Establishing whether something is difficult can be hard because it's all subjective—you might think a skill is incredibly challenging while someone else could pick up on it rather quickly. In general, construction estimating is the same way. There are some difficult aspects associated with learning the skill, but it may depend mostly on things like your background, strengths, and preferences. For example, construction estimating requires a lot of math and financial understanding, which can be pretty tricky for some, especially if you aren’t incredibly familiar with the financial sector. Other folks may consider blueprint reading the most difficult concept to learn because these documents are so intricate. Even using tools like Microsoft Excel can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Needless to say, construction estimating has challenges, but nothing you can’t overcome with a bit of practice.
If you’re worried about learning construction estimating and assume it’ll be too difficult to understand, try to put it into context. Like anything new, there’s going to be a learning curve. Once you overcome the initial confusion, everything else will fall into place and start to make sense. Construction estimating is no different. Sure, you will encounter tough assignments and have trouble with the projects from time to time. But the more you practice, the more you’ll start to understand construction estimating. Enrolling in a course can make the entire process less daunting but can also make learning construction estimating less challenging.
What is Construction Estimating?
Construction estimating is the process of finding out how much a project will likely cost to complete before it even begins. It involves calculating the materials, labor, and equipment needed for the job and then adding up the costs for each. Estimators will look into virtually every aspect of the project and complete tasks by reading blueprints, considering project specifications, and determining any other details needed to put together a full cost estimate. The goal is to make sure that the project stays within budget and that the company avoids running into any financial surprises as the build progresses. Whether you are building a house, a bridge, or a skyscraper, a solid estimate is absolutely essential for avoiding costly mistakes.
At its core, construction estimating is about using your expertise in construction, math, and budgeting to provide the most accurate estimated cost. It is more than a guessing game with numbers—it is about analyzing materials, assessing the labor rates, and considering potential risks that could come up during the project. Depending on the level and complexity of the job, estimating can range from a simple task to a fairly detailed responsibility. Regardless of the size of the project, a good estimate helps everyone involved in the project. The clients are happy to stay within budget, and the professionals are given specific financial guidelines, which keep everything moving smoothly. It is incredibly important that everyone within the organization is on the same page to avoid going over budget. A precise estimate can make all the difference in completing the project on time and within financial reach.
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Is Learning Construction Estimating Hard?
Learning construction estimating can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be, depending on what kinds of skills you want to learn and whether or not you are aiming to pursue a career in construction estimating. It can be difficult at first because there are so many different complexities involved in the process and because professionals will need to learn to strike a balance between overpromising and under promising. An overly generous estimate can result in a project running over budget (which costs money and reputation) while a too conservative estimate might result in you not getting the job, so finding the right balance is important. Thankfully, there are a lot of professional training options to help you learn how to accurately estimate construction expenses.
What Are the Hardest Parts of Learning Construction Estimating?
One of the hardest parts of learning construction estimating is understanding complex project drawings. You will have to read and interpret complex documents like blueprints, floor plans, and site plans. These drawings contain a lot of details about the project that you can draw from to determine the estimated cost of various materials such as quantities and measurements. This can be tricky at first, especially when trying to decipher the symbols, scales, and architectural details.
Likewise, accurately calculating costs can be challenging. Math is involved in determining the cost of materials, labor, and equipment. You need to be precise when calculating quantities and factoring in unit costs. Mistakes in these calculations—no matter how small—have a big impact, so it is essential to provide as accurate estimates as possible. Estimators also need to understand how to account for variables in inflation, regional price differences, and materials shortages, which can add an extra layer of complexity.
Lastly, you may have trouble navigating certain software associated with construction estimating. For instance, Bluebeam is a construction software that has a learning curve but can be mastered with enough time and practice. Likewise, Excel can pose challenges, especially when using more advanced features. You’ll want to get the most accurate calculations so you can report back with an even more precise project estimate. In addition, if you opt to learn BIM or CAD, this can be challenging as well. This is not a required skill, but many construction estimating students choose to gain a foundational understanding of these tools to have a more detailed understanding of the project and, therefore, provide a more detailed cost estimate.
What Can I Do to Make Learning Construction Estimating Easier?
Choosing a course with a thorough, project-based curriculum typically makes learning construction estimating far easier. Training centers all around the country host live and self-paced courses that provide hands-on instruction, so no matter what, there’s a course that fits your schedule and learning style. This is the best place to start, as you’ll get direct practice with the most updated industry standards and tools. Plus, depending on the course, you may have direct, real-time interaction with the instructor or opt for a self-paced option where you complete the lessons individually and check in with an instructor as needed. With so many options, you’ll be able to learn construction estimating in no time.
