Founded in 2000, Higgins & Associates, Inc. (Higgins & Associates) is a multi-disciplined forensic engineering and architecture firm with offices in Littleton, Colorado and Dallas, Texas. We provide forensic engineering and architecture services, repair and rehabilitation services, enclosure consulting, construction consulting, litigation consulting, and appraisal services to the insurance industry, law firms, contractors, and commercial / residential property owners.
Higgins & Associates is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Construction Consultant / Estimator to join our construction consulting expert team. The ideal candidate will provide construction consulting expert advice and analysis on construction-related issues, investigate failures and defects, and assist in resolving disputes including the preparation of cost estimates to assist law firms and insurance companies in resolving their claims. This role requires a strong understanding of construction practices, building codes, and project management, combined with exceptional analytical and communication skills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Investigation & Analysis
- Conduct thorough investigations of the cost component of construction defects, structural failures, or other related issues including damage due to hail, wind, fire, flood, smoke and water, as well as from catastrophe events.
- Analyze project documentation, including blueprints, contracts, specifications, and schedules during analysis and development of the cost of repair.
- Assess compliance with building codes, standards, and best practices related to construction consulting including issues related to costs associated with code upgrade requirements.
- Reporting:
- Prepare detailed and well-documented technical reports summarizing findings and conclusions including detailed cost of repair estimates to address the associated damage.
- Develop visual aids, diagrams, and presentations to support reports.
- Expert Testimony:
- Provide expert opinions during depositions, mediations, and court proceedings.
- Clearly communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Consultation & Advisory:
- Advise clients, including attorneys, insurance companies, and construction professionals, on construction-related disputes.
- Propose solutions for mitigating and preventing future failures or defects.
- Cost of Repair Opinions:
- Develop detailed and accurate cost of repair opinions to support construction defect litigation.
- Evaluate the scope of repairs needed and estimate associated costs based on industry standards and market rates.
- Collaborate with legal teams and other experts to ensure repair cost opinions align with case requirements.
- Develop cost of repair opinions as well as detailed cost estimates for use in the appraisal process as well as to address storm damage.
- Collaboration:
- Work closely with other forensic engineers, architects, and consultants to deliver comprehensive assessments.
- Coordinate with legal teams and other stakeholders during investigations and dispute resolution processes.
- Field Work:
- Perform on-site inspections of disputed construction.
- Collect and document physical evidence, measurements, and observations.
Education/ Formal Training Required:
- At least four years of construction management and/or experience as a construction estimator. Experience as a general contractor or with a general contracting firm is a plus.
- Two years’ experience of creating estimates using the Xactimate estimating software is preferred. Formal Xactimate certification is a plus.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and BlueBeam or Adobe Acrobat tools.
Job and Industry Experience:
- Industry related degrees, credentials, or certifications
- Strong time management skills.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships internally and externally.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines while remaining detail and quality focused.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others including strong written and spoken communication skills.
Our Offer:
- We aim to create an environment where the best people want to work, where they can turn their passion into their job and realize their full potential
- Individual development, on-the-job training, and development programs designed to help our employees grow in their careers
- Competitive pay and performance-based incentives
- 100% company paid healthcare, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Unlimited time off policy
- Flexible work environment with option to work remotely.
