Top 12 Chief Estimator Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive field of construction and project management, standing out as a Chief Estimator requires a unique set of skills that showcase your ability to accurately predict project costs and manage budgets effectively. Highlighting the top 12 skills on your resume can significantly enhance your marketability, demonstrating your expertise in delivering precise estimates and driving project success.

Chief Estimator Skills

1. CostX
2. Bluebeam Revu
3. BIM 360
4. ProEst
5. Timberline (Sage 300)
6. On-Screen Takeoff
7. Primavera P6
8. Excel (Advanced)
9. RSMeans Data
10. HCSS HeavyBid
11. PlanSwift
12. AutoCAD

1. CostX

CostX is a construction estimating software that allows Chief Estimators to efficiently manage and automate the measurement, cost estimation, and project management tasks associated with construction projects. It supports digital plan analysis and provides real-time data, enhancing accuracy and productivity in cost estimation processes.

Why It's Important

CostX is important because it provides advanced takeoff capabilities and cost estimating solutions, enabling a Chief Estimator to accurately, efficiently, and swiftly prepare detailed project estimates, enhancing decision-making and competitiveness.

How to Improve CostX Skills

To improve CostX, a leading estimating software, a Chief Estimator can focus on several key areas:

1. Training: Enhance the team's proficiency through official CostX training courses. This ensures that all users are leveraging the software's full capabilities.

2. Customization: Tailor CostX to fit your company's specific needs. Utilize its custom report features to generate more relevant and insightful data.

3. Integration: Streamline workflows by integrating CostX with other project management and accounting software. This improves efficiency and data accuracy. Explore integration options through the official CostX page.

4. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback mechanism within your team to identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement in using CostX. Use these insights to adjust workflows or seek specific upgrades or custom solutions.

5. Stay Updated: Ensure that your software is always up to date. New versions include bug fixes and enhancements that can significantly improve performance and user experience. Check the latest updates regularly.

6. Network: Engage with the CostX community through forums or user groups. This can be a valuable resource for tips, tricks, and advice on best practices.

By focusing on these areas, a Chief Estimator can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of CostX within their organization.

How to Display CostX Skills on Your Resume

2. Bluebeam Revu

Bluebeam Revu is a software application designed for markup, takeoff, collaboration, and management of construction documents, enabling Chief Estimators to accurately and efficiently prepare detailed project estimates and bids.

Why It's Important

Bluebeam Revu is important for a Chief Estimator because it streamlines the measurement and takeoff process, enhances accuracy, and facilitates easy collaboration on project documents, enabling more efficient and precise cost estimations.

How to Improve Bluebeam Revu Skills

To enhance Bluebeam Revu for a Chief Estimator, focus on mastering key features that streamline estimating processes:

1. Custom Tool Sets: Create custom tool sets specific to your estimating needs for quick access to frequently used symbols and measurements. Bluebeam's Tool Sets Guide.

2. Layers: Utilize layers to organize annotations and measurements by category, making it easier to manage and review estimates. Using Layers in Bluebeam.

3. Calibration and Measurements: Calibrate your documents to ensure all measurements are accurate. Utilize the various measurement tools for precise estimates. Calibration and Measurement Tools.

4. VisualSearch: Use VisualSearch to quickly find and count symbols across multiple sheets, improving the speed and accuracy of quantity takeoffs. VisualSearch Explanation.

5. Formulas in Markups: Leverage the ability to use formulas in markup properties to automatically calculate costs, enhancing the efficiency of creating detailed estimates. Formulas in Markup Guide.

6. Integration with Estimating Software: Explore integrating Bluebeam Revu with your estimating software for a seamless workflow. This might require custom solutions or using available plugins. Bluebeam Integrations.

7. Training and Certification: Encourage continuous learning and certification among your team to ensure they are utilizing all relevant features efficiently. Bluebeam University.

By focusing on these areas, a Chief Estimator can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of their work in Bluebeam Revu.

