Freelance Chief Estimator

1 week ago

Greater Toronto Area ON, Canada DNA Design & Construction Group Inc. Full time

Freelance Chief Estimator (Residential & Commercial Construction)

Company: DNA Design & Construction Group

Location: Greater Toronto Area (Hybrid / Remote)

Position Type: Freelance / Project-Based

Start: Immediate

About Us

DNA Design & Construction Group is a GTA-based renovation and general contracting company specializing in premium residential and commercial interiors. Established in 1984, we serve clients across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, managing projects from concept to completion. Our services include construction, project management, pre-construction consulting, and design support. Our work spans full home renovations, condo renovations, retail and showroom build-outs, custom millwork, bathrooms, kitchens, and more.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Estimator or Chief Estimator to support pre-construction efforts across multiple residential and commercial projects. The ideal candidate has strong takeoff abilities, a deep understanding of construction scopes, subcontractor pricing, materials, and tender management. This role is paid per project.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare detailed estimates and budgets for residential + commercial renovations
  • Create takeoffs from architectural, structural, and full consultant drawing sets including MEP (Mechanical/HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing), fire protection, life-safety, and demolition plans
  • Review drawings for missing information, coordination issues, and constructability challenges
  • Identify potential code impacts (fire separations, egress, accessibility, inspections)
  • Recognize accessibility and barrier-free requirements that influence scope and pricing (washroom layouts, door clearance, ramps, hardware heights, etc.)
  • Flag scope gaps and potential change-order risks before pricing
  • Issue and manage RFIs, clarifications, and addenda during pre-construction
  • Track drawing revisions and ensure estimates align with the latest design set
  • Prepare itemized cost breakdowns, clarifications, and qualifications
  • Request, compare, and summarize subcontractor & supplier quotes
  • Collaborate with project managers and pre-construction team
  • Assist in refining estimating workflows and templates in support of our continued growth and standardization

Requirements

  • 5+ years of estimating experience in residential and commercial construction
  • Strong understanding of construction sequencing, materials, and trade scopes
  • Ability to read and quantify from full drawing packages: architectural, structural, MEP, life-safety, and demolition
  • Experience preparing RFIs, addenda, qualification notes, and tracking drawing revisions
  • High accuracy in takeoffs, budgeting, and scope writing
  • Proficiency with Excel or estimating software
  • Working knowledge of Ontario Building Code and basic permit requirements is preferred, but not mandatory
  • Availability for occasional site visits in residential and commercial construction is an asset, but not required
  • Reliable and responsive, with strong attention to detail and timely communication

Nice to Have

  • Experience with tender packages and bid management
  • Familiarity with Revit or the ability to review 3D models for quantity takeoff is an asset (not required)
  • Commercial estimating experience

Compensation

  • Freelance, project-based role
  • Compensation varies per project based on scope and complexity

How to Apply

Please send:

  • Resume
  • Sample estimates or project list
  • Your general pricing structure (if available)

Email:

Job Type: Freelance

Benefits:

  • Work from home

Work Location: Remote

  • Construction Estimator Roles

    2 weeks ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada DM Lyons Consulting Full time

    **_Salary - varying depending on role and experience_** Chief Estimator - Buildings Chief Estimator - Infrastructure Senior Estimator - Infrastructure Senior Estimator - Buildings Estimating Manager - Infrastructure Estimator - Infrastructure Estimator - ICI

  • Chief Estimator

    2 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Graham Full time

    Graham is an employee-owned construction solutions partner that services the buildings, industrial, infrastructure, water and project finance sectors. We deliver lasting value for our clients through meticulous planning and scheduling, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards. With offices throughout North America, our passionate and...

  • Chief Estimator

    3 days ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Graham Full time

    Graham is an employee-owned construction solutions partner that services the buildings, industrial, infrastructure, water and project finance sectors. We deliver lasting value for our clients through meticulous planning and scheduling, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards. With offices throughout North America, our passionate and...

  • Chief Estimator

    6 days ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Evolve Full time

    Graham is an employee-owned construction solutions partner that services the buildings, industrial, infrastructure, water and project finance sectors. We deliver lasting value for our clients through meticulous planning and scheduling, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards. With offices throughout North America, our passionate and...

  • Freelance Videographer/Photographer

    1 week ago

    Greater Toronto Area, ON, Canada Momentum Marketing Canada Inc. Full time

    OverviewMomentum Marketing is seeking reliable freelance videographers/photographers to support client shoots across the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area. This is an on-call, per-project independent contractor role, ideal for experienced shooters who are comfortable working in the field and delivering clean, organized raw footage.This role is capture-only....

  • Chief Estimator

    3 days ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Evolve Full time

    Build What MattersAt Graham, one of North America's largest general contractors, we don't just build projects, we connect communities and create pathways for progress. As part of our Infrastructure Division, you'll contribute to transformative work across the region, including roads, highways, bridges, interchanges, light rail transit systems, bus rapid...

  • Chief Estimator

    3 days ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Evolve Full time

    Build What MattersAt Graham, one of North America's largest general contractors, we don't just construct buildings, we create spaces that shape lives and strengthen communities. As part of our Buildings division, you will contribute to meaningful projects across the region, from hospitals and schools to entertainment venues and multi-family residences.Here,...

  • Chief Estimator

    3 days ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Graham Full time

    Build What MattersAt Graham, one of North America's largest general contractors, we don't just construct buildings, we create spaces that shape lives and strengthen communities. As part of our Buildings division, you will contribute to meaningful projects across the region, from hospitals and schools to entertainment venues and multi-family residences.Here,...

  • Chief Estimator

    3 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Graham Full time

    Graham is an employee‑owned construction solutions partner that services the buildings, industrial, infrastructure, water and project finance sectors. We deliver lasting value for our clients through meticulous planning and scheduling, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards. With offices throughout North America, our passionate and...

  • Chief Estimator

    3 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Graham Full time

    Graham is an employee‑owned construction solutions partner that services the buildings, industrial, infrastructure, water and project finance sectors. We deliver lasting value for our clients through meticulous planning and scheduling, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards. With offices throughout North America, our passionate and...