Estimator/Project Quantity Surveyor - Cost Management Jobs in London - DOE

A residential Design & Build practice based in London E1 is seeking an Estimator for private residential refurbishments, extensions, and complex home transformation projects across north and east London. The role involves developing complete construction estimates from drawings, specifications, and detailed technical information.

This position requires strong knowledge of whole-project residential construction and confidence working through incomplete project information. You will collaborate closely with architects, construction professionals, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout the estimating process.

The role combines technical estimating, buildability reviews, cost development, and clear communication across integrated project teams. You will identify missing information, investigate requirements, and record sensible assumptions before seeking technical input where required. This full-time position suits an experienced residential estimator who enjoys solving technical problems and improving estimating processes.

Role & Responsibilities

• Develop complete estimates for residential renovations, extensions, and other home transformation projects from available project information.
• Produce detailed project pricing from drawings, specifications, and technical information while understanding complete residential construction requirements.
• Review build-ups, sequencing, materials, trades, and interfaces so estimates accurately reflect how projects will be constructed.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and missing information before they affect project pricing, buildability, or construction planning.
• Prepare clear scopes, inclusions, and exclusions while recording appropriate assumptions and seeking technical input when required.
• Obtain and review subcontractor and supplier quotations while incorporating relevant information into complete residential project estimates.
• Work alongside design and construction teams to understand technical decisions, buildability considerations, and their impact on project costs.
• Explore value-engineering opportunities and contribute ideas for improving estimating data, systems, and processes as the business grows.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience estimating complete residential construction projects rather than working solely on individual trades, packages, or isolated elements.
• Experience developing complete project prices from drawings, specifications, technical construction information, and other available project documentation.
• Strong technical construction knowledge with practical understanding of how residential buildings, materials, trades, and interfaces work together.
• Ability to identify missing information, investigate requirements, record sensible assumptions, and ask appropriate people relevant technical questions.
• Confidence taking ownership of estimates using personal initiative while recognising when senior technical input should be requested.
• Experience across residential refurbishments, extensions, structural alterations, loft works, basement works, or comparable residential construction projects.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to communicate estimating assumptions, technical thinking, and project information clearly.
• Experience within residential Design & Build, high-end private residential renovation, or residential new-build projects would be valuable.

Salary & Benefits

• DOE, depending on experience.
• Full-time position working 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday.
• Predominantly studio-based working pattern with four days each week in the London E1 studio.
• Friday working from home as part of the current weekly working pattern.
• 30 days’ annual leave including Bank Holidays, with additional leave for loyalty and long service.
• 4% employer pension contribution plus enhanced sick and compassionate leave.
• Contributions towards phone and bike costs where used for business, plus the stated staff benefits package.

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This role is suited to someone who genuinely understands whole-project residential construction and enjoys technical problem solving. You may currently work as an Estimator, Assistant Estimator, Project Estimator, or Quantity Surveyor. Candidates from another technically strong construction background may also have suitable experience for this opportunity.

You should be comfortable investigating incomplete information and understanding what is required to progress an estimate. The role suits someone who takes ownership, uses initiative, and communicates their technical reasoning clearly. Experience connecting design, technical detailing, buildability, cost, and construction would strongly support success within this integrated environment.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market. We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety, and wider construction roles.

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications, so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time. We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies.