37: Life as a Construction Estimator - Jesse Robinson Evans

mentorDINO

Life as a Construction Estimator - Jesse Robinson Evans

Jesse Robinson-Evans, a construction estimator at Rycon Construction, shares his journey from playing with LEGOs as a kid to becoming an estimator. He talks about his experience in construction trades in high school and his decision to pursue civil engineering in college. Jesse discusses his early career working on construction projects and his transition from project engineering to estimating. He explains the process of estimating, including reading drawings, coordinating with subcontractors, and preparing bids. Jesse also discusses the challenges of unclear documents and the importance of clear communication in the construction industry.

The conversation explores the challenges and lessons learned in estimating construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guest, Jesse Robinson-Evans, shares his experience with the volatile lumber market, the limitations of exchanging money for time, and the importance of adapting to a changing industry. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning, asking questions, and building a network of trusted subcontractors. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology in construction estimating and the value of cooperation in the industry.

Takeaways

• Playing with LEGOs as a kid sparked Jesse's interest in construction and led him to pursue a career in civil engineering.

• His experience in construction trades in high school helped him develop hands-on skills and a deep understanding of the built environment.

• Jesse transitioned from project engineering to estimating and found that his skills were better suited for estimating.

• The estimating process involves reading drawings, coordinating with subcontractors, and preparing bids.

• Clear communication and well-defined scope are crucial in the construction industry to avoid misunderstandings and ensure successful projects. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in the construction industry, particularly in estimating due to the volatile lumber market and supply chain issues.

• The traditional notion of exchanging money for time and labor became limited during the pandemic, as certain materials and equipment faced long lead times and shortages.

• Continuous learning and asking questions are crucial for success in construction estimating, as mistakes can be costly and industry knowledge is constantly evolving.

• Building a network of trusted subcontractors and maintaining strong relationships with them is essential for obtaining accurate and competitive bids.

• Technology, such as software tools like Bluebeam and Excel, plays a vital role in construction estimating and staying competitive in the industry.

• Cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders in the construction process are necessary for successful project delivery.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-robinson-evans-63329496/

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!

Editing and Motion Graphics: Gus Bernal

www.gusbernal.com

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Hello, I'm Katelyn Rossier!

A licensed Architect and founder of mentorDINO. I help early and mid-career design professionals have the technical knowledge, professional development skills, and resources they need to not only have successful projects but also be able to step into leadership roles with confidence! The AEC industry doesn’t have to be sink or swim!

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