How to Display Bluebeam Revu Skills on Your Resume

3. BIM 360

BIM 360 is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to connect, organize, and optimize projects from design through construction, facilitating collaboration, data management, and real-time project insights, particularly useful for Chief Estimators in streamlining the estimation process and improving accuracy by accessing the most current project data and drawings.

Why It's Important

BIM 360 is crucial for a Chief Estimator as it streamlines the estimation process by providing real-time access to project data, enabling accurate and efficient cost forecasting, and facilitating collaboration across teams, thus reducing errors and saving time.

How to Improve BIM 360 Skills

Improving BIM 360 for a Chief Estimator involves enhancing collaboration, streamlining project data management, and integrating estimation tools for accurate costing. Here’s a concise strategy:

1. Enhance Collaboration: Utilize BIM 360's collaboration features to improve teamwork between estimators, designers, and project managers. Ensure all stakeholders can access and contribute to the model in real-time, reducing errors and saving time.

2. Streamline Data Management: Leverage BIM 360 Docs to centralize project documentation. This ensures the latest project data and drawings are easily accessible for accurate estimations.

3. Integrate Estimation Tools: Connect BIM 360 with specialized estimation software like Autodesk Quantity Takeoff or integrate with external tools using BIM 360 APIs for seamless data transfer. This aids in generating accurate and timely cost estimates directly from BIM models.

4. Training and Support: Provide ongoing training and support for your team on the latest BIM 360 features and best practices. Autodesk offers BIM 360 training and resources that can be tailored to your team’s needs.

5. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with your team and Autodesk to continually suggest and learn about updates or custom solutions that could enhance your estimating processes within BIM 360.

By focusing on these areas, a Chief Estimator can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of estimations within BIM 360, leveraging technology to save time, reduce costs, and enhance project outcomes.

How to Display BIM 360 Skills on Your Resume

4. ProEst

ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software that enables Chief Estimators and construction companies to create accurate cost estimates, manage bid day processes, and integrate with project management and accounting systems for streamlined operations.

Why It's Important

ProEst is important for a Chief Estimator because it streamlines the estimating process, enhances accuracy, and improves project profitability by offering integrated, digital takeoffs, cost databases, and reporting tools, all in one platform.

How to Improve ProEst Skills

To enhance your experience with ProEst as a Chief Estimator, consider the following steps:

1. Stay Updated: Ensure you're using the latest version of ProEst. New updates often bring performance improvements and new features. Visit the official ProEst Updates page for the latest information.

2. Training and Certification: Invest in ProEst's official training and certification programs for you and your team. This ensures everyone is maximizing the software's capabilities. Explore training options at ProEst Training.

3. Customization: Tailor ProEst settings and templates to fit your company's specific estimating processes and standards. This increases efficiency and accuracy. Learn more about customization in the ProEst Support Center.

4. Integration: Leverage ProEst’s ability to integrate with other software like accounting, project management, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This streamlines workflows. Check out integration options at ProEst Integrations.

5. Feedback and Support: Regularly provide feedback to ProEst and utilize their customer support for any issues or suggestions. Engaging with their support team can help tailor the software to your needs. Contact support via ProEst Contact.

Implementing these steps will significantly enhance your ProEst experience, leading to more efficient and accurate estimating processes.

How to Display ProEst Skills on Your Resume

5. Timberline (Sage 300)

Timberline, now known as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, is a comprehensive construction management software that offers advanced estimating, project management, and accounting solutions. For a Chief Estimator, it provides robust tools for accurate and efficient cost estimation, budget management, and bid preparation, facilitating the preparation of competitive and profitable project proposals.

Why It's Important

Timberline (Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate) is important for a Chief Estimator because it provides comprehensive, accurate cost estimating, project management, and accounting solutions, enabling efficient budget creation, cost control, and financial analysis, crucial for successful project bidding and management.

