Freelance Residential Construction Estimator (Remote)
John Marion Custom Homes, LLC Freelance Residential Construction Estimator (Remote) Location: Remote (U.S. Based Preferred) John Marion Custom Homes is a Springfield, Missouri, custom home builder known for quality craftsmanship, detailed planning, and strong subcontractor relationships. As our project volume grows, estimating has become the key bottleneck in our business, and that's where you come in. Our Core Values (How We Work) We don't just want tasks done; we want them done the right way. Our team is built on:
- Excellence: Deliver on promises and exceed expectations.
- Quality: Take pride in craftsmanship at every stage; details matter.
- Integrity: Be honest, fair, and transparent, and treat resources like they're your own.
- Collaboration: Communicate clearly and work as a team toward shared goals.
- Culture: Foster trust, respect, and genuine care for people and outcomes.
- Passion: Bring energy, positivity, and creativity to the work.
We are looking for an experienced Residential Construction Estimator who wants flexible, remote, project-based work. This is ideal for an estimator who prefers working from home and supporting builders without being tied to a single company full-time. You will work directly with the owner to turn plans into accurate, buildable budgets.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for custom homes, additions, and residential remodels
- Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural/construction drawings (PlanSwift)
- Build, organize, and document estimates (Buildertrend preferred; similar tools OK)
- Create detailed scope sheets for subcontractor/supplier pricing
- Solicit, review, compare, and follow up on subcontractor bids
- Maintain pricing databases, cost histories, allowances, and estimate backups
- Review plans/specs to identify scope gaps, conflicts, and cost risks
- Update estimates as plans evolve during design and preconstruction
- Support value-engineering options while maintaining quality standards
- Keep estimate files organized and easy to audit (digital organization is key)
- Join brief virtual check-ins as needed to review scopes/budgets
Qualifications
- Proven experience in estimating U.S. residential construction
- PlanSwift proficiency (required)
- Strong blueprint reading and scope comprehension
- Solid understanding of residential methods, materials, and sequencing
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable in a remote environment
- Clear written and verbal English (occasional sub calls may be required)
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets (Excel or equivalent)
Preferred (Nice to Have)
- Custom/high-end residential estimating experience
- Familiarity with cost-plus and fixed-price residential contracts
- BuilderTrend experience (or similar estimating/PM platforms)
- Construction/building science background a plus
Compensation
- Independent contractor (1099), project-based engagement
- Remote, location-independent
- Pay: $25 to $30 USD per hour, based on experience
- Schedule: Requires reasonable overlap with U.S. Central Time for coordination and review meetings
- Project-based assignments are provided based on demand and your availability
- Once you accept an assignment, you must be responsive during agreed timeframes and meet deadlines
Why Work With John Marion Custom Homes
- Direct access to the owner, no corporate layers
- Minimal meetings; maximum focus on real estimating work
- Long-term relationship potential as project volume increases
- We value accuracy, clarity, and follow-through (and we treat people right)
John Marion Custom Homes, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job