Skill Cloud. On-demand Outsourcing
For Australian builders & subcontractors

Hire a Construction Estimator. They start tomorrow.

Pre-vetted Filipino estimators with 5 to 10 years working on Australian residential, commercial and civil projects. CavSoft, Buildsoft, BlueBeam, AutoCAD. Pick someone, send them a tender, see their takeoff in 48 hours.

Start Date
Tomorrow
See Estimators
10 estimators available right now From $130/day · 6 month guarantee
10 estimators · ready tomorrow
John Rafael Pabustan
Verified Expert
John Rafael Pabustan
Senior Estimator · 10+ yrs QS
Buildsoft Infrastructure BOQs Civil works
$130/day

Tender takeoff in progress

48hrs
Project Toowong townhouses
Type Multi-residential
Estimator John Rafael P.
Started Yesterday 10am
Booking total $390 · 3 days
Available now

Six CavSoft and Buildsoft estimators ready tomorrow

Real, pre-vetted Filipino estimators. Pick a profile, send the tender, see the takeoff back inside 48 hours.

John Rafael Pabustan
Live
Verified Expert
John Rafael Pabustan
Senior Estimator · Infrastructure
  • 10+ yrs QS experience
  • Infrastructure costing
  • BOQs & estimates
  • Available tomorrow
From $130/day
Therese Dr. Bansil
Live
Verified Expert
Therese Dr. Bansil
Senior Estimator · Tenders & Cost Planning
  • 10+ yrs QS experience
  • Estimating & tenders
  • Cost planning
  • Available tomorrow
From $130/day
Hazel Ampong
Live
Verified Expert
Hazel Ampong
Estimator · Costing & Tendering
  • 9+ yrs QS experience
  • Costing & tendering
  • Budget & variance control
  • Available tomorrow
From $130/day
Sarvia Ela Lopez
Live
Verified Expert
Sarvia Ela Lopez
Estimator · Structural & Civil
  • 8+ yrs civil engineering
  • Structural design specialist
  • BIM & 3D modeling
  • Available tomorrow
From $130/day
Ejemar Polido
Live
Verified Expert
Ejemar Polido
Estimator · Electrical Specialist
  • 15+ yrs electrical estimating
  • BOQs & tender submissions
  • Low & high-voltage systems
  • Available tomorrow
From $130/day
Marielle Monter
Live
Verified Expert
Marielle Monter
Estimator · Building & Fit-out
  • Building estimating
  • Full-scope cost estimation
  • Drawing interpretation
  • Available tomorrow
From $130/day
Most common starting point

Just need one tender done? Try us on it.

Most builders start with a single tender booking. Three days, $390, fixed. We match you with an estimator who knows your project type. Takeoff back inside 48 hours. If they're a fit, move into a weekly schedule. If not, no obligation, no follow-up sales calls.

See ongoing pricing
Estimator
You pick from 10 profiles
Booking length
3 days
Software
Your choice
Turnaround
48 hours typical
Replacement
Free if not a fit
Try a tender from $390total

Software your estimator already works in

We only show estimators with verified hands-on hours. Filter by software when you browse.

  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • Tekla
  • Trimble
  • AS/NZS Standards
  • NCC & BCA
  • AU materials specs
  • CavSoft
  • Buildsoft
  • BlueBeam Revu
  • Cubit
  • On-Screen Takeoff
  • ProEst
  • Planswift
  • ProfitBuilder
  • Databuild
  • Procore
  • Aconex
  • Microsoft Project
  • CAD & modelling
  • Standards & compliance
  • Estimating & takeoff
  • Project management
Day to day

Your estimator handles all of this

Four buckets, one estimator. Most builders give them everything below.