How to Improve Timberline (Sage 300) Skills

To enhance Timberline (Sage 300) for a Chief Estimator, focus on customization, training, and integration:

1. Customization: Tailor Sage 300 to fit your specific estimating needs. Use Sage's customization tools to adapt the software, ensuring it aligns with your estimating processes and methodologies.

2. Training: Invest in Sage University for comprehensive training courses. This ensures your team, especially estimators, are fully proficient in using Timberline to its maximum capability.

3. Integration: Enhance efficiency by integrating Sage 300 with other software tools used within your organization. Explore Sage's authorized partners for integration solutions that can streamline your estimating processes, from project management to accounting.

By focusing on customization, training, and intelligent integration, a Chief Estimator can significantly improve the efficacy and accuracy of their estimating processes using Timberline (Sage 300).

How to Display Timberline (Sage 300) Skills on Your Resume

6. On-Screen Takeoff

On-Screen Takeoff is a digital estimating and takeoff software designed to streamline the process of measuring and quantifying construction project materials and labor directly from digital blueprints, enhancing accuracy and efficiency for estimators, including Chief Estimators.

Why It's Important

On-Screen Takeoff is important for a Chief Estimator as it streamlines and enhances the accuracy of the construction estimating process, enabling efficient evaluation of project costs and materials directly from digital plans, thus reducing errors and saving time.

How to Improve On-Screen Takeoff Skills

To improve your On-Screen Takeoff experience as a Chief Estimator, focus on these key areas:

1. Training: Enhance your team's expertise with On-Screen Takeoff tutorials to ensure efficient use of software features.
2. Customization: Tailor the software to fit your specific estimating needs. Adjust settings and create custom templates that align with your projects.
3. Integration: Streamline your workflow by integrating On-Screen Takeoff with estimating software and project management tools you already use.
4. Update Regularly: Ensure you're using the latest version for new features and improved performance. Check On-Screen Takeoff’s latest updates frequently.
5. Feedback Loop: Create a feedback loop with your team to identify challenges and areas for improvement. Use this insight to tailor training and software customization.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your takeoff processes.

How to Display On-Screen Takeoff Skills on Your Resume

7. Primavera P6

Primavera P6 is a powerful project management software tool used for planning, scheduling, and controlling complex projects, enabling Chief Estimators to forecast costs, manage resources, and assess project risks efficiently.

Why It's Important

Primavera P6 is crucial for a Chief Estimator as it enables precise and detailed project scheduling and cost estimation, enhancing project planning accuracy, resource allocation, and risk management, thereby improving project profitability and completion timelines.

How to Improve Primavera P6 Skills

Improving your skills in Primavera P6 as a Chief Estimator involves focusing on mastering project estimation, scheduling, and cost control. Here are concise steps with resources for enhancement:

1. Get Certified: Earn a Primavera P6 certification to validate your expertise and gain in-depth knowledge.

2. Practice Advanced Features: Dive into advanced features such as resource leveling, cost loading, and what-if scenario analysis. Online tutorials on platforms like Plan Academy can be helpful.

3. Utilize Templates: Create or download project templates tailored to estimating to streamline your workflow. Check resources like Ten Six Consulting for templates and tips.

4. Integrate with Estimating Software: Learn to integrate Primavera P6 with estimating software (e.g., Candy, ProEst) for seamless data transfer and better accuracy.

5. Join User Groups: Engage with Primavera User Groups to exchange knowledge, tips, and best practices.

6. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest features and techniques through Oracle's Learning Subscriptions.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your proficiency in Primavera P6, enhancing your estimations, scheduling, and overall project management skills.

How to Display Primavera P6 Skills on Your Resume

8. Excel (Advanced)

Excel (Advanced) refers to the high-level proficiency in using Microsoft Excel, encompassing the ability to perform complex data analysis, create sophisticated financial models, utilize advanced formulas and functions, automate tasks with macros, and visualize data through dynamic charts and dashboards. For a Chief Estimator, this skill enables the efficient and accurate estimation of project costs, budget analysis, and risk assessment through powerful data manipulation and analysis tools.

