Find the right construction estimating class to fit your needs
What is Construction Estimating?
Construction estimating is all about nailing down the cost of a construction project. This includes things like materials, labor, equipment, and other expenses related to the build. Estimators break down blueprints and project details to calculate what everything will cost, helping contractors and project managers stay on budget. It’s one of the most important yet behind-the-scenes roles for a construction project and the bidding process, ensuring the project doesn’t go above budget.
The basics of estimating have been around for centuries, just in different forms. People have always had to account for materials and labor for large projects, but today, there’s a far more advanced way of doing it. Construction estimating is a profession that uses specialized software to make the process accurate, precise, and efficient. It’s a necessary aspect of keeping construction projects on track and running smoothly.
Construction Estimating Classes in Atlanta
At VDCI, you can explore all kinds of self-paced courses, like the nine-week Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Courses Bundle which offers comprehensive training in reading and interpreting construction drawings. It also includes strategies and practices for estimating project costs accurately. You will practice reading architectural, structural, and MEP plans as well as calculate the cost for materials, labor, and other budgeting concerns. Through quantity surveying and estimating takeoffs, you will learn how to become a proficient and productive construction employee.
Learn Construction Estimating
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
If you’d rather start slow and work your way up through the levels, you may want to enroll in the three-week Construction Estimator Course. In this course, you’ll learn about the different kinds of estimates and how they are organized. In addition, you’ll explore the purpose and importance of maintaining a construction budget and learn more about the tools used. Moreover, you’ll acquire a mastery of quantity surveying, learn how to analyze construction documents, and develop a strong attention to detail.
VDCI offers a Blueprint Reading Fundamentals Course Bundle which lasts six weeks and covers how to read construction documents for everything from residential to commercial construction projects. The self-paced courses offered at VDCI allow you to take your education into your own hands and learn how you see fit. You will analyze drawings and evaluate their similarities. Moreover, you’ll learn how to identify inconsistencies in construction documents and understand how 3D models streamline the project’s productivity. Additionally, you’ll receive a verified digital credential by completing this course with adequate grades.
You could also opt for the Blueprint Reading Course - Residential Construction course which teaches you more about the inter-relationship between drawings in construction documents and allows you to analyze these drawings for different purposes. You will learn how to further evaluate these documents as a means of recognizing how important consistency is when working in this field. Overall, you’ll pick up essential blueprint reading and drawing skills in addition to learning how to read everything from title sheets and floor plans to interior elevations and roof plans. Similarly, if you’re more interested in commercial work, you could explore the Blueprint Reading Course - Commercial Construction. This allows you to dive deeper into construction documents for projects like hotels, retail shops, and parking garages. You’ll explore mixed-use commercial projects that differ greatly from that of residential construction. With both courses, you will have a well-developed and fully-stocked arsenal of construction skills at your disposal.
What Can You Do with Construction Estimating Training?
With proper training in construction estimating, you’ll be able to calculate the overall costs for various projects, from residential to commercial or even larger infrastructure projects like bridges. You will learn to narrow down the cost of materials, labor, and time, making sure every aspect of a project is budgeted accurately. For instance, you can estimate costs for constructing an office building or work out the materials and labor needed for a renovation.
In a typical class, you will also learn how to use estimating or spreadsheet software. This speeds up the process and makes the project far more accurate. This means you can handle estimating for projects of all sizes, whether it’s a residential home or a large build like a shopping center. With this skill, you’ll become one of the most important parts of keeping the build on schedule and budget.
Overall, construction estimating opens more opportunities across the industry, whether you’re working for a contractor, a construction firm, or even starting your own business. As a Construction Estimator, you serve as one of the vital parts of the build and will help companies win bids, manage costs, and deliver successful projects.
What Will I Learn in a Construction Estimating Class?
In a construction estimating class, you can expect to learn a few essential skills like blueprint reading and interpretation. By learning this, you’ll be able to determine the materials you will need as well as how much it will likely cost. You will learn about take-offs, which entails measuring and counting the materials from the plans. These skills are the foundation of construction estimating, including everything like labor, materials, equipment, and the final budget for the project.
A big part of construction estimating classes is getting familiar with software and tools that can help make the process simpler. This includes Microsoft Excel, which is perhaps the most common tool in construction estimating. The tools you’ll study in a typical class are standard within the industry and make data organization and calculations far more accurate. You will learn how to enter project details, track expenses, and tweak the estimates as needed depending on market price fluctuations. These tools streamline the entire process and make for more precise project estimates.
Beyond technical skills, you will also learn certain soft skills like problem-solving and resourcefulness. You will often have to make decisions with incomplete information or deal with things like project scope changes. Developing the ability to assess these situations and make smart, quick decisions is what really sets a great estimator apart. While you explore the technical side of estimating you will also come out with better critical thinking and decision-making skills that are necessary for any project.
What Kinds of Training Options are Available to Learn Construction Estimating?
