According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. | 85% |
| Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. | 83% |
| Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products. | 83% |
| Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. | 81% |
| Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. | 80% |
| Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations. | 80% |
| Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors. | 80% |
| Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work. | 80% |
| Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures. | 79% |
| Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components. | 75% |
| Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project. | 74% |
| Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to reduce cost. | 70% |
| Visit site and record information about access, drainage and topography, and availability of utility services. | 66% |
| Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors. | 63% |
