Best Construction Estimating Classes in Washington, D.C.

What is Construction Estimating?

Estimates are crucial to industries, perhaps no more so than in construction. Whether the project is a commercial property or an infrastructure project like a railway or bridge, estimates must include everything from labor and subcontractor costs to takeoffs—the industry lingo for all materials and quantities required.

Once limited to handwritten documents, construction estimates eventually evolved into spreadsheet software in the digital age. However, construction pros today often rely on cloud-based estimating systems, typically software-as-a-service (SaaS). Read on to learn more about this essential component of the construction industry.

Construction Estimating Classes in Washington, D.C.

VDCI offers multiple construction estimating courses you can take online at your own pace. Their nationally accredited curricula include a 20-hour Construction Estimator Course Online covering construction drawings, quantity-takeoffs, and other topics like an estimate's components and sub-components. They also host a Blueprint Reading and Construction Estimating Course Online, combining the construction estimate curriculum with a 30-hour training module on the essential skill of reading construction documents, also known as blueprint packages.

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You can save by taking these courses in a broader construction curriculum, VDCI’s Construction Professional Course Online. The immersive certificate program comprises 160 hours of high-level training, from the beginner-friendly Site Utilities, Earthwork & Foundation course to in-depth MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and building systems. Additional topics include commercial and residential blueprint reading, fire protection, and construction management, to name a few.

Design-Build America, based in Washington, D.C., hosts in-person and online courses for architecture, engineering, and construction professionals, including BIM training. Their BIM Execution Planning for Design-Build program covers different case uses for implementing BIM. Graduates earn eight continuing education units (CEUs).

PDH Star is another course provider that hosts construction training online. Their OSHA 30 Construction class teaches students ages 18 and above how to identify, prevent, and avoid job-related safety hazards. The Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) is the official U.S. Department of Labor regulatory agency. Graduates receive their OSHA Department of Labor card by USPS mail around six to eight weeks after commencement.

Safety Dynamics offers online safety training for construction professionals approved by organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Their courses comply with international standards. The SST 10-Hour Fall Protection & Drug and Alcohol Awareness class is an example.

Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Washington, a national trade association, provides live online classes for construction professionals. Topics include Safety Leader and Manager (SLAM) training for supervisors working toward obtaining their Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) cards. Check course listings for more details. 

The University of the District of Columbia, in collaboration with Ed2Go, hosts an online Revit Basics course. This self-paced program covers 60 hours of training, including introductory and intermediate Revit. Online learners may need to update their systems or download materials, so read hardware and software requirements with care.

What Can You Do with Construction Estimating Training?

What you do with construction estimates depends on several factors, particularly your job responsibilities. For example, consider the following titles of industry professionals who need to be familiar with estimates:

• Architects
• Builders
• Construction Estimators
• Designers
• Engineers
• Project Managers
• Subcontractors

These highly-trained pros must understand estimates, but only some will create them. Even within the Construction Estimator role, variations exist. A Construction Civil Engineering Estimator might need to build a dataset that affects all project costs, whereas a Junior Estimator might support a Senior Estimator but have no decision-making authority.

While construction estimate training doesn't require building projects per se, it can cover numerous essential aspects of this indispensable skill. A good program should teach participants the components of a construction estimate, the relationship between construction drawings and estimates, and how to estimate materials and labor costs.

What Will I Learn in a Construction Estimating Class?

Takeoffs

Most construction estimating beginners understand the meanings of common terms like costs, budgets, pricing, or materials. The first piece of unfamiliar industry jargon they encounter in an estimating course may be takeoff, the process of listing the necessary quantities and costs for all project materials. Takeoff training may be open to novices, but estimators should also have blueprint reading skills for real-world projects.

Cost Categories

It might sound obvious that estimators must know cost categories, but these are more complex than most construction beginners realize. Categories include direct costs like labor, materials, and equipment. They also include indirect costs like insurance, taxes, and permits.

Validation Scales

A comprehensive construction estimating program will cover validation scales, an essential checkup of an estimate before submission. Validation means verifying that all scales are correct on construction drawings. Construction Estimators routinely double- or triple-check all work.

Attention to Detail

While you might not learn attention to detail in a course, it’s one of the most essential soft skills for Construction Estimators. Other soft skills for Construction Estimators include collaboration, leadership, and time and project management.

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

Those new to construction estimating often wonder what type of training will be the best choice. Consider the following four popular methods for construction estimating coursework:

In-Person

Many construction estimating beginners choose the traditional classroom for training if it is available. However, in-person construction estimating programs are few and far between. Consider broadening the search for training options to include online coursework.

Live Online/Virtual

Some providers make their construction estimating courses available live online through teleconferencing. If they host in-person training, their virtual classes typically present the same materials, but students can participate from the comfort of the office or home.

On-Demand

On-demand or asynchronous training usually consists of pre-recorded videos, though some on-demand course providers include student chat groups or written materials as additional resources. Popular on-demand providers include Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare.