Why It's Important

Advanced Excel skills are crucial for a Chief Estimator as they enable precise cost forecasting, efficient data analysis, and the automation of complex calculations, significantly enhancing the accuracy and speed of project estimations.

How to Improve Excel (Advanced) Skills

Improving your advanced Excel skills as a Chief Estimator involves mastering techniques that streamline project estimation, enhance accuracy, and facilitate data analysis. Here are concise suggestions:

1. Advanced Formulas: Deepen your knowledge in formulas crucial for estimation like VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, and array formulas. ExcelJet offers concise guides.

2. PivotTables: Master PivotTables to quickly summarize, analyze, and present large datasets. Microsoft Support has tutorials.

3. Data Visualization: Enhance your ability to create advanced charts and graphs for better data presentation. Learn from Chandoo.

4. Macros and VBA: Automate repetitive tasks and customize Excel functionalities with VBA. Start with Excel Easy.

5. Power Query: Use Power Query for advanced data processing and cleaning. Microsoft’s Guide is helpful.

6. Data Validation and Conditional Formatting: Ensure data integrity and highlight critical information. Contextures has practical examples.

For continuous improvement, regularly visit forums like MrExcel and Excel Forum for community advice and problem-solving.

How to Display Excel (Advanced) Skills on Your Resume

9. RSMeans Data

RSMeans Data is a comprehensive construction cost database that provides detailed labor, material, and equipment costs for various construction projects, aiding Chief Estimators in accurate and competitive project budgeting and bidding.

Why It's Important

RSMeans Data is crucial for a Chief Estimator as it provides up-to-date and comprehensive construction cost information, enabling accurate and competitive project estimations, budgeting, and benchmarking against industry standards.

How to Improve RSMeans Data Skills

Improving RSMeans data for a Chief Estimator involves enhancing accuracy, relevance, and usability. Here's a concise guide:

1. Customize Data for Specific Needs: Tailor RSMeans data to your projects. Incorporate local cost variations and specific project requirements. Construction Analytics offers tools for customization.

2. Update Regularly: Ensure the data is current. RSMeans updates its cost data annually, so integrating these updates promptly is crucial. RSMeans Online provides the latest data.

3. Leverage Technology: Use estimating software that integrates with RSMeans. This enhances efficiency and accuracy. Gordian’s RSMeans Data Online offers seamless integration options.

4. Training and Education: Invest in training for your team to maximize the use of RSMeans data. Understanding advanced features and data interpretation improves estimation accuracy. RSMeans Workshops provide valuable learning opportunities.

5. Benchmark and Analyze: Continuously benchmark your estimates against actual project costs to refine your use of RSMeans data. This real-world feedback loop is vital for improving estimation accuracy over time.

By focusing on these areas, a Chief Estimator can significantly enhance the utility and precision of RSMeans data for their organization's estimating needs.

How to Display RSMeans Data Skills on Your Resume

10. HCSS HeavyBid

HCSS HeavyBid is a construction estimating software designed to help Chief Estimators quickly and accurately generate bids for heavy construction projects, streamlining the bid process and improving accuracy and efficiency in cost estimation.

Why It's Important

HCSS HeavyBid is crucial for a Chief Estimator because it streamlines the estimation process, significantly improving accuracy and speed in preparing competitive bids for construction projects, ultimately enhancing profitability and project management efficiency.

How to Improve HCSS HeavyBid Skills

Improving HCSS HeavyBid for a Chief Estimator involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. Here's a concise guide:

1. Training and Certification: Ensure all users, especially new estimators, undergo HCSS Academy training to master HeavyBid's functionalities.

2. Customize Templates: Tailor bid templates to your company’s specific needs to streamline the bidding process. HCSS Support can provide guidance on customization.

3. Integration with Other Software: Integrate HeavyBid with accounting and project management software for seamless data flow. Explore integration options on HCSS Integrations.

