Intro to Construction Estimating Course Online

What Will You Learn?

The Construction Estimating Course provides students with a solid foundation in construction cost estimation, taught by an experienced professional estimator. This course introduces essential concepts such as various types of estimates, estimate organization, quantity takeoffs, pricing strategies, and cost estimate proposals. By the end of the course, students will develop the skills necessary to create detailed and accurate cost estimates for construction projects.

By completing this course, you will:

• Understand the interrelationship between construction drawings and cost estimating.
• Learn to analyze and organize the components of a construction cost estimate.
• Develop proficiency in quantity surveying, estimating takeoffs, and pricing estimated quantities.
• Gain knowledge of essential tools and software used for cost estimation.
• Recognize the importance of precision and attention to detail in construction estimating.

VDCI fosters an engaging online learning environment where students participate in discussion forums, collaborate with instructors and peers, and access valuable industry insights in the VDCI Student Lounge.

Course Lessons and Projects

Lesson 1: Introduction to Construction Estimating

This lesson introduces the fundamentals of estimating, covering its purpose, required skills, and key tools used by professional estimators.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding the role and importance of construction estimating.
• Identifying the necessary skills required for an estimator.
• Learning about estimating tools and software.
• Developing best practices for spreadsheet-based estimating.

Topics Covered:

• What is Estimating?
• Purposes of Estimating
• Skills Required to Be an Estimator
• Estimating Tools and Spreadsheets
• Steps Required to Create an Estimate

Lesson 2: Definitions & Abbreviations

This lesson provides an overview of industry-specific terminology and abbreviations used in construction estimating.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding common estimating terminology.
• Identifying industry-standard abbreviations.
• Enhancing communication skills for cost-estimation reports.

Topics Covered:

• Construction terminology breakdown.
• Standard abbreviations in estimating.

Lesson 3: Units of Measure & The Takeoff

Students will learn about different units of measure used in estimating and how to conduct effective quantity takeoff.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding units of measure in construction.
• Performing quantity takeoffs for different construction materials.
• Organizing takeoff data for accurate pricing.

Topics Covered:

• Measurement units used in estimating.
• Quantity takeoff methods and best practices.

Lesson 4: Pricing Resources & Cost Categories

This lesson focuses on analyzing pricing resources and the various cost categories involved in construction estimation.

Skills Learned:

• Identifying reliable pricing sources.
• Differentiating between direct and indirect costs.
• Categorizing labor, materials, and overhead expenses.

Topics Covered:

• Understanding pricing databases and cost manuals.
• Organizing costs into appropriate categories.

Lesson 5: Creating and Validating an Estimate

Students will learn how to build a complete construction cost estimate and validate their findings for accuracy.

Skills Learned:

• Structuring an estimate for clarity and accuracy.
• Identifying potential sources of estimating errors.
• Performing validation checks for completeness and precision.

Topics Covered:

• Structuring a cost estimate.
• Reviewing and validating an estimate.

Lesson 6: Project Considerations & Finalizing the Estimate

This lesson addresses external project considerations that impact estimates and discusses how to finalize a professional cost estimate.

Skills Learned:

• Evaluating site conditions, scheduling impacts, and risks.
• Finalizing an estimate with comprehensive documentation.
• Understanding what to include and exclude in an estimate.

Topics Covered:

• External factors affecting project costs.
• Preparing estimate cover sheets and recaps.
• Instructor insights on professional estimating practices.

Key Skills You Will Walk Away With

By the end of this course, students will have developed advanced knowledge and practical skills in construction estimating. Key takeaways include:

• Understanding the relationship between construction drawings and estimates.
• Conducting detailed quantity takeoffs for accurate cost projections.
• Organizing and analyzing construction cost categories.
• Using estimating tools and spreadsheets effectively.
• Recognizing critical project considerations that affect estimating accuracy.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is designed for individuals looking to gain a foundational understanding of construction estimating. It is ideal for:

• Trades Professionals & Journey People – Enhance project planning and cost-analysis skills.
• Drafters & Designers – Learn how construction estimates impact design decisions.
• Architectural & Engineering Interns – Gain insight into estimating to improve project feasibility analysis.
• Contractors & Builders – Develop accurate estimates to improve project bidding and budgeting.
• Students & Career Changers – Build essential skills for entering the construction industry.

Career Applications & Industry Relevance

The skills developed in this course are critical for various roles within the construction industry, including:

• Construction Estimator – Develop precise cost estimates for commercial and residential projects.
• Project Manager – Improve budget management and cost-control strategies.
• General Contractor – Enhance bidding accuracy and financial planning.
• Architectural & Engineering Consultant – Understand cost implications in design decisions.
• Procurement Specialist – Optimize material purchasing and vendor negotiations.

This course provides students with industry-relevant skills that are highly valued in construction management, architecture, and engineering. By mastering construction estimating fundamentals, professionals can improve project planning, reduce cost overruns, and make data-driven financial decisions in the built environment.