Self-Directed

Some of the most popular construction estimating programs are from course providers that offer self-directed courses or bundles. These may include additional support and guidance from expert instructors or mentors. For example, the Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) hosts self-directed construction estimating courses featuring beginner-friendly materials, expert instructors available to answer questions, and online discussion forums for additional support.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

Training methods have a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Construction estimating beginners must determine their specific learning needs, availability, and budget before finding the perfect program that meets these criteria. Full- or part-time classes that require commuting can pose a challenge, and most trainees cannot take time off work for training. Although live courses offer high engagement, few providers host live in-person or online construction estimating coursework.

On the other hand, on-demand or self-directed classes from a respected provider like VDCI can offer high-level training. Many such programs provide student software, mentoring sessions with expert instructors, and digital certificates of completion. If self-paced training has a disadvantage, it's a lower engagement level. However, motivated participants can make up for this by studying the materials, attending student discussion forums, and contacting the instructor when questions arise.

The many options available can make choosing one of them seem challenging. Still, with care and research, you can discover the perfect construction estimating course that fits your training needs, availability, and budget.

How Hard is It to Learn Construction Estimating?

Construction estimating is a complex skill set. Numerous AEC professionals must be able to understand an estimate, from the Construction Estimator who writes it to the drafting and architecture pros who design the project to the tradespeople who perform labor with materials. Entry-level students can gain an understanding of basic estimating principles within a few weeks of intensive training. However, expertise takes years of on-the-job experience. To get the best start in a concise timeframe, consider enrolling in a construction cost-estimating course from a respected provider.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Construction Estimating?

For many construction beginners, the most challenging part of training is seeing the big picture. While learning individual skills like Revit or AutoCAD may be relatively easy, estimating all construction project materials and labor costs can seem intimidating. Self-paced courses that offer support from industry experts can cover these disparate pieces logically, and this training method helps everyone, from beginners to experienced construction pros, to envision all the aspects of a full-scale project.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Construction Estimating?

The various complex parts of construction estimating require significant proficiency. While many construction novices get familiar with estimating fundamentals between 12 weeks and six months, attaining professional expertise takes at least two years of practical experience. A broad construction curriculum that includes or features estimating can help beginners learn the skills and tools to prepare accurate estimate proposals. Look for a respected provider like VDCI for nationally accredited construction estimating programs.

Can I Learn Construction Estimating Free Online?

Free online resources like blog posts or videos on the Noble Desktop YouTube channel can be excellent resources for learning construction essentials. However, professional skill development doesn’t come for free. A complex skill set like estimating construction costs requires training from expert instructors with practical experience who can answer questions as they arise. The small investment it requires will ultimately save time and money in the long run.

What Should I Learn Alongside Construction Estimating?

Construction estimating skills are essential for numerous professionals, from architecture or engineering to project management. Therefore, what you learn alongside estimating costs depends on your career goals, current position (if any), and how and when you plan to use your new skills. For example, design professionals might need to learn AutoCAD, construction management pros may need a project management platform, and tradespeople have to master their trades, like plumbing or carpentry.

Industries That Use Construction Estimating

Washington, D.C., hosts numerous industries that require construction estimating skills. While the federal government adds the most value to D.C.’s gross domestic product (GDP), and several departments demand BIM (Building Information Modeling) proficiency, the construction industry is the most obvious beneficiary.

Aerospace & Defense

Nearly 25 percent of D.C. residents work for the federal government. The aerospace and defense supersector is among the top industries in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Many professionals in this industry must be familiar with construction estimate proposals, whether for new public projects or those that require subcontractors.

Construction

While not every list of top Washington, D.C., industries includes construction, most mention retail and tourism/hospitality. These industries require new buildings and renovations to existing structures, all of which fall within the purview of construction.

Real Estate

Real estate and rental leasing is the second largest Washington, D.C. industry, right behind the government. Real estate includes residential and commercial properties, and construction estimating skills are crucial to this top sector.

Construction Estimating Job Titles and Salaries

Washington, D.C. careers requiring estimating skills range from construction positions to roles in architecture, electrical engineering, and plumbing. Consider the following job titles and their average annual salary in the D.C. area.

• Subcontractor- Subcontractors need varying technical proficiency and familiarity with construction estimating proposals. In D.C., a Subcontractor can anticipate earning an average annual salary of about $63,000, with overtime pay as high as an additional $7,500.
• Construction Estimator—Construction Estimators in Washington, D.C., earn an average annual salary of around $97,000,18 percent higher than the national average.
• Architects are among the best-paid industry professionals requiring construction estimating skills. D.C. Architects can expect to earn around $132,000 in this area—a stunning 22 percent above the national average for comparable positions.

Construction Estimating Corporate Training

Would your team benefit from corporate and onsite construction estimating training? VDCI offers in-person and online estimating courses and certificate programs, with modern computer labs at their offices or private training at your organization’s location. They can also customize a program to meet your organizational needs and preferences. Topics include construction documents, project management, building structures, interiors, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and soft skills like leadership, collaboration, and teamwork, to name a few.

If you want your employees to have more flexibility in their training schedule, you can send them to VDCI group classes. They provide extensive offerings with flexible schedules, and VDCI provides computers and training resources. For more information,  contact VDCI.