Courses make the learning process easier because you have access to resources that you otherwise wouldn’t have. Taking advantage of these additional resources makes learning a detail-oriented skill like construction estimating far less challenging. For example, VDCI hosts courses in construction estimating and offers various resources in each. Some classes offer students one-on-one bonus training with the instructor so they can review the lessons or ask for more direct feedback. Plus, you can access the discussion forums, videos, and projects at any time. VDCI also offers free access to the required software, which is a great resource to practice with while you’re studying construction estimating. Taking the initiative to practice, ask for assistance, and practice your skills will make the learning process feel more straightforward.
As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. When you practice construction estimating consistently and make an effort to improve, learning more advanced skills comes with ease. With some courses, the only opportunity to practice is throughout the course. Other methods, like self-paced courses, let you take your time with the lessons, activities, and projects so you can practice as much or as little as you need. However, you can also practice in your everyday life by taking part in DIY projects or helping friends with their home projects. Your skills can be put to the test in a realistic, practical way by assessing a project's needs, devising an estimated budget, and sticking with it. With time and experience, construction estimating will feel less difficult to learn.
Most importantly, take your learning journey day by day. Some days may feel more challenging than others, and that’s okay—it’s all part of the learning process. If you encounter a difficult concept, remember to utilize your resources, receive help, and keep trying again. By approaching your learning experience with a positive mindset and one of continual growth rather than immediate perfection, you’ll feel far more confident and capable as your lessons continue. Before you know it, you’ll be a construction estimating expert and be ready to put your skills to work.
What Else Should I Learn Alongside Construction Estimating
If you can read blueprints, you’re already ahead of the curve in construction estimating. Blueprints uncover a whole slew of information that you would otherwise not have immediately available, like dimensions, materials, and necessary tools. This information is absolutely necessary in figuring out how much the project will cost. You need to allocate the right amount of materials, decide which tools and equipment are needed to complete the build, and determine the most precise estimated cost for it all. By reading the blueprint, you can make sure your estimates are based on the actual project rather than an educated guess.
Learning a bit about project management can also supplement your construction estimating training while giving you a useful, career-advancing skill. Construction Managers supervise the entirety of the project, from start to finish, including the financial aspects. They create budgets and determine the best course of action for all financial decisions, both expected and unexpected. With proper construction estimating training combined with strong project management skills, you could find yourself in some considerably rewarding careers.
Furthermore, if you have financial know-how and understand basic mathematical concepts, this will take you far in the construction estimating field. If math is your strong suit, construction estimating may be a great path to pursue. However, you’d benefit from gaining some basic financial skills, like understanding profit margins, managing cash flow, and adequately assessing risks. Whichever area of finance you choose to explore, it's likely to help you down the line in your construction estimating journey.
If you want to learn a skill that can set you apart from other Construction Estimators, think about studying computer-aided design (CAD) or Building Information Modeling (BIM). While learning these tools isn’t necessarily required in the construction estimating field, it can significantly boost your resume and give you a more well-rounded construction education. Knowing how to use these tools and read the models they produce can help you make more accurate predictions when estimating the cost of a project. Not to mention, having a wider range of skills on your resume can help you stand out during the job search. There are tons of helpful skills to supplement your construction estimating expertise, but these are among the most useful.
Why Learn Construction Estimating
Those who want to learn construction estimating often find that it is well worth the effort after doing so. Learning construction estimating is useful because it can help you handle the costs of a project, whether at your house or as a professional. It is a skill used mainly by those in construction, but in truth, it is for anyone who wants to avoid financial headaches when taking on big projects. You can apply your skills to building a new home, completing a renovation to your current home, or just looking to get a better idea of what a project will cost. Knowing how to estimate materials and labor costs means you are better prepared to buy the right amount of resources without wasting your money or overspending. In general, it is a skill highly revered by many professionals and helps keep everything on the right track for a financially smart finish.
For instance, construction estimating is useful if you work in construction. Many construction professionals may use construction estimating, including Construction Estimators or Construction Managers. For Contractors and construction companies, this skill helps acquire projects by providing accurate bids. If you can estimate well, you are able to offer competitive prices that are still well within reason, thus making it more likely for your team to acquire the job. Construction Managers rely on estimating to keep track of how much money is spent to make sure the entire budget isn’t shot. It is also a huge skill for those working in procurement. If you can estimate materials and labor costs adequately, you are more prepared to purchase the right amount of supplies. In general, it is a skill that makes sure everyone involved avoids spending unnecessarily.
