At Visscher Construction and Restoration, we believe a great project starts with a solid plan. While you might not see him on site, our estimator works tirelessly behind the scenes to turn your vision into a reality—on time and on budget.
We sat down with our very own estimator, Wade, to talk about his work. His answers reveal the expertise that goes into every number we give you. Take a moment to see how we build your project from the ground up.
Sarah: Wade, how did you get into cost estimating?
Wade: I got into estimating through a natural progression in my career. Starting in the field, I consistently handled material takeoffs for project managers. This skill was further developed when I ran my own company, which required me to manage all aspects of estimating and sales.
When I joined Visscher Construction as a Project Manager, I quickly became involved in exterior sales and estimating. My role expanded to include remodeling and eventually insurance estimates using Xactimate. As the company grew and new home builds came in, I took on that responsibility as well.
Ultimately, my diverse experience led me to a full-time role dedicated to estimating new builds, exteriors, remodels, and insurance claims. It was a journey of continuously taking on new challenges and expanding my skill set to meet the needs of the business.
Sarah: What’s the most challenging project you’ve ever estimated?
Wade: I wouldn’t say any single project has been “challenging” in terms of complexity, but the most involved project I’ve estimated was the Ludington Elementary Exterior Improvement.
What made it unique was the amount of coordination and paperwork required. It wasn’t about the difficulty of the takeoffs, which were straightforward, but about managing the extensive “red tape.” This involved on-site meetings with our team, multiple suppliers, the main contractor (Christmann), and the school’s grounds manager.
Navigating this level of detail and ensuring all parties were on the same page was a significant management challenge. It was a great learning experience in how to handle a project where success depends as much on communication and organization as it does on accurate numbers.
Sarah: The market is always changing. How do you keep up with all the changing costs for materials and labor?
Wade: I stay on top of changing costs by maintaining a strong and active network with our subcontractors and vendors. We’re in constant communication, so they’re often the first to notify me of any upcoming price changes or supply chain issues.
I also keep a close eye on the broader industry through our local Home Builders Association (HBA), which provides valuable insights into market trends, material tariffs, and labor costs.
This proactive approach allows me to anticipate price hikes on materials like windows, cabinetry, and quartz countertops(the most recent price hikes) rather than reacting to them after the fact. It ensures our estimates are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
Sarah: So, since you’re behind the scenes, how do you work with our team to make sure a client’s vision stays within their budget?
Wade: I see a part of my role as a strategic cost manager who ensures a client’s vision is financially viable from the very beginning. I work hand-in-hand with our sales and project management teams throughout the design process, understanding that a client’s dream home may not always align with their budget. To address this, I leverage our historical pricing data to provide a preliminary budget, typically with a plus or minus 20% range, which helps us set realistic expectations early on. When I identify a design element or product that could put the project over budget, I proactively recommend quality alternatives or suggest phasing certain features for a future build, ensuring the core vision remains intact without sacrificing quality. My deep knowledge of the building industry, from products to processes, allows me to provide practical insight to both sales—who are focused on closing the deal—and project managers—who are focused on a smooth delivery. This collaborative approach creates a truly symbiotic relationship that allows us to deliver a high-quality project that meets the client’s goals and stays within their financial constraints.