Estimator / Pre-Construction Manager (Full-Time, In-Office)

Character Companies Inc.

Alexandria, VA

About Character Companies

Character Companies is a custom and semi-custom home builder based in Northern Virginia. We're building more than houses, we're building a company with strong systems, high standards, and a team that takes pride in the work. We move fast, solve problems, and continuously improve our process so every project runs smoother than the last. If you want to be part of a company that's growing and where your work actually matters, you'll fit in here.

Our Core Values

Fail Forward

We don't freeze up trying to be perfect. We take action, learn fast, and improve every cycle.

Figure It Out

We don't make excuses or wait around. We solve problems and take ownership.

Fuel the Vibe

We work hard, but we keep the energy positive. Good attitude, strong communication, and respect for the team matters here.

The Role

This is a full-time, in-office position with some jobsite/vendor visits as needed.

You'll be responsible for the full pre-construction process after design is complete and before construction starts. That includes takeoffs, budgeting, subcontractor/vendor bids, and managing permits so projects are priced correctly and ready to build.

This role is critical inside our company. If you do this well, everything else runs better.

What You'll Be Doing

Estimating + Takeoffs

• Create detailed takeoffs for materials and labor
• Build complete budgets and estimates in JobTread
• Make sure pricing matches the plans and real scope (not assumptions)
• Making edits to plans using our drafting software to reflect how scope of work was estimated or intended to be delivered
• Catch missing scope items before they turn into problems during construction

Subcontractor + Vendor Bids

• Send bid requests to subcontractors and vendors
• Follow up and keep bids moving until they're complete
• Compare bids and make sure scope coverage is correct
• Build and maintain relationships with subs and vendors
• Collaborate with field management team to select and authorize subcontractor proposals

Permits + Pre-Construction Management

• Prepare and submit permit applications
• Track permits, respond to comments, and keep things moving
• Pay permit fees and keep records organized
• Coordinate with designers/engineers when revisions are needed

Materials + Building Standards

• Help select and standardize the materials we build with
• Coordinate pricing, lead times, and availability
• Make sure selections align with the budget and build schedule

Pre-Con Handoff to Production

• Deliver a complete, organized handoff package for the build team
• Make sure projects start with clear budgets, clear scopes, and no loose ends

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is:

• organized and detail-oriented
• comfortable owning a process start to finish
• confident communicating with vendors and subcontractors
• strong with numbers and estimating logic
• dependable, consistent, and proactive

You don't need to have every answer immediately, but you do need to be the type of person who figures it out.

Bonus if you have experience with:

• custom home estimating
• JobTread (or Buildertrend / CoConstruct)
• permitting in Northern Virginia
• blueprint takeoffs

What Success Looks Like

• Estimates are accurate and consistent
• Bids are complete and organized before projects start
• Permits don't delay starts
• Scope gaps are caught early
• Jobs start clean and the build team isn't scrambling
• All vendors and subcontractors are selected, signed and schedule before project commencement

Compensation + Benefits

• $80,000-$100,000 salary based on experience
• Performance incentives based on results
• Generous industry leading PTO policy
• Health /Vision/Dental/Life Insurance
• Company wide profit sharing program
• Long-term growth opportunity as the company grows