Construction estimating is used in all kinds of industries and professions, ranging from construction and architecture to engineering and project management. Contractors and subcontractors also rely on construction estimating skills to provide an estimate for the total cost of materials, labor, and equipment for their projects. Architects and Engineers use estimating skills when designing and planning projects, ultimately to ensure that designs are within budget. Moreover, Project Managers and Procurement Specialists need some level of estimating skills to control costs and make better decisions about the construction process. Essentially, any field involved in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of the building or structure can benefit from these skills.
Beyond the obvious use in the construction industry, many related fields like real estate, urban planning, and manufacturing use construction estimating skills. For instance, Real Estate Agents and Developers may use estimating skills to determine the budget for new properties or renovations, while Urban Planners rely on accurate estimates to assess the costs of community projects. Even in industries like manufacturing, estimating skills can calculate the cost of a building’s facilities and production lines. Construction estimating is a versatile skill that can open the door to tons of new opportunities for your professional life. If you are just starting out or looking to add value to your current role, learning construction estimating can be a rewarding experience and endeavor that will get you ahead in your career. Get started today, and you will quickly see how this practical skill can help set you apart from others during the job search.
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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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.
Industries That Make Use of Construction Estimating
Construction
The construction industry involves infrastructure, residential, commercial, and industrial projects and relies on construction estimating to keep things within budget. You could work on residential homes or large-scale infrastructure projects like bridges, but both require a professional to help determine the total cost, assess the materials and labor required, and make sure the project’s budget can align with the scope of work and the client and stakeholder expectations.
Many Construction Estimators work on single-family homes or multi-family apartments within the residential world. Commercial projects may include offices, retail spaces, malls, or hotels, whereas infrastructure projects include things like roads, tunnels, and highways, which is an entirely different endeavor. Furthermore, Construction Estimators may work on large-scale facilities and warehouses or merely provide estimates for smaller renovations and expansions.
Government
Construction estimating is also used in government projects, including buildings, infrastructure, and civil works. These projects are frequently funded by the government at either the local, state, or federal level. As such, they are subject to strict regulatory standards and bidding processes that require specific estimating expertise. In this field, Construction Estimators frequently work on large-scale projects with high budgets that have to factor in everything from public funding and safety regulations to the environmental impact and overall purpose.
Infrastructure projects are often associated with the government such as highways or bridges, but there are many other possible projects in this field. For instance, government buildings like courthouses and administrative buildings need Construction Estimators as much as military projects like bases or defense facilities. Furthermore, public projects like parks, community centers, playgrounds, and affordable housing developments require the most precise predicted costs to provide the best space for the purpose and those who will use it.
Real Estate
In the real estate industry, which revolves around property management, Construction Estimators mainly focus on cost analysis for different kinds of developments and make sure the project is sure to be financially reasonable and profitable in the future. Their work drives the decision-making process when it comes to pricing, bidding, and investment opportunities for developers and investors alike.
Residential properties are most commonly associated with the real estate industry. A Construction Estimator working for a real estate development company would estimate the cost to build homes, townhouses, and condos as well as commercial properties like offices, retail stores, and other multi-use developments. However, estimating is also needed for renovations (such as when updating an older property for resale or rent) and urban development, like land reclamation and revitalization.
Manufacturing
Estimating in the manufacturing industry focuses on building or updating facilities or production. This could involve factories, plants, warehouses, and distribution centers. This involves understanding the cost associated with materials, equipment, facilities, and labor, as well as remaining in compliance with industrial standards and regulations.
Specifically, factory construction includes building facilities that produce anything from consumer goods to automotive parts and would require careful consideration to determine the cost. Likewise, solar and wind farms are considered manufacturing projects and require factoring in the need for materials, equipment, and labor to build and maintain. Even the warehouses that ship out your consumer goods need strong estimators to be built and operate properly.
Environmental and Sustainability
The environmental and sustainability industries involve projects that focus on preserving natural resources, reducing human impact on the Earth, and creating eco-friendly spaces. In this field, estimating skills are highly sought after to account for green building standards, environmental regulations, and renewable energy solutions when estimating the overall cost. This sector also includes waste management systems, sustainable agriculture, and water treatment projects.
