Bluestem Remodeling Estimator
$70,000 – $95,000 per year • Full-Time • In-Person
Are you a sharp, detail-oriented estimator who takes real ownership of numbers? Do you thrive on turning complex scope into accurate, defensible budgets — and staying organized across multiple projects simultaneously? Bluestem is currently seeking an estimator to join our collaborative team who matches that description!
About the Role
Bluestem Remodeling is seeking an Estimator to own the cost and budget process across our residential remodeling projects. This is a highly organized, detail-driven role that sits at the center of our project delivery process — connecting design intent with real-world construction costs.
The right person is a disciplined thinker who can work from incomplete information and produce reliable cost ranges early, then refine them into detailed project budgets as the design matures. You will work closely with our design team, production staff, and company leadership. Organization, accuracy, and follow-through are non-negotiable.
This is not a take-off-only role. We are looking for someone who understands how buildings go together, can price a project from a drawing set, and communicates budget realities clearly and early.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Cost Development
• Develop accurate budget ranges from schematic designs, concept drawings, and scope descriptions
• Produce detailed project estimates from construction documents, including scope drafting, trade pricing, and final cost assembly
• Identify cost risks, allowance gaps, and scope ambiguities before projects go to contract
• Solicit and level trade bids; maintain vendor and subcontractor relationships
• Refine estimates through design phases, flagging material changes to budget as scope evolves
Organization & Project Coordination
• Track budget status, open items, and deliverable deadlines across multiple concurrent projects
• Communicate proactively with designers, project leads, and management when budgets are at risk or information is missing
• Maintain organized estimate files, bid documentation, and pricing records
• Identify and close gaps in project information before they become schedule or cost problems
Systems & Tools
- Work within Buildertrend (or similar platform) to manage estimates, documentation, and trade bids
- Maintain estimate templates, unit cost libraries, and pricing tools
- Be open to evolving estimating tools, including AI-assisted cost range tools and structured take-off workflows
Qualifications
Required
- 3+ years of residential remodeling or custom residential construction estimating experience
- Demonstrated ability to produce budget ranges from incomplete information and full estimates from construction documents
- Strong understanding of residential construction systems, sequencing, and trade costs
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple estimates across concurrent projects
- Clear, proactive communication — comfortable delivering difficult budget news early
- High proficiency with spreadsheets and construction cost tools
Preferred
- Experience with Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Procore, JobTread, or similar platform
- Background in design-build remodeling, including collaboration with interior designers or architects
- Field carpentry or hands-on remodeling background
- Familiarity with structured estimating workflows and cost database maintenance
About Bluestem Remodeling
Bluestem Remodeling is a 25-year residential remodeling and custom building company serving the Twin Cities metro area. We specialize in highly detailed, design-driven remodeling projects delivered through a collaborative, client-centered process. Our work combines thoughtful design, technical craftsmanship, careful planning, and strong communication.
We are a small, experienced team that cares deeply about doing excellent work — and about building projects the right way.
What Success Looks Like at Bluestem
Successful team members at Bluestem communicate clearly, take ownership, stay organized, follow through, solve problems proactively, remain calm under pressure, and collaborate well with both clients and teammates. We value professionalism, technical competence, accountability, humility, and mutual respect.
The ideal candidate is analytical and detail-driven, but also practical and direct — someone who flags problems early and helps the team solve them.
Compensation & Benefits
• $70,000 – $95,000 per year
• 401(k) with matching
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
How to Apply
To apply, please send a resume and a brief note about why this role interests you to:
careers@BluestemRemodeling.com
Bluestem Remodeling is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
