Best Construction Estimating Classes in Phoenix

What is Construction Estimating?

Construction estimating is the art of calculating costs for construction projects. In addition to calculating prices for materials, equipment, labor, and overhead, construction estimating also includes efforts to determine material quantities, risks, timelines, and profit margins. 

Prior to the 1980s, construction estimating was done by hand and involved on-paper faxes and hand-written reports. Since then, however, the advent of computer programs (such as spreadsheet software), cloud technology, automation, and other tools have significantly accelerated the time needed to produce and share construction estimates. 

Construction Estimating Classes Near Me

Taking classes will speed up the time it takes you to learn construction estimating and may even provide you with professional experience. The options available in Phoenix are diverse and include onsite, online, and self-directed classes. You can also choose between short classes and bootcamps that offer the intensive training needed for a career. 

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If you want an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) education that’s both flexible and comprehensive, consider joining one of the self-paced programs offered by the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI). At this school, you’ll benefit from part-time, self-directed training that includes practical assignments and 1-on-1 mentorship, providing the perfect blend of structure and flexibility. VDCI’s Construction Estimator Course provides both practical and theoretical training in construction estimation, beginning with foundational knowledge like estimate types and structures. From there, construction estimating experts walk you through the process of generating estimates and proposals. 

If you want to add some additional skills to your roster, VDCI also has a Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Course Bundle. In addition to covering all the skills included in the Construction Estimator Course, this three-course bundle offers blueprint reading instruction for both commercial and residential construction documents. In other words, this program will give you the knowledge needed to accurately interpret complex construction documents before then creating cost estimates. While in the class you’ll have the opportunity to work with a licensed Architect who can help you reach your goals more effectively. 

VDCI also offers even more comprehensive programs such as the Construction Management Fundamentals Course Bundle designed to bridge the gap between construction and leadership. In this program, you’ll learn how to manage large construction projects from the planning stage through completion. You’ll gain practice with key skills including project scheduling, delivery, cost estimating, and proposals. Moreover, you’ll receive a thorough overview of the construction industry, including how it interacts with related sectors such as design. Though this program is open to beginners, it’s most appropriate for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals with pre-existing experience. 

Learners interested in supporting local schools can attend courses at schools like Gateway Community College. Produced in collaboration with Ed2Go, their Fundamentals of Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating program offers an in-depth look at the relationships between construction drawings and cost estimates. The program doesn’t require full (or even part-time) enrollment at the college to participate but is open to any interested learner. While completing assignments at their own pace, students in the course learn how to interpret blueprint documents and analyze them to estimate takeoffs, quantities, and prices. 

Another Phoenix-based school, the Home Building Academy, also offers construction career courses that include training in construction estimating. Meeting in-person, the Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training Carpentry program gives students an overview of construction best practices, hand and power tools, materials, and other equipment. In a unit dedicated specifically to construction math, students will learn how to read basic construction documents and estimate material quantities. To ensure their safety, learners also explore industry regulations, practice performing first aid, and demonstrate job site safety practices. In addition, students receive professional training that covers job applications and interviews.

For additional training options, check out classes by providers like Maricopa Community College and the National Electrical Contractors Association. 

What Can You Do with Construction Estimating Training?

Construction estimating is a common career path, but is also an important aspect of amateur building projects. By quickly calculating various costs, builders can increase productivity and plan more effectively for safety. Costs you can calculate with construction estimating include:

• Prices for equipment, materials, labor, overhead (this includes business costs like insurance and utilities), and indirect costs (such as transportation, legal fees, and permits).
• Profit margins (including unit pricing for the sale of building assets) and bid estimates. 
• Material quantities and takeoffs. 
• Risks.
• Square footage and other size measurements
• The time needed to complete various phases of a project. 
• Wages for contractors and other personnel involved in the project. 

What Will I Learn in a Construction Estimating Class?

Participants in construction estimating classes will learn methods and technologies for accurately determining the costs of construction projects. Topics may include: 

• Estimation methods (which may include analogous estimation, parametric estimation, three-point estimation, bottom-up estimation, and the expert judgment method. 
• Estimate types (including bid estimates, quantity estimates, and control estimates).
• Levels of detail in estimates (these include rough order of magnitude estimates, schematic design estimates, preliminary construction estimates, substantive Construction estimates, and definitive estimates).
• Blueprint reading. 
• Material takeoffs. 
• Labor and timeline estimation. 
• Overhead costs.
• Cost breakdown structure (useful for categorically organizing estimates). 
• Contingency planning. 
• Bidding and bidding tactics. 
• Software for simplifying calculations and creating proposals. 