4. Regular Database Maintenance: Keep your cost databases up to date to ensure accurate estimates. Schedule regular reviews as recommended in HCSS Resources.

5. Leverage Historical Data: Use HeavyBid’s historical data features to analyze past bids and improve future estimates. The HCSS Blog offers insights on leveraging data.

6. Collaboration Tools: Utilize HeavyBid’s collaboration features to enhance team coordination. Check HCSS Collaboration for more details.

7. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with your team to continuously identify areas for improvement in your HeavyBid usage.

8. Stay Updated: Regularly update HeavyBid to benefit from the latest features and improvements. Keep an eye on updates at HCSS News.

By focusing on these areas, a Chief Estimator can significantly enhance the effectiveness of HCSS HeavyBid within their organization.

How to Display HCSS HeavyBid Skills on Your Resume

11. PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software designed to enhance accuracy and efficiency in calculating construction materials, labor, and costs, streamlining project bids and proposals for Chief Estimators.

Why It's Important

PlanSwift is crucial for a Chief Estimator because it significantly enhances efficiency and accuracy in quantity takeoffs and estimates, streamlining the bidding process and improving project profitability.

How to Improve PlanSwift Skills

To enhance PlanSwift for a Chief Estimator, focus on efficiency, accuracy, and integration. Here's a concise guide:

1. Customize Templates and Parts: Tailor templates and parts specifically for frequent project types to streamline the estimating process. Customizing PlanSwift.

2. Utilize Advanced Takeoff Methods: Employ advanced takeoff techniques such as using the assembly feature for complex items to save time. Advanced Takeoff Techniques.

3. Integrate with Project Management Software: Seamlessly connect PlanSwift with project management tools for real-time collaboration and updates. Software Integration.

4. Upgrade to Latest Version: Ensure you're using the latest version of PlanSwift for improved features and bug fixes. PlanSwift Updates.

5. Attend Training Webinars: Enhance your skills and learn best practices through PlanSwift's training webinars. Training Webinars.

6. Use PlanSwift Plugins: Explore and incorporate plugins to extend functionality tailored to specific estimating needs. PlanSwift Plugins.

7. Implement a Dual Monitor Setup: Increase productivity by using PlanSwift on a dual monitor setup for more workspace. Optimizing Workspace.

By focusing on these areas, a Chief Estimator can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of their estimating process with PlanSwift.

How to Display PlanSwift Skills on Your Resume

12. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, essential for a Chief Estimator in accurately estimating materials, costs, and dimensions for construction projects.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD is crucial for a Chief Estimator as it enables precise and efficient creation, modification, and analysis of detailed 2D and 3D designs and blueprints, facilitating accurate material and cost estimation, and streamlining project planning and execution.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

To improve AutoCAD performance and efficiency for a Chief Estimator, focus on the following short and concise strategies:

1. Customize Tool Palettes: Tailor AutoCAD tool palettes to include frequently used blocks, tools, and commands for quick access. Autodesk Help

2. Learn AutoLISP: Use AutoLISP to automate repetitive tasks specific to estimation workflows. AutoLISP Tutorials

3. Optimize Drawing Settings: Adjust drawing settings such as layer properties and object snaps to streamline the creation and modification process. Layer Properties Manager

4. Utilize Data Extraction: Use data extraction tools to quickly generate tables and reports from your drawings for estimating purposes. Data Extraction Guide

5. Implement Sheet Sets: Organize drawings into sheet sets for efficient batch plotting and publishing, facilitating easier document management and distribution. Sheet Set Manager

6. Upgrade Hardware: Ensure your computer meets AutoCAD's system requirements for optimal performance, considering upgrades to RAM, graphics card, and SSD. System Requirements

7. Regular Training: Stay updated with AutoCAD features and best practices through regular training sessions and webinars. Autodesk University

Incorporating these strategies can significantly enhance AutoCAD efficiency and productivity for a Chief Estimator.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume