Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products. Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues. Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.