Overview

This course is ideal for early-career construction professionals, including estimators, assistant project managers, and field staff looking to build or strengthen their estimating skills. It also serves those transitioning into preconstruction or cost management roles and professionals preparing for more advanced trade-specific estimating work. You’ll explore the foundational concepts and workflows behind construction estimating, including tools, terminology, and cost coding. The course walks you through the complete estimating process—from reviewing drawings and specs to calculating quantities, applying contingencies, and organizing a defensible estimate. You will also examine common sources of risk and ethical considerations that arise in the bidding process. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply industry-standard estimating practices to real-world scenarios, using both manual and digital methods. This course lays the groundwork for more advanced estimating topics in subsequent courses.

Syllabus

Getting Started and Introduction to Construction Management

In this module, you’ll explore the essential role of the estimator in construction. You’ll learn the different types of estimates used throughout a project and understand when and why each is applied. We’ll walk through the purpose of estimating and how it supports successful project outcomes. By the end of this module, you’ll be familiar with the key components of an estimate and the value of accurate cost forecasting.

Bidding and the Contractor

Construction estimating has its own language and tools. This module introduces you to the core terminology, classifications, and digital tools used by estimators. You’ll gain insight into how costs are broken down, how to distinguish between direct and indirect expenses, and how cost codes keep everything organized. You’ll also explore some of the software tools used in today’s estimating environments.

Introduction to Estimating, Preconstruction, and Bidding

This module walks you through the full estimating workflow—from reviewing project documents to preparing a final estimate. You’ll learn how estimators approach each step methodically, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Whether you’re new to estimating or refining your process, this module gives you a clear framework to follow and practice with real-world examples.

Estimate Considerations, Types, and Organizations

In construction, risk is inevitable—but it can be managed. This module introduces you to the concept of risk in estimating and the use of contingencies to address uncertainty. You’ll learn how to identify potential risks, evaluate their impact, and apply appropriate contingency allowances. By the end, you’ll be better prepared to produce estimates that reflect the realities of construction projects.

The Estimating Process: Pre-Bid Steps & Best Practices

Before submitting a bid, estimators follow a series of best practices to ensure their work is thorough, compliant, and strategically sound. In this final module, you’ll walk through the essential pre-bid steps, including final reviews, internal checks, and bid packaging. You'll learn how to document assumptions, validate pricing, and ensure all estimate elements align with client expectations. We’ll also explore how ethics plays a supporting role in the decision to bid and in maintaining the integrity of your estimate. By the end, you’ll be equipped with practical strategies to deliver accurate, professional, and responsible construction estimates.