage in specialized training programs to enhance their competencies and demonstrate your investment in their professional growth.
- Enhanced Compensation and Benefits: Competitive compensation packages are essential in retaining top talent. Beyond base salaries, personalized benefits can make a significant difference. (The Construction Estimator Salary 2025 Report from Niche Specialist Staffing Partners offers good benchmarks.)
- Tailored Compensation Packages: Offering customized benefits such as profit-sharing, stock options, or professional development stipends aligned with individual goals can increase job satisfaction and loyalty. Health and wellness benefits, including mental health support, also matter.
2. Promote Cross Training and Field Experience
Estimators often work in isolation, focusing solely on numbers and projections. Integrating cross-training opportunities with operations can bridge the gap between estimating and project execution.
Here are two ways to do just that.
- Field Experience Integration: Allowing estimators to gain on-site experience creates a greater understanding of projects, enhancing their ability to provide accurate estimates and increasing their engagement with the company's operations.
- Interdepartmental Collaboration: Encouraging estimators to work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders promotes a comprehensive understanding of the construction process and leads to more accurate estimates.
Brent Pilgrim, national director of preconstruction for The Beck Group, shares, “Cross-training opportunities were important to my story, and why I have been so happy at Beck. To this day, I consider cross-training to be one of the most undervalued experiences we can ask our employees to go through. I consider myself a lifelong learner, curious and interested in different things.”
3. Encourage Innovation and Continuous Learning
The construction industry is rapidly evolving. Encouraging estimators to stay updated with tools and methodologies can lead to increased efficiency and job satisfaction.
Try these three strategies to encourage estimators to keep up with the latest technology.
- Dedicated Innovation Time: Allocating time for estimators to explore new tools, workflows, and software promotes a culture of innovation. This not only benefits individual growth but also enhances the company's competitive edge.
- Access to Advanced Estimating Tools: Providing estimators with state-of-the-art software solutions streamlines processes and reduces errors. For instance, DESTINI Estimator offers advanced estimating capabilities that integrate takeoff, estimating, and proposal functionalities into a single cloud-based platform, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
- Attendance at Conferences and Workshops: Supporting participation in industry events enables estimators to stay current with the latest trends. (Two of the biggest conferences to consider are Precon World or Advancing Preconstruction.)
4. Establish Mentorship Programs
Mentorship can impact an estimator's professional development. Pairing junior estimators with seasoned professionals facilitates knowledge transfer and creates a supportive work environment. Here are some suggestions to put into practice.
- Structured Mentorship Initiatives: Experienced mentors can provide real-world guidance in areas such as value engineering and risk analysis, accelerating the growth of junior estimators.
- Peer Learning Opportunities: Creating platforms for estimators to share experiences and best practices encourage continuous learning and professional camaraderie.
5. Create Collaborative, Rewarding Environments
Encouraging collaboration among estimators can lead to the development of innovative cost-modeling techniques and a deeper understanding of industry trends. Try these three ideas to create a collaborative atmosphere in your firm.
- Estimation Labs and Think Tanks: Internal groups where estimators collaborate on projects and share insights can stimulate creativity and continuous improvement.
- Formal Recognition Programs: Implementing systems to celebrate individual and team accomplishments can boost morale and motivation.
- Performance-Based Incentives: Offering bonuses or other rewards tied to performance reinforces the importance of their contributions and encourages excellence.
6. Cultivate a Supportive Work Environment
A positive work environment that prioritizes open communication and work-life balance is essential for retaining preconstruction estimators. Consider these two methods.
- Transparent Communication Channels: Encouraging open dialogue between management and estimators ensures that concerns are addressed quickly. It also creates a culture of trust.
- Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Offering flexible work arrangements and fostering a healthy work-life balance can help reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction.
7. Provide Clear Project Objectives and Expectations
Ensuring that estimators have a clear understanding of project goals and expectations enhances their ability to deliver accurate and effective estimates. When estimators feel appreciated and affirmed in their work, they will be less likely to leave. Here are two ways to share expectations.
- Detailed Project Briefings: Conducting comprehensive briefings that outline project objectives, constraints, and client requirements ensures that estimators have the necessary information to develop accurate estimates.
- Regular Feedback Loops: Establishing mechanisms for regular feedback enables estimators to adjust their approaches in response to project developments and stakeholder input.
Retaining preconstruction estimators requires a multifaceted approach that aligns with the values and expectations of today’s workforce. By prioritizing these strategies, construction companies can build a resilient and skilled estimating team.