Spotlights
Millwork Estimator, Custom Woodwork Estimator, Architectural Woodwork Estimator, Cabinetry Estimator, Woodworking Project Estimator, Interior Finish Estimator, Millwork Project Manager
All around us, every day, we see examples of “millwork”—even if we never know the word for it!
Millwork simply refers to certain wood items used in homes and offices, such as doors, cabinets, and the decorative trim running along the bottoms of walls and around doors and windows. Millwork also includes stair parts, fireplace mantels, shelving, wood panels, and crown moldings—a type of trim used to add design elements to a space to make it look fancy!
Many home and building owners want customized millwork installed, which can be both time-consuming and costly. That’s when they call in a Custom Millwork Project Estimator.
These experts review the customer’s needs, assess the feasibility of their requests, and then put together cost estimates based on the complexity of the designs, the materials desired, and the projected time and labor requirements. They’re aided in their tasks by estimation software programs, which are useful in determining accurate estimates for each unique project.
- Being a key player in helping customers plan and execute millwork projects
- Diverse projects to work on, ranging from residential to commercial buildings
- Serves an important role in the millwork industry, supporting its profitability
Working Schedule
- Custom Millwork Project Estimators typically work full-time, and must frequently travel to job sites. They may work overtime when collaborating with construction teams on larger projects.
Typical Duties
- Coordinate with designers, architects, and clients to understand project requirements
- Review project blueprints and specifications
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits
- Utilize specialized software for estimating and project management
- Assess any environmental/sustainability considerations when preparing estimates
- Monitor market trends for changes in material costs and availability
- Calculate accurate cost estimates including labor, materials, and machinery usage
- Provide cost-benefit analysis for alternative materials or methods, as needed
- Advise on cost-saving strategies that won’t compromise quality or compliance
- Identify potential risks and their cost implications
- Adjust estimates based on changes in project scope, specifications, or other factors
- Collaborate with project managers to align estimates with schedules
- Negotiate with subcontractors and vendors on terms and pricing
- Prepare and present bid packages to clients, with detailed cost breakdowns
- Manage timelines and budget constraints
Additional Responsibilities
- Update estimates throughout the project lifecycle as needed
- Prepare detailed reports and proposals for clients and management
- Assist in the preparation of account settlements once projects are completed
- Keep records of historical project costs for reference
- Continuously monitor trends such as popular materials and techniques
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards
Soft Skills
- Accuracy
- Analytical
- Compliance-oriented
- Critical thinking
- Customer service
- Detail-oriented
- Monitoring
- Negotiating
- Planning and organization
- Precise
- Problem-solving
- Quality assurance
- Safety-minded
- Sound judgment
- Strong communication skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
Technical Skills
- Budgeting
- Computer-aided drafting
- Construction takeoffs
- Contract negotiation
- Cost estimation tools
- General mathematical skills
- Project management
- Woodworking processes and materials
- Furniture and related product manufacturing
- Wood product manufacturing
- Self-employed workers or contractors
Millwork Estimators hold a critical role in construction, tasked with accurately interpreting blueprints and providing cost-effective, sustainable estimates. They need a thorough understanding of construction materials and design principles as they also seek to balance ecological concerns with financial realities.
This responsibility demands precision and constant awareness of industry trends. The job also comes with challenges like potentially long hours, strict deadlines—and, of course, the pressure of giving accurate cost calculations.
Their contributions extend beyond financial aspects, impacting design and execution, and promoting sustainable construction practices. This makes their role challenging but crucial to the success of the whole industry!
The millwork industry is evolving rapidly, with some hot trends standing out!
For starters, sustainability. There’s a major shift towards eco-friendly materials due to growing environmental concerns. Consumers are looking for more green building practices, and the market is responding accordingly.
Another trend is the increased integration of technology like computer-aided design and manufacturing systems, which are revolutionizing millwork. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is also helping to streamline the manufacturing process. All this automation allows for greater precision, consistency, and efficiency in production, which can, in turn, lower overall costs!
Meanwhile, aesthetics are changing, too. Customers want modern design spins on traditional craftsmanship, thus driving the demand for more unique, creative, and personalized millwork projects.
Many Millwork Project Estimators have a background in millwork, construction, or other hands-on professions. In their younger years, they probably liked working with their hands or with tools or machinery. They might have been good with math and enjoyed managing projects on their own. They are usually reliable and independent and appreciate having some freedom to do their work without much interference from others.
- Custom Millwork Project Estimators need a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree is not necessary, but practical experience is needed
- Note, that while a degree isn’t required, an associate in construction management could give your application a boost!
- Practical experience in woodworking or millwork is usually desired, plus having some formal education in woodworking, construction, carpentry, or architecture is useful
- These can be learned in high school, via vocational courses, apprenticeships, or part-time jobs
- In addition, certain types of math are commonly used in this profession, such as basic arithmetic, geometry, and algebra
- Estimators may need proficiency in reading blueprints and architectural drawings, and using computer-aided design software (like AutoCAD) and estimation/takeoff programs (like INNERGY, ProjectPak, ProEst, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, ConstructConnect, CostX, etc.)
- Custom Millwork Project Estimators don’t need to go to college, but if you do take classes, consider the cost of tuition, discounts, and local scholarship opportunities (in addition to federal aid)
- Look for courses that can help you develop practical skills in woodworking and project estimation
- Try to find programs that feature internships or cooperative educational opportunities
- Think about your schedule and flexibility when deciding whether to enroll in an on-campus, online, or hybrid program. Ideally, you’ll want as much hands-on practice as you can get for many of these courses
- Read reviews from previous students and check out job placement stats and details about the program’s alumni network
- Note, that some training programs may have connections with local employers!