Quantity takeoffs

  • Residential takeoffs
  • Civil & infrastructure
  • Refurbishments & fit-outs
  • Concrete, steel, timber
  • Commercial takeoffs
  • Multi-residential & townhouses
  • Extensions & additions
  • Wet trades & finishes

Tender preparation

  • BOQ preparation
  • Materials pricing & comparisons
  • Tender submission documents
  • Pricing schedules
  • Subcontractor RFQ packages
  • Labour rate calculations
  • Clarifications register
  • Trade breakdowns

Cost planning & estimation

  • Concept estimates
  • Detailed estimates
  • Variations & change orders
  • Budget vs actual tracking
  • Schematic estimates
  • Cost plans by element
  • Value engineering options
  • Cash flow forecasts

Documentation & coordination

  • Estimating reports
  • Subcontractor follow-ups
  • Pricing comparison sheets
  • Addendum tracking
  • Pre-tender clarifications
  • Materials schedules
  • Drawing register management
  • Revision logs
Honest scope

What they don't do

Better you know now than after a tender goes pear-shaped. Our estimators are not registered builders or QS.

Where the line is

Our estimators do the takeoff, the BOQ, the pricing and the tender prep. The licensed and on-site work stays with your team. Most builders use them as the back-office estimating arm of an existing construction team.

×
Sign off as registered Quantity Surveyor
They prepare the takeoff and BOQ. Sign-off as a registered QS stays with your in-house QS or external consultant.
×
Engage subcontractors directly
They prepare RFQ packages, send to your subbies, chase responses, compare pricing. Final engagement and contracts go through your team.
×
Project manage on-site work
They are estimators, not project managers. Site coordination, supervision, and program management stay with your construction manager.
×
Replace your registered builder or licensee
They support the licensed team. Building licences, builder responsibilities and statutory sign-offs stay with you.
How we vet

We reject 94% of estimator applicants

Live takeoff test in CavSoft or Buildsoft. No exceptions. AU materials and standards knowledge tested.

1

AU project experience

Only applicants with 5+ years working on Australian residential, commercial or civil projects. Offshore-only or non-AU work doesn't progress.

60% rejected here
2

Live CavSoft or Buildsoft test

Real takeoff against a sample drawing set. Quantity accuracy, software efficiency, judgement on materials. Time-boxed.

22% rejected here
3

Standards & materials interview

AS/NZS standards, NCC and BCA compliance, AU materials substitutions, labour rate fundamentals. Plus communication and judgement.

8% rejected here
4

Background & references

Police check, two verified Australian builder references, ID verification, NDA signed before they ever see your tender drawings.

2% rejected here
Out of every 100 estimators who apply, only 6 reach your shortlist.
Pricing

$16.25 an hour. Pick the days.

Same daily rate across every schedule. Or just try one tender first.

Light
Two days a week
M
T
W
T
F
From $16.25 / hour
$130 per day, 8 hrs
Two days a week. Best for builders running one to two active tenders.
Best for
  • Small builders with steady tender pipeline
  • Subcontractors needing weekly takeoff support
  • Projects with phased pricing rounds
  • Top-up support during peak season
Standard
Three days a week
M
T
W
T
F
From $16.25 / hour
$130 per day, 8 hrs
Three days, you pick. Most builders land here.
Best for
  • Mid-sized builders with consistent tender flow
  • Construction firms running 3 to 5 live tenders
  • Civil and commercial projects on rotation
  • Replacing a casual or part-time estimator
Full week
Five days a week
M
T
W
T
F
From $16.25 / hour
$130 per day, 8 hrs
A dedicated estimator at a fraction of a local hire.
Best for
  • Multi-project builders, full pipeline
  • Replacing a $90K+ in-house estimator
  • Civil contractors with tender deadlines
  • End-to-end estimating ownership

All estimators $130/day, no senior surcharge. All tiers, same person across your tenders. Pay weekly, no minimum, cancel anytime. Just need one tender? .

$15 platform fee per booking Flat. Same fee for one tender or one month.
6 month quality guarantee Not the right estimator? Free replacement.
Free takeoff rework Numbers off? We rework until your team signs off.
48hr typical turnaround Standard residential takeoffs back in 1 to 2 days.
Why us

Why Australian builders are hiring Filipino estimators

Four reasons builders stop chasing local estimators and start booking with us.

