Senior Preconstruction Estimator (Custom Residential Remodeling)

Jackson Design and Remodeling is an award-winning design-build firm specializing in custom residential remodeling throughout San Diego County. For over 35 years, we've partnered with homeowners to transform their homes through exceptional design, craftsmanship, and client service.

Our collaborative design-build process brings together architecture, interior design, estimating, sales, and production to deliver outstanding results from concept through construction.

Position Summary

As a Senior Preconstruction Estimator, you'll join a collaborative estimating team and work closely with our architects, interior designers, sales professionals, and production managers to develop comprehensive scopes of work, accurate budgets, and investment pricing for complex custom remodeling projects.

This position is ideal for an experienced estimator who enjoys collaborating throughout the design process—not simply pricing completed plans. Success in this role requires strong construction knowledge, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to identify project risks, evaluate constructability, and provide practical solutions that support both our clients and project teams.

This is a full-time, in-office position. Because our design-build process relies on daily collaboration across multiple departments, regular in-person interaction is essential to the success of our projects and our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or collaborate on estimating efforts for complex custom residential remodeling projects.
• Manage approximately 5–8 active projects in various stages of design and preconstruction.
• Develop comprehensive scopes of work, finish specifications, assumptions, and qualifications.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction budgets.
• Conduct site visits and identify existing conditions, constructability concerns, and project risks.
• Coordinate subcontractor site walks, solicit bids, and evaluate pricing.
• Partner with architecture, interior design, sales, and production to develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Participate in value engineering, feasibility studies, and client budget presentations.
• Support production throughout construction by clarifying scope and budget questions.
• Contribute to estimating standards, cost databases, and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications & Competencies

• 10+ years of residential estimating, project management, superintendent, or equivalent construction experience.
• Extensive experience with custom residential design-build remodeling projects.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from approximately $300,000 to $2 million+.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, structural systems, MEP coordination, and California building codes.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, engineering, and interior design drawings.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with clients, subcontractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Bluebeam Revu; experience with estimating software and Buildertrend is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative team environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience

• Residential Construction Estimating: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate

• San Diego, CA 92111: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person