- Custom Millwork Project Estimators should take blueprint reading, math, geometry, algebra, drafting, computer-aided design, and woodworking or shop courses
- Note, high school students can often take community college or vocational training classes simultaneously. Your school counselor should be able to offer details
- Get practical work experience through part-time carpentry or construction jobs (or via apprenticeships or entry-level laborer positions)
- Take ad hoc classes online like Coursera’s Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control
- Watch related videos on YouTube channels like DuckWorks’ Millwork Project Management Tips
- Educate yourself through relevant books, magazines, blogs, and discussion forums
- Ask a working Custom Millwork Project Estimator if they have time to do an informational interview with you
- Engage with professional organizations to learn, share, make friends, and grow your network (see our list of Resources > Websites)
- Start crafting a resume early. Keep adding to it as you go, so you don’t lose track of anything
- Rack up as much relevant experience as you can in school or through volunteer work, part-time jobs, or an apprenticeship
- Check out job portals like Glassdoor, Indeed, USAJOBS, or SimplyHired
- Screen job ads carefully to ensure you meet the requirements
- Focus your resume on relevant work and academic experiences
- Review Custom Millwork Project Estimator resume templates to get ideas for formatting and phrasing
- Include keywords in your resume/application, such as:
- Architectural Design
- AutoCAD
- Bid Preparation
- Blueprint Reading
- Building Codes Compliance
- Contract Negotiation
- Cost Analysis
- Custom Cabinetry
- Estimating
- Material Takeoff
- Procurement
- Project Scheduling
- Specification Analysis
- Vendor Management
- Look for apprenticeship opportunities at Apprenticeship.gov to get your foot in the door
- Ask your school’s career services staff for help with resumes, mock interviews, and job searches
- Also, ask for help connecting with recruiters and job fairs. They may even have connections to local unions that offer apprenticeships!
- If applying for a union apprenticeship, read the application instructions carefully before filling anything out. Note, “most unions don’t expect you to be an expert in your industry,” when you apply for an apprenticeship,” notes Indeed
- Reach out to your network to let them know you are looking for opportunities
- Consider making an online portfolio showcasing some of your prior estimation projects, if you have any
- Ask potential references in advance to see if they’ll recommend you or write letters of reference
- Engage in online forums and ask career advice questions
- Look up common interview questions to prepare for those crucial interviews
- Always dress appropriately for job interview success!
Custom Millwork Project Estimators typically already have a few years of experience in the industry, but they can advance their careers through some of the following:
- Enroll in advanced courses related to construction management, project estimation, or business administration
- Obtain relevant certifications like Certified Professional Estimator, Certified Construction Manager, or Project Management Professional
- Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. Join professional organizations like the American Society of Professional Estimators and actively network with peers
- Specialize in a niche area within millwork, such as high-end residential projects
- Stay updated with the latest estimation software and technology trends.
Take advantage of digital tools and resources like parametric 3D CAD models, libraries of reusable parts, metadata, and collaboration functions - Develop your leadership skills by managing larger projects or teams
- Seek out an experienced mentor who can help you plan your future. Also be a helpful mentor to younger workers, showing them opportunities and insights
- Develop an engaging portfolio showcasing all your successful projects. It should feature plenty of details and high-resolution images!
- Enhancing client relations which can lead to repeat business and referrals
- Develop your understanding of market trends, cost control, and efficient budgeting
- Engage in projects that require collaboration with other departments
- Learn all you can about sustainable and green building practices
- Hone negotiation skills to manage contracts and procurements more effectively
Websites
- American Society of Professional Estimators
- Apprenticeship.gov
- Architectural Woodwork Institute
- Association for Manufacturing Technology
- Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers
- Career Connections
- Carpenters Southwest Administrative Corporation
- Carpenters Training Institute
- Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International
- Helmets to Hardhats
- International Woodworking Fair
- Job Corps
- National Building Trades Union
- National Tooling and Machining Association
- NCCER
- Practical Machinist
- Sisters in the Brotherhood
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters Training Fund
- Western States Carpenters
- Wood Component Manufacturers Association
- Wood Industry Ed
- Wood Industry Resource Collaborative
- Woodwork Career Alliance of North America
Books
- Building Your Dreams: A Beginner's Guide to Estimating Construction Projects, by Ava F. Santos
- Construction Project Management: A Complete Introduction, by Alison Dykstra and Linda V. Kade
- How to Win Construction Contract – Process Plant: A Detailed Treatise on Bidding & Estimation Practices, by Sanjib Basu
The art of estimating project costs is becoming increasingly automated thanks to advanced software programs and methodology—but it still takes an expert in the field to know how to properly use that technology! In addition, many aspects of estimating are still done manually.
Still, cost estimators in general are projected to see a slight 3% dip in job growth over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if you want to explore options other than being a Custom Millwork Project Estimator, below are several occupations to consider!
- Accountant or Auditor
- Architect
- Architectural and Engineering Manager
- Budget Analyst
- Civil Engineer
- Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, and Investigator
- Construction Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
- Industrial Production Manager
- Landscape Architect
- Logistician
- Operations Research Analyst
- Project Management Specialist
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