You can approach construction estimating in several ways. It all depends on what you prefer as well as your schedule, goals, and learning style. For instance, some prefer in-person training because it offers the most interaction. It’s an immersive training method that gives you hands-on practice with the material and allows you to interact with peers, ask the instructor questions, and gain practical experience.
Live online classes are another choice. In this training method, you can expect a course structure similar to an in-person class but with a little more freedom. You can practice construction estimating tasks, ask for instructor feedback, and feel support from your virtual peers. Essentially, you get real-time lessons, group discussions, and hands-on practice all from the comfort of your home.
If you prefer to set the tone for your classes but prefer having support as needed, a self-directed course provides that. You learn from a mix of resources, such as readings, videos, and activities, and participate in interactive discussion boards with other students. There is no set schedule so you get to choose when and how you learn. If you feel stuck or need clarification, many self-directed training providers offer support to students in the form of mentors and other resources.
The last option is on-demand courses, which offer ultimate flexibility. You will learn through similar learning materials to a self-directed course but complete the course totally solo. Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera offer courses that allow you to learn construction estimating whenever you feel works best for your schedules and needs.
Choosing the Right Training Method for You
With any educational pursuit, you’ll want to consider several factors before deciding which training method is right for you. In-person training offers interaction and hands-on experience which makes it easy to pick up the skills. An instructor is also there to help you progress through the curriculum and you can network with others in the class. However, you need to be present for each class, which means having the time, transportation, and funds to attend. If you have a flexible schedule and live within a reasonable distance from the training center, an in-person course is a great option. This is especially true if you want to take your training from the classroom to the workplace.
Those who can’t attend an in-person class but still want structured, professional training can opt for a live online class. You can attend from anywhere with an internet connection without needing to leave the house. The classes are interactive and collaborative and you still follow course guidelines and timelines, which works for busy professionals who want to learn new skills. Still, you have to consider several factors. First, live online training gives you more options but you may have to consider time zones. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid technical issues that could potentially disrupt your experience. Although live online training is flexible, you still have to attend a class so your schedule has to be somewhat open.
Self-directed courses give you the option to pace yourself. You can access a mentor if you need clarification, but otherwise, the course is hands-off. This method is ideal for driven individuals who don’t need someone hovering over them to make sure they get their work done. On the other hand, this requires such a high level of discipline that it could be easy for even the most determined learner to fall off course. Plus, the limited interaction makes it a little less effective if that’s not your vibe. You might find that you spend more time on certain trickier topics and fall a little behind where you thought you would be.
Lastly, on-demand classes are incredibly flexible and offer a wide range of options, from beginner to advanced and short courses to certificates. They are cost-effective and allow you to revisit material as you wish, skip information that you feel is unnecessary, and study according to your comfort level. However, these classes lack interaction, so you can procrastinate or lose motivation as a result. Most importantly, consider the quality of the on-demand course you pick. Some providers have a wide variety of courses, but some are not aligned with current industry standards. Above all else, ensure the provider is reputable before choosing an on-demand course.
Construction Estimating Job Titles and Salaries
A Construction Estimator calculates the total cost of a project by analyzing blueprints, materials, labor, and other factors. They provide detailed cost estimates to ensure projects don’t go out of budget. According to Indeed, Atlanta-based Construction Estimators earn 16% above the national average, landing at roughly $94,000. However, salaries can vary depending on your level of seniority. For instance, a Junior Construction Estimator earns closer to $68,000 whereas a senior-level employee could earn closer to $103,000.
A Construction Project Manager oversees all aspects of a construction project, from start to finish. They manage budgets, timelines, and coordination between contractors, subcontractors, and stakeholders to ensure everything stays on the right track. Construction Project Managers living in Atlanta can expect an average salary of $99,000, per reports from Indeed. This is roughly the same as the national average and the field offers room for growth.
BIM Managers oversee the implementation and management of digital models used in construction projects. They ensure teams use the correct models, manage data, and troubleshoot any BIM-related issues. Overall, they improve collaboration and efficiency throughout a project's life cycle. Glassdoor shares that the average BIM Manager in Atlanta earns an average expected salary between $75,000 and $106,000, averaging $89,000.
Construction Estimating Corporate Training
Corporate training has become an increasingly popular way for businesses to level up their teams, especially when it comes to specialized skills like construction estimating. It’s taken off mainly because corporate training allows companies to sharpen their employee's skills and tailor the lessons to fit those needs. Whether it includes learning new software or simply staying on top of industry trends, corporate training is immeasurably beneficial. VDCI offers corporate training with both in-person and live online options so your team can learn in a way that fits their schedule and location. The instructors bring real-world experience and give your team hands-on practice so they can start putting their skills to use right away.
If you are interested in training multiple teams or employees, VDCI also allows your organization to purchase discounted bulk vouchers for regular classes. This means your team can be on the same page without breaking the budget. It’s a cost-effective and enjoyable way to assist with your team’s growth. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to VDCI at partnerships@vdci.edu to discuss scheduling, pricing, and training options.
