If you’re worried about prerequisites, don’t be. While having relevant knowledge and skills is beneficial, it isn’t necessarily required. Beginners can learn construction estimating just as easily as those with previous experience, so no matter your current skill level, you can find a course to suit your needs. Many training centers have beginner-friendly short courses and bootcamps that help students of all backgrounds become more proficient construction estimating experts. Learning construction estimating gives you an invaluable skill that many employers look for in an employee, so don’t let your level of expertise set you back. Beginners can learn construction estimating just as easily through various course delivery methods.
For instance, you could explore self-paced classes from learning centers like VDCI that allow you to ease into your studies. You can set your own schedule, spend as much time on each lesson as needed, and refer to the instructor for assistance or feedback as needed. Because it’s such a flexible way to learn, you can customize our classes to fit your specific needs. Beginners are welcome in most self-paced classes, particularly those at VDCI, where students of all skill levels are encouraged to expand their construction knowledge. Ultimately, there are many factors to weigh to determine what type of class would be best for you as a beginner.
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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How Beginner-Friendly is Construction Estimating?
Construction estimating can be fairly easy or somewhat challenging, depending on how you approach it. If you have previous experience or strengths in certain skills, like mathematics or financial concepts, then construction estimating may be more beginner-friendly to you. On the other hand, if you are a total beginner, there could be some challenges. However, construction estimating is beginner-friendly enough with the right training method and resources.
On the note of prerequisites, having relevant skills in fields like project management may make it easier to learn construction estimating. Because many management positions have a say in budgeting concerns, it’s often suggested they learn some basic estimating skills. In the construction field, this means learning different materials, equipment, and labor needs for each project and applying those financial management skills to the project.
You may worry that construction estimating won’t be the easiest undertaking. In honesty, there are some learning curves. Approaching a course with realistic expectations is important. However, many classes are beginner-friendly, where it is anticipated that instructors will have to guide students a little further in some areas. But even if you encounter challenges, you can push through by staying motivated and keeping up with a positive mindset.
What Should Beginners Know Before Taking a Construction Estimating Class?
Once you’ve decided to enroll in a construction estimating class, you may not really know what to expect. Before you start your lessons, keep in mind that this will be a gradual learning process. You won’t learn the skills overnight, and through practice, you’ll become more capable. The beauty of most reputable training methods is that they offer hands-on study, which is one of the best ways to reinforce the skills you learn and apply them in the real world with more confidence.
Another thing to remember is that construction is a constantly evolving field that requires learning new tools, software, and methodologies in addition to trends, regulations, and industry standards. Each project comes with new expectations and, consequentially, challenges. A construction estimating class focused on professional development will allow you to work through these challenges and keep up with all the evolving changes from project to project and trend to trend.
While it may feel overwhelming at first, staying organized and paying attention to the details will help make learning construction estimating a less meticulous and tedious process. One of the best ways to stay organized and make the job more accurate is utilizing software like Excel that gives you precise calculations and organized data sets where you need them to be. Before taking a class, it may be worthwhile familiarizing yourself with the interface if you haven’t done so already.
What Tools Are Available For Beginners?
As a beginner, you will likely need more practice to retain the information quickly. Using various tools and resources as a study supplement can make a huge difference when you’re just starting to learn. For example, consider exploring training center websites. This is a smart move because finding a reputable training provider can ensure that the information you are learning is updated and accurate. At training centers like VDCI, you can benefit from resources while enrolled in the class, such as additional mentoring and hands-on projects. As a student or a potential student, you can explore blogs that give more insight into construction estimating, the specific job, all the various tools, and the construction process as a whole.
Otherwise, you can browse through all kinds of video tutorials on YouTube. All kinds of construction professionals turn to the internet as a way to connect and share with others with interest in the field and job. Learning from a current construction estimating professional can give you a significant advantage during your class because you will have insight from other experts, which gives you a better understanding of the construction process from multiple perspectives. You can use video tutorials as a way to troubleshoot something on Excel software or to learn more about different kinds of equipment often needed in construction projects. All this adds to your skill set and helps you advance in your class and field.
Beyond YouTube, social media can be a relatively useful tool. You could explore pages on Facebook where construction professionals from all over the world can connect. If you’re interested in finding a more localized community, you could search for construction pages in your area to find out more about upcoming projects and jobs. Even Instagram or TikTok can help with construction estimating education. Scrolling through different projects can spark creative inspiration, but with your estimating skills, you may be able to practice predicting the cost of projects you see online. Aside from social media, reviewing official organizations, foundations, and construction firm websites can be immeasurably useful for a beginner.
Is Construction Estimating The Best Place For Beginners to Start?
Construction estimating is a relatively good starting place for beginners who want to explore the field a little further. However, it ultimately depends on your interests and goals for working in the construction industry. You can work the technical or business side of the field, but there are transferable skills within both. If you enjoy working with numbers, understand project scopes, and make decisions based on data rather than guesswork, construction estimating could be a great starting point for your new career.
However, there are a few things to consider. Estimating isn’t always the first thing some people think of when they think about a career in construction. It requires a lot of hard work and analysis. You will frequently work with software tools and mathematical equations to determine the most precise predicted cost. It’s a good entry into the industry if you are looking for a career path that combines both technical skills and problem-solving skills, but if you want something more physical, such as on-site work, construction estimating may not be as exciting.
If you want to become a Construction Estimator, it may benefit you to also learn relevant skills that may be easier or more challenging depending on your relevant experience or strengths. For instance, you could also learn Building Information Modeling (BIM) through VDCI. Several courses cover how to create detailed 3D models with tools like Revit or AutoCAD. For instance, the Revit Fundamentals Course is a great starting place as it’s open to beginners. Likewise, you could work your way up to completing the BIM Certificate Program, where you’ll specifically learn how to create 3D models for commercial building projects.
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.