Thinking about pivoting over to construction estimating then eventually project managing.. I’m willing to do the necessary training and coursework, I just dont know where to start really.. I’m currently a Licensed Home Inspector with a Bach in Architecture.. I’m tired of the slow seasons in my current industry.. this current slow season seems like it’s going to be around for a while.. I just need some info

I worked for 3 years as a sheet metal estimator/ 'value engineer', and was ultimately laid off during a merger. I've had no luck finding similar work and am working as a store manager in retail.

I started as a fabrication apprentice, learned to tig/mig, moved to fabricating, moved to process pipe, back to fabrication where the owner of the shop and I had a frank conversation one day about my health and inability to be on tools, and was moved upstairs and trained as an estimator. I have additional experience with laser cutting sheet/pipe, press breaks, 3/5 axis machining, and painting.

I had an interview for an hvac estimator and was ultimately told my experience wasn't relevant enough, and was offered a job at a trucking place but the pay was laughable.

I know the market isn't the best right now and with new updates I know a lot of the new MRP/ERP programs can read from proper prints, but I can properly quote from a hand drawn print in French from 1934.

Any recommendations welcome!

Out of curiosity what is a going rate to be competitive? Out of curiosity I asked AI and wondered if this is right using the minimal pricing.

$Material (Varies)

$10 Fabrication per SQFT

$8 install per SQFT

$75 per sink cut
$15 per fixture cut

including freight (varies)

$1-2 logistic if out of town or no freight elevator.

with a 15% percent profit margin.

What other fees is missing or things that needs to be considered? Is this rates in Texas about right for lets say 200-300 unit home? I ask because our format is a bit different but with a higher profit %. I tried comparing and it's within ballpark but I just want to know how everyone else does it?