Each class covers these skills at a different depth and may include just one or all of these skills. In addition, some courses offer more advanced training that incorporates construction estimating into a larger curriculum intended to prepare students for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) careers. 

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Construction Estimating?

Today, students can find several different styles of construction estimating courses, making it easier than ever to customize training plans.

In-person Construction Estimating Training

Students who value face-to-face conversations and interactive learning can participate in onsite construction estimated training for a traditional classroom learning experience. In addition to providing opportunities to field questions, these courses often include complimentary access to software and equipment. 

Live Online Construction EstimatingTraining

Using video conferencing technology, live online construction estimating classes mirror the interactivity of a traditional classroom. Students can thus ask questions and enjoy activities in real-time from any location with a strong internet connection. 

On-Demand Construction Estimating Training

Instead of teaching through live instruction on-demand (or asynchronous) training takes pre-recorded content as its medium. At their own pace, students study through reading lessons, tutorials, video and audio lectures, and practice tasks. These flexible classes are offered through Udemy, Coursera, and Autodesk. 

Self-directed Construction Estimating Training

Self-directed construction estimating classes provide benefits characteristic of both live and on-demand training. Participants in these classes work with live instructors but set their own pace as they head toward self-defined goals. Some self-directed classes include job support, mentoring, and other benefits. 

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

Students can explore the pros and cons outlined below to more easily determine which training style is right for their situation.

The benefits of in-person construction estimating classes stem largely from the classes’ face-to-face nature and real-time instruction. In-person students face few barriers when it comes to getting instructor support and can enjoy engaging with group activities and demonstrations. This style of training requires scheduled time commitments at a physical location. 

Live online courses allow students to avoid commuting by participating in scheduled at-time classes. These programs come with the same perks as in-person options but demand less time. To operate in real-time, these classes need a high-speed internet Connection. Moreover, they aren’t well suited to students who find it difficult to focus or work with a computer screen. 

On-demand programs exist at the intersection of high flexibility and lack of resources. Participants won’t have access to instructor support or professional experience and should expect to stay within beginner topics. That said, the flexibility and cheap pricing of on-demand programs often work well for amateur enthusiasts who don’t need professional expertise. 

Self-directed courses surpass on-demand classes in their ability to provide flexibility while still including many benefits of live training styles. Students in these programs don’t usually need to attend scheduled meetings but can still connect with teachers in real-time. Covering more ground, these classes offer holistic training that frequently features professional experience and career support. 

How Hard is It to Learn Construction Estimating?

Everyone who learns constructive experience will have a unique experience, with different aspects standing out as challenging. In general, the more students plan to learn about this skill, the more challenging their experience (meaning that it’s harder to gain professional proficiency than to learn the basics. Additionally, construction estimating is easier for students who are experienced in areas like mathematics, finance, blueprints, and data analytics.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Construction Estimating?

Difficulties that new learners encounter while learning construction estimating often include the ones listed below. 

• Level of Detail: Creating accurate estimates depends on a high level of detail orientation, which comes more naturally to some students than others. 
• Fluctuating Data: Accounting for changes to prices, uncertain overhead costs, and unexpected conditions is challenging for newcomers. 
• Finance and Math: Construction estimating requires many math and financial technology skills, which aren’t naturally intuitive for everyone. 
• Scope: Accurately assessing the full scope of different projects demands practice. 
• Risk: Novices can struggle with assessing risks and creating contingency plans. 
• Blueprint Reading: Newcomers typically take time to get comfortable interpreting complex construction documents. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Construction Estimating?

Influenced by factors such as student goals, starting experience, and training style, timelines for learning construction estimating are highly individual. Learning foundational construction estimating skills generally takes a few months of structured training, followed by at least a year to develop professional-level proficiency. This extra year also accounts for the time needed to gather professional experience. As a rule, students who participate in live classes and have prior experience with AEC topics learn more rapidly than those who don’t. 

Can I Learn Construction Estimating for Free Online?

At no cost, novices can use the internet to begin learning construction estimating basics. Free construction estimating resources include:

• Educational blogs (like this one).
• Construction estimating video tutorials and lectures (popularly found on YouTube). 
• Free seminars (find them at vocational school websites).