Even if you are not interested in working in the construction field, this skill can be especially useful for a lot of personal projects. If you are planning a home renovation, for instance, estimating the costs of materials means you will stay within your budget and perhaps make your project even more creative and exciting. You can apply your construction estimating skills to all kinds of DIY projects, from building a new deck to loftier undertakings like a new shed. This skill helps you figure out how many supplies you will need ahead of time but also works in everyday situations like planning an event. You can determine the expenses for a party, wedding, or some other special occasion. Being able to estimate the cost of venue fees, food, and decorations can help you keep things affordable and under control. Basically, it is one of those skills that transfer to all kinds of situations, even outside of construction.
Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, and Cost to Learn Construction Estimating
Learning construction estimating has its challenges, but it is certainly possible with the right attention to detail, motivation, and discipline, you can gain a solid understanding of the construction process and what it means to provide accurate estimates. The difficulty with this skill can depend entirely on your background—for instance, if you have relevant skills in project management, you may pick up on construction estimating fairly easily. That does not mean that a total beginner will necessarily have a hard time; however, in truth, it can still vary. You may need to get more comfortable with terms, measurements, and blueprints, but overall, it is a skill that anyone can learn. It does require patience and practice to become truly proficient, but as you gain experience, estimating becomes more intuitive and easier to apply to real-world projects.
If you are curious about learning construction estimating, you are likely curious about how much it will cost to learn. In general, the cost may vary widely depending on how you choose to learn. In-person courses might run anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Additionally, live online courses are similar in price, but there are some that offer more flexible pricing. Self-paced courses are more affordable in comparison, with on-demand being the most cost-effective yet perhaps not the most productive if you want to become a professional. For more comprehensive or advanced training such as from a community college or university, you can expect to spend the most amount of money. All in all, there are plenty of affordable resources available, particularly if you are curious about entry-level training before advancing to the next level.
Before you begin studying construction estimating, it may be helpful to have basic knowledge of construction terminology, project plans, and budgeting concerns. Becoming familiar with blueprints and the overall construction process is essential, as estimating relies heavily on those skills. A background in math can also be incredibly useful since these professionals use geometry and algebra relatively frequently. Specifically, you may be working with measurements, quantities, and unit costs. If you are looking to explore the field in even more depth, skills in software like Excel, cost estimating software, or even project management tools are equally as important. It is not necessarily mandatory to have any of these skills ahead of time, but they can definitely help make the learning process far less difficult as you progress.
Learn Construction Estimating with Self-Paced VDCI Courses
VDCI is a construction and design institute dedicated to offering a wide range of courses, including ones centered around construction estimating. For example, the Construction Estimator Course is a 20-hour dive into the essential estimating tools, terminology, and units of measure. You will learn how to evaluate the cost of labor and materials by completing step-by-step projects that guide you through the process. You will also learn how to calculate subcontractor expenses, explore different kinds of materials, and practice completing estimate cover sheets. This comprehensive course comes with many additional resources and benefits, including free access to any necessary software, training rooted in realistic projects, and hands-on experience. You will also have access to an expert instructor who can provide feedback on your work and guidance throughout the projects. Upon completion, you will receive a verified digital certificate as recognition for your efforts.
For a more well-rounded construction education, you could enroll in the 50-hour Blueprint Reading and Construction Estimating Course Bundle. This program covers blueprint reading for both residential and commercial projects. By learning how to read and interpret the symbols and shapes, you will know how to decipher the project as a whole and thus be able to better estimate the cost of the overall project. You will explore various types of estimates, learn quantity surveying, and further develop your attention to detail and precision skills throughout several hands-on projects. Furthermore, you will have access to a licensed Architect who will guide you throughout the entire class. This bundle includes a practical, project-based approach to learning and offers mentoring services and a verified digital certificate once you complete the course.
However, you may want to aim for a career in project management. In that case, the 40-hour Construction Management Fundamentals Course is a good place to start. This course covers the basic aspects of managing a construction project such as site logistics, problem-solving, scheduling, resource allocation, and estimating costs. In addition, you will study document management and learn about the relationship between design and construction in more depth. With additional training options, software access, and projects rooted in a realistic management scenario, you will develop the skills you need and gain a better understanding of what it takes to thrive in the industry. By the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion to showcase all your hard work and achievements.
Lastly, the Construction Fundamentals Course Bundle provides an in-depth understanding of the roles within the design and construction teams. You will study structural systems, construction materials, and equipment used in the building process such as cranes, scrapers, and excavators. The course also covers necessary tasks to adequately prepare the site for the build. This includes understanding the different soil types that would be best for building on top of, as well as subsurface conditions and utility installations. In this course, you will go beyond the exterior and delve into interior elements as well such as MEP systems like HVAC units, plumbing, and fire suppression. The lessons also cover wall types, drywall finishes, and flooring. Over 70 total hours, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge that will help you start a career in construction. With expert assistance, realistic projects, and industry-standard software, you will feel more confident pursuing further education in construction and, ultimately, pursuing a career in the field.