They know AU standards, materials and rates

Every estimator on SkillCloud has 5 to 10 years working on Australian construction projects. They know AS/NZS structural and materials standards, NCC and BCA compliance, AU labour rates, and which materials substitute for which when supply gets tight. We test materials and standards knowledge in the live interview before any estimator gets listed.

You're not paying them to learn what an FRL is, or that residential timber framing in QLD has different requirements than NSW. They walked in with that knowledge.

Tender turnaround in days, not weeks

Tenders don't wait. Your estimator quits Tuesday, the tender is due Friday, and the local recruitment market for a CavSoft estimator in regional QLD is essentially zero. SkillCloud lets you book an estimator the day after the call, send them the drawing set, and have a full takeoff back inside 48 hours.

This is the most common way builders find us. One tender. No commitment. If the estimator is good, you keep going. If not, no follow-up sales calls.

Same estimator across your tender pipeline

The reason offshore estimating has a mixed reputation is the freelance model. Different person every project. Re-explain your sub list, your preferred materials, your tender format every time. SkillCloud is not a freelance marketplace. The estimator you book in week one is the same estimator working on tender twelve.

They learn your tender format once. They learn your subcontractor list once. They learn your preferred suppliers once. After that, the takeoffs just come back faster and cleaner each time.

Around 70% less than a local in-house estimator

A senior estimator in metro AU runs $95,000 to $130,000 a year all-in once you factor super, leave, payroll tax and recruitment. A SkillCloud estimator at standard tier (three days a week) is $390 a week. A full-week dedicated estimator is $650 a week. Same takeoffs. Same software. Same standards.

We're not the cheapest offshore estimator on the internet. We're the most reliable one for Australian builders.

Honest comparison

Estimator hiring options compared

SkillCloud against the three other ways to fill an estimating seat.

SkillCloud
Local in-house hire
Outsourced QS firm
One-off freelancer
Cost (3 days/week)
$390/wk
$95K+ all-in
$2,500-$5,000/wk
Variable
Time to start
Tomorrow
6 to 12 weeks
2 to 4 weeks
Days
AU project experience
5 to 10 yrs verified
Yes
Usually
Hit or miss
CavSoft / Buildsoft tested
Live test, every hire
CV-based
Yes
Self-reported
Same estimator across tenders
Yes, by design
Yes
Often rotates
No
Try one tender first
Yes, $390
No
Sometimes
Yes
Lock-in
Weekly, no contract
Permanent
Per project + retainer
Project
Who hires us

Three kinds of businesses hiring estimators with us.

Different stages, different reasons, same workflow.

Estimator quit, tender due Friday

"Try finding a Buildsoft estimator in Toowoomba. We've got a tender due Friday and no one to do the takeoff."

Most common entry point. Builder books one tender at $390, picks an estimator with the right software, sends drawings the same day. Takeoff back inside 48 hours. Tender goes in on time. Most builders then move to a weekly schedule.

Multi-project builders with tender pipeline

"We have four tenders in the air at any time. Our estimator is at capacity. We're walking past work we should be pricing."

Mid-sized builders book Standard or Full Week tier. The SkillCloud estimator runs alongside the in-house estimator, picking up overflow tenders. Pipeline doubles. Same estimator across all tenders means consistent format and pricing logic.

Subcontractors needing fast quotes

"We're a steel sub. Quote turnaround is killing us. Builders want pricing in 24 hours, our guy can't keep up."

Subcontractors book Light tier (2 days a week). The estimator handles trade-specific takeoffs and quotes. Quote turnaround drops from a week to 24 to 48 hours. Win rate goes up. Most subbies scale to Standard tier within 3 months.

What clients say

Real estimators, real Australian builders

★★★★★

"Tender due Friday. Our estimator quit Tuesday. Had Carla on a Buildsoft takeoff Wednesday morning. Won the tender. We've kept her on Standard tier ever since."

