Construction Estimator (Virtual Assistant)

Company Description

Remote Talent is an Australian-based virtual assistant and offshore staffing agency that helps businesses scale with high-quality, reliable talent from the Philippines and beyond. We specialise in sourcing, training, and managing dedicated VAs across admin, customer support, finance, marketing, and industry-specific roles including NDIS, healthcare, property, and trades.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Construction Estimator VA to support a growing residential construction and renovation business. The role involves managing the estimating and quoting process, from reviewing building plans and drawings to preparing client-ready quotes and pricing variations. The successful candidate will help establish a consistent, documented quoting process that reduces reliance on the business owner while ensuring accuracy and efficiency. The role focuses on general building and residential renovation projects, with potential support for light scheduling and team communication as needed.

• Hours: 20 hours per week (part-time)
• Location: Remote — Philippines-based
• Industry: Residential Construction & Renovation
• Platform: Tradeify (training provided)
• Scope: End-to-end estimating and quoting, including drawing reviews, client quotes, and variation pricing. Tender management and project handover remain the business owner's responsibility.
• Reporting To: Business Owner

Key Responsibilities

Drawing Review & Scope Definition

• Review architectural and construction drawings, plans, elevations, and specifications.
• Define project scope based on client drawings and requirements.
• Identify included and excluded works.

Quantity Takeoffs & Cost Estimating

• Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare bills of quantities.
• Apply square metre rates and maintain standard cost references.
• Prepare estimates for residential renovation and construction projects.
• Source and manage supplier and subcontractor quotes.
• Price variations resulting from scope changes.
• Review estimates for accuracy and profit margins.

Client Quoting & Follow-Up

• Prepare client-ready quotes and proposals for the business owner.
• Follow up on outstanding supplier quotes.
• Ensure estimates are completed within required deadlines.

Estimating Systems & Records

• Maintain the estimating database and historical cost records.
• Update estimating templates and pricing references.

Scheduling & Team Support (As Time Allows)

• Assist with project scheduling when required.
• Support communication and coordination with the on-site team.

Skills & Experience

Required

• Background in general building and construction estimating (not trade-specific, e.g. not solely electrical or plumbing estimating)
• Experience reviewing architectural and construction drawings
• Working knowledge of quantity takeoffs, bills of quantities, and square metre rate costing
• Experience preparing client-facing quotes and proposals
• Understanding of margin checking and cost estimate preparation
• Experience managing supplier and subcontractor pricing and variation pricing

Desirable

• Familiarity with Tradeify (training will be provided if not already experienced with the platform)
• Experience estimating for residential renovation projects