Learn the fundamentals of construction estimating, including types of estimates, quantity takeoffs, pricing strategies, and cost estimate proposals.
Taught by a professional construction estimator, this course covers the essentials of construction estimating, including key tools, quantity takeoffs, and pricing based on estimates. You’ll also learn how to create cost estimate proposals and understand what’s included and excluded.
Ideal for aspiring estimators, project managers, or those entering the construction industry, this course will help you develop the confidence and skills to create accurate, industry-standard cost estimates and advance in the construction field.
- Understand the fundamentals of construction estimating for residential and commercial projects.
- Learn to interpret architectural and structural plans to extract relevant cost-related data.
- Master different types of estimates, such as conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimating.
- Gain insight into quantity surveying, estimating takeoffs, labor costs, equipment costs, and contingency planning.
- Explore industry-standard tools and software used for creating precise cost estimations.
- Develop problem-solving skills to analyze discrepancies and mitigate cost overruns effectively.
Learning Objectives
Learn how to estimate a construction project by understanding quantity takeoffs, master format, cost categories, project conditions, and bid delivery.
Topic 1: Introduction - Learning Objectives - What is Estimating?
- Learning Objectives
- Resources and Standard Files
- What is Estimating
- Purposes for Estimating
- Skills Required to be an Estimator
- Estimating Tools
- Estimating Spreadsheets
- Spreadsheet Best Practices
- Steps Required to Create an Estimate
Topic 2: Definitions & Abbreviations
- Definitions and Terminology Pt 1
- Definitions and Terminology Pt 2
- Definitions and Terminology Pt 3
- Definitions and Terminology Pt 4
- Abbreviations
Topic 3: Units of Measure
- Units of Measure Pt 1
- Units of Measure Examples
- Units of Measure Common Designations
Topic 4: The Takeoff
- Organizing the Takeoff with MasterFormat
- Set Scale for Takeoff
- Takeoff Example
- Feet and Inches vs Feet and Decimal
- Measurement Types Imperial vs Metric
- Associating Take off items to estimate
- MasterFormat Alternatives
- MasterFormat Level Four
Topic 5: Pricing Resources
- Pricing Resources
- Pricing Methods and Techniques
- Assemblies
Topic 6: Cost Categories
- Cost Categories Overview
- Estimating Labor Cost
- Labor Cost Factors
- Estimating Material Costs
- Material Cost Factors
- Estimating Equipment Costs
- Equipment Cost Factors
- Estimating Subcontractor Costs
- Subcontractor Cost Factors
- Example Questions for Subcontractors
- Cost CategoryLevels
Topic 7: The Estimate
- Work Breakdown Structure Codes
- Estimating Spreadsheet Structure
- Line Item Example Laminated Beams
- Line Item Example Specialties
- Line item Example Earthwork
- Estimate Cost Totals
Topic 8: Project Considerations
- Scheduling & Project Duration
- General Conditions
- Hard Costs
- Overhead
- Markup
- Markup and Add on Order
- Adjusting for Risk Contingencies
- Unknown Conditions
- Potential Costs
- Travel Expenses
Topic 9: Validation
- Validations Scales
- 100% Check
- Other Validation Methods
Topic 10: Estimate Cover Sheet, Recap & Instructor Thoughts
- Cover Sheet Elements
- Bid Form Example
- Final Bid Form Delivery
- Recap of Sequences to Develop an Estimate
- Instructor Thoughts
