Construction Estimator

Summary

Join RenoFi's Operations team as a Construction Estimator and analyze residential construction documents to ensure project success. Review construction documents, analyze scope versus budget, and compile feasibility reports. Collaborate with the team to refine analysis processes and communicate findings to stakeholders. Manage your workflow to meet deadlines and act as a RenoFi ambassador in the construction community. This fully remote position requires a Bachelor's degree or relevant experience, 5+ years of experience in construction estimating, and proficiency in document analysis, costing, and software.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience may substitute for formal education
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in construction estimating or a closely related role (e.g. project manager, cost estimator, or construction consultant) for residential projects. Prior experience as a General Contractor or HUD Consultant (or similar) is beneficial
• Document Analysis: Proven ability to read and interpret construction plans, architectural drawings, and detailed scope/line-item estimates. At least 5 years’ experience reviewing residential construction contracts, floor plans, and specifications with an eye for accuracy in costs and timelines. Ability to synthesize information from imperfect or incomplete documents and still reach a sound judgment on project feasibility
• Costing Expertise: Deep understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and pricing. Able to quickly assess whether a project’s budget is realistic for its scope, and to spot omitted items or unusual cost variances. Familiarity with building codes and permit processes to recognize scope gaps or compliance issues is a plus
• Software Proficiency: Experience with industry-standard construction estimating and takeoff software. Examples include tools like PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, Procore, Buildertrend, or similar platforms for generating and reviewing estimates. Proficiency with Excel or other spreadsheet software for cost analysis is expected
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Able to write clear reports and explain findings or recommendations to non-experts (e.g. lending partners or homeowners). Comfortable communicating with internal teams and occasionally with contractors to obtain or verify information
• Self-Driven: Highly organized and self-motivated, capable of working independently in a remote setting. You take ownership of your work and can manage deadlines without direct supervision. Prior remote work experience is a plus (our team is distributed across time zones)
• Adaptability & Passion: Willingness to work in a startup environment – you are adaptable, open to evolving responsibilities, and excited to help improve processes. You bring a collaborative attitude and are ready to wear multiple hats to drive our mission forward. You care about helping homeowners achieve their renovation goals and ensuring projects are set up for success

Responsibilities

• Review Construction Documents: Examine national residential renovation contracts, blueprints, specifications, and estimates to ensure key project factors – scope of work, budget, and timeline – are comprehensive and reasonable. Identify if all necessary components (materials, labor, permits, etc.) are accounted for and cost appropriately
• Scope vs. Budget Analysis: Verify that the scope of the project matches the proposed costs. Detect any missing scope items or underestimated costs by drawing on your knowledge of construction methods and building codes. Flag inconsistencies such as unrealistic timelines or allowances that don’t align with project requirements
• Feasibility Reporting: Compile findings into a clear feasibility report for each project. Provide an assessment of whether the renovation plan is viable within the stated budget and timeline, and outline any concerns or required adjustments. Ensure each report is accurate and thorough, taking ownership of the quality of your analysis
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Renovation Underwriting team and department leaders to refine our analysis process. Collaborate on establishing best practices and minimum documentation requirements to improve the accuracy and efficiency of project reviews. Communicate in layman's terms to Salespeople and Processors regarding additional documentation needed for a project to pass a Feasibility review
• Own Your Pipeline: Manage your workflow to meet defined turnaround times for report completion. Prioritize and handle multiple project reviews concurrently while maintaining attention to detail. Reviews on average should take 2.5hrs to complete, and we expect an output of 35 reviews per week
• Define Next Steps: Act as a RenoFi ambassador in the construction community. Interact with general contractors or other stakeholders as needed to clarify project details, and champion RenoFi’s mission to ensure projects are set up for success

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary with potential for equity/stock options in the company
• Health & Retirement: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus 401(k) or equivalent retirement plan with company contribution (for US employees)
• Flexible Vacation: We have a flexible PTO policy – take the time you need to recharge
• Remote Work & Equipment: 100% remote work environment
• Growth & Learning: As an early-stage company, we offer opportunities for growth and advancement. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping a new approach to renovation financing
• Startup Culture: Experience the excitement of working at a venture-backed startup – a fast-moving environment, a close-knit team, and the ability to see the direct impact of your work
• $100,000 - $125,000 a year