Faster, More Consistent Estimates: Placing a Remote Construction Estimator with a Wisconsin Design-Build Firm
- Client
- Lakeshore Design + Build (name changed)
- Industry
- Design-Build
- Location
- Wisconsin
- What we built
- A vetted remote construction estimator, deployed to support the in-office project leads
The Situation
Lakeshore is a design-build company that handles residential projects from design through construction. After each design is finalized, the project needs an accurate estimate before the client can move forward with a build contract.
Estimating was being done by project leads and leadership in between client meetings, site walk-throughs, and managing active jobs.
The Problem
Estimates took longer than they should, which slowed down the path from design reveal to signed contract. When the team was busy, estimates were rushed or delayed, and pricing could vary depending on who prepared them.
Hiring a local estimator is slow and costly, and the firm wanted someone who could use their own templates and pricing, not an outside firm working its own way.
What We Built
We found, vetted, and deployed a remote construction estimator to support Lakeshore's in-office team. The estimator builds takeoffs and estimates, while the project leads keep ownership of scope, client conversations, and final pricing decisions.
Defining the role
We worked with leadership to document their estimate format, pricing sources, review steps, and the turnaround times they needed.
Vetting experienced candidates
We searched for estimators with residential and remodeling experience, strong plan-reading skills, and solid knowledge of material and labor costs. Only candidates with strong sample estimates moved forward.
Testing real skills
Shortlisted candidates completed a takeoff and pricing exercise on a sample set of plans, so their accuracy was proven before the client ever met them.
Interviews with the team
We ran screening interviews first, then introduced the strongest candidates to Lakeshore's team for a final interview, so the client made the final choice.
Smooth onboarding
We set up the firm's estimate templates and pricing data, and added a review step so every estimate is checked by a project lead before it goes to the client.
Clear division of work
The in-office project leads handle site walk-throughs, client scope, vendor relationships, and final approval. The remote estimator handles takeoffs, detailed estimates, and updates when designs or scope change.
The Results
What changed for the team:
- Estimates are ready sooner after design reveals, helping projects move to contract faster.
- Every estimate follows the same templates and review step, so pricing is more consistent.
- Project leads spend more time with clients and less time in spreadsheets.
- Design changes and scope updates are re-priced quickly.
- Because candidates were vetted and tested in advance, the estimator was productive quickly.
The Takeaway
Accurate estimates keep projects profitable and clients confident. By adding a vetted remote estimator who works within the firm's own templates and review process, we helped Lakeshore speed up estimating without losing control over pricing.
Client name has been changed to protect client confidentiality.