M
Mike T.
Builder, Gold Coast QLD
★★★★★

"Tried one tender. Two months later we have John on Standard tier doing 12 to 15 takeoffs a month. Best decision we made this year. Pipeline has doubled."

D
David L.
Director, Brisbane QLD
★★★★★

"Civil works estimator at $120 a day. Same calibre as the local QS firm that quoted us $90 an hour. Our margins on the last three jobs are up about 8%."

A
Andrew M.
Director, Toowoomba QLD
★★★★★

"Materials knowledge was the surprise. Flagged a substitute for an out-of-stock product before we lost two weeks waiting on supply. Would not have caught that with a green grad."

J
James K.
Builder, Newcastle NSW
Honest fit-check

Is a SkillCloud estimator right for you build?

Quick read. Honest read.

Best fit if you...

Sound like any of these.

  • Run a builder, sub or construction firm and need takeoffs done.
  • Use CavSoft, Buildsoft, BlueBeam or similar daily.
  • Work on AU residential, commercial or civil projects.
  • Want to try one tender before committing to a schedule.
  • Are tired of recruitment dead-ends in regional markets.
Probably not for you if...

Better to know now than after onboarding.

  • You need a registered Quantity Surveyor to sign off.
  • You need someone on-site for project management.
  • You need a registered builder or licensee.
  • You need someone to engage subcontractors directly.
  • You need US or UK time zone coverage.
FAQS

Estimator Questions, answered.

Yes. The most common starting point is a single tender booking, usually 1 to 3 days, fixed price from $390. Pick a profile, send the tender, get the takeoff back. If they’re a fit, move into a weekly schedule. If not, no follow-up.
Yes. Every estimator on SkillCloud has 5 to 10 years working on Australian projects. They know AS/NZS structural and materials standards, NCC and BCA compliance, and AU-specific subcontractor and labour rates. We test materials and standards knowledge in the live interview.
Primary: CavSoft, Buildsoft, BlueBeam Revu, Planswift, On-Screen Takeoff, Cubit, ProEst. Also: AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla, Trimble, Procore, Aconex, ProfitBuilder, Databuild. Filter by software when you browse.
No. They are estimators. They prepare takeoffs, BOQs, tender pricing and cost plans. Sign-off as a registered Quantity Surveyor, builder responsibilities, statutory licences and project management stay with your team.
Standard residential takeoffs in 24 to 48 hours. Commercial and civil within 3 to 5 days depending on scope. For larger or specialised tenders we discuss the timeline upfront before you book.
Every estimator signs a confidentiality agreement before they touch your job. Background-checked, ID-verified, NDA on file. We can also sign a separate client NDA on request.
We rework it. Free. The estimator stays on the job until your team is happy with the numbers. If the estimator is not the right fit for your work, we replace them at no cost, up to three times per booking.
Yes. They prepare RFQ packages, send to your nominated subbies, chase responses, compile pricing comparisons. Final engagement and contracts go through your team. They do not engage subbies directly.
Yes. The estimator you book in week one is the same estimator working on tender twelve. They learn your tender format, your subcontractor list, your preferred materials. No revolving door.
Tell us upfront. We have estimators across CavSoft, Buildsoft, BlueBeam, Cubit, OST, ProEst, Planswift and others. If we don’t have a match for your specific software, we’ll tell you upfront rather than waste your time.
Yes. Several of our estimators specialise in civil works, infrastructure and earthworks. Filter by ‘civil’ when you browse, or tell us in the inquiry form and we’ll match you.
Other roles

Hiring beyond estimating?

Same vetting, same speed, different role.

Admin Assistants

Inbox, scheduling, quote follow-ups. From $80/day.

Executive Assistants

C-suite support, projects, travel. From $100/day.

Accountants Bookkeepers

Xero, MYOB, BAS, payroll. From $90/day.

Draftsmen

AutoCAD, Revit, council docs. From $125/day.

Try one tender. See if it's a fit.

Three days, $390 fixed. We match you with an estimator who knows your project type. Takeoff back in 48 hours. No follow-up sales calls if it's not a fit.

Browse profiles →