Aspiring professionals should note, however, that career-level training and experience can’t be obtained this way.

What Should I Learn Alongside Construction Estimating?

Revit becomes even more versatile when builders understand how to combine it effectively with other skills. For example, mastering building codes and standards makes it possible to use Revit for more official builds than your average backyard treehouse. When choosing complementary skills, students should consider how they align with their goals. 

Here are some in-demand skills commonly used with Revit:

• Blueprint reading.
• Technical drawing, drafting, and 3D modeling.
• Software skills (can include Excel, Tableau, STACK, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, or even Photoshop).
• Construction or architecture.
• Building codes and standards.
• Structural design and/or analysis. 
• Engineering (can include structural, civil, and mechanical engineering).
• MEP systems.
• Data management and analytics. 
• Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Programming.
• Project management. 
• Real estate and property development. 
• Soft skills (can include problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, creativity, and interdisciplinary coordination).

Industries That Use Construction Estimating

Because physical spaces (like stores, homes, and other structures) are utilized by most industries, so is construction estimating. As a result, construction estimating is important across Phoenix’s largest industries, including healthcare, business, aerospace, and defense.

Commerce and Business

A popular location for business, Phoenix is known for its large talent pool and low operating costs. Each quarter, this popularity increases as investments grow by another 83%. The companies that comprise Phoenix’s diverse business environment include chain stores like Spout’s Farmer’s Market and PetSmart, Fortune-500 companies such as Avnet, and start-ups like GoDaddy. While building commercial facilities, retail stores, and workspaces, these businesses frequently use construction estimating to manage building budgets. 

Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

With many expenses to account for during the making of airplanes, semiconductors, and other local specialties, Phoenix’s manufacturing industry uses construction estimation to keep project spending in check. In Phoenix, the strong military and aerospace market offer America’s 4th highest concentration of aerospace manufacturing job opportunities. Among the top employers are military bases like Luke Air Force Base, start-ups such as Gulfstream, and legacy companies like Lockheed Martin. Every day, workers from these and other companies help Phoenix to build electronics, semiconductors, machines, weapons, and airplane parts.

Healthcare

Between healthcare and biotech, more than 90,000 jobs are expected to open up over the coming decade, making them one of the fastest-growing sectors in Phoenix. In addition to providing high-quality patient care, Phoenix is a key research center with thousands of clinical trials running at any given time. The city includes 40+ academic establishments (including Arizona State University) along with independent research firms like Barrow Neurological Institute, Mayo Clinic, and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. While not commonly associated with the healthcare industry, construction estimating plays an important role in budgeting for the construction of medical facilities. 

Construction Estimating Job Titles and Salaries

While most construction estimating jobs involve large building projects, these roles vary significantly in terms of focus, with some roles honing in on specific aspects of construction, from electrical projects to project management. In the US, construction estimating careers earn approximately $32,000 more than most other occupations. 

Construction Estimator

In this profession, workers evaluate the most likely costs associated with construction projects, including materials, labor, and time. They typically depend on skills such as blueprint reading, project management, software proficiency, and data analysis. They earn an average salary of approximately $83,000 to $117,000 per year in Phoenix. 

Construction Manager

To supervise each stage of a construction project, these professionals need skills in BIM, construction estimating, leadership, and project management. The expected annual salary is between $79,000 and $120,000. 

Construction Superintendent

While Construction Managers head out the administrative side of construction projects, Construction Superintendents oversee onsite tasks and workers. This position promises salaries averaging approximately $87,000 to $127,000

Electrical Estimator

A sub-niche of construction estimating, electrical estimating specifically deals with the costs connected to electrical work. Electrical Estimators may tackle residential, commercial, and industrial projects and need skills in data analysis, relevant software, blueprint reading, electrical engineering, and construction management. Local salaries for this role average around $76,000 to $115,000.

Construction Estimating Corporate Training

Investing in corporate construction estimating training is an efficient option for companies that need to optimize spending and onsite productivity for their construction projects. The corporate construction training available through VDCI is customizable to enable individuals and teams to learn in their preferred format. Teams can select from online classes, self-paced training, and onsite instruction that includes a visiting instructor. 

By providing workers with class vouchers, companies can also give individual team members the option to pursue personalized training independently. Coming at a notable discount when purchased in bulk, vouchers also enable larger teams to save money on training. Ask a question or find out more about corporate construction estimating training when you email VDCI.