For instance, constructing energy-efficient buildings that adhere to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards is a common environmental construction project. In addition, an estimator may calculate the cost to build solar farms, recycling facilities, or water treatment plants. Even roads can be constructed with eco-friendly standards in mind and need an estimating professional to determine the overall cost of sustainable designs.
Common Construction Estimating Job Titles
Construction Estimator
A Construction Estimator is responsible for calculating and predicting the total cost of a construction project, including labor, materials, equipment, and other fees. They will review architectural drawings and blueprints to assist in planning a budget. In addition, they evaluate different kinds of materials and tools needed and determine what the best course of action would be to acquire those resources. The estimator ensures the project stays within budget and sticks to the specific timeline, but also identifies areas where potential risks or issues could arise and calculates that into the budget as well. They work with Contractors, Vendors, and Suppliers to gather the best estimate possible and play a pivotal role in the overall completion of the project.
Indeed reports on estimated salaries from professionals all across the country. Construction Estimators in the United States, for instance, earn roughly $82,000 on average, but this depends largely on location as well. For instance, those living in Phoenix earn roughly $97,000, whereas those in Houston earn closer to the national average. Moreover, your experience plays a huge factor as well. Junior positions start closer to $73,000, whereas those in senior positions could expect salaries between $116,000 and $126,000. With more practice and time, the field will come far more easily.
Construction Manager
While the estimator handles the cost of the project, a Construction Manager will oversee the entire project from start to finish. They schedule the build, manage a budget, and supervise various teams to ensure everything goes according to plan. They ensure the project also complies with safety standards, codes, laws, and overall building regulations. While most Construction Managers tend to run the show, they often share the responsibility and work with Architects, Engineers, and Subcontractors to make sure everything goes off without issue.
Construction Managers earn roughly $97,000 per year, according to Indeed. However, some of the highest-paying cities for these professionals include San Diego, Washington, D.C., and Austin. Some junior-level positions start closer to $67,000, whereas senior-level positions earn an average of roughly $107,000, so there is considerable wiggle room depending on your experience, location, and even the company.
Civil 3D Coordinator
A Civil 3D Coordinator manages and coordinates the use of Civil 3D software by Autodesk to assist a company. They will oversee the creation, modification, and eventual design of civil engineering projects like roads, airports, railways, and other kinds of land development. They most often collaborate with Engineers and Designers to ensure the software is used efficiently for design, drafting, and analysis purposes. In addition, they may train other staff in Civil 3D to help keep everyone up-to-date with the project standards.
Typically, a Civil 3D Coordinator can earn roughly anywhere between $50,000 and $70,000 per various job openings listed on Indeed. Of course, location plays a huge factor. For instance, some roles in Denver offer salaries closer to $60,000 to $87,000. Likewise, you could live in Charlotte as a Civil 3D Coordinator and earn somewhere between $74,000 and $92,000 on average. Beyond location, your level of experience may play a factor in whether you land a junior-level role or a senior position, which vary in salary expectations.
CAD Manager
With construction estimating skills, you could transition into other areas of expertise as well such as computer-aided design. This could be essential when vying for a job as a CAD Manager in a construction firm. Additional training in CAD could lead to a better understanding of how construction projects work, which is valuable when determining the estimated cost of materials, equipment, and labor. In particular, you could become a CAD Manager, where you design and oversee various construction projects to ensure the drawings meet quality and accuracy standards. Although they have slightly different responsibilities than a Construction Estimator, these skills can complement one another.
Indeed also shares that a CAD Manager earns slightly more than $92,000 each year. Los Angeles is among the highest-paying cities for a CAD Manager to live in, with average salaries of $104,000 in comparison to the national average. However, some professionals can expect an average salary slightly less than the national average, depending on the city. For instance, those living in Chicago earn closer to $89,000. This is only slightly less but is worth considering along with the cost of living and your desires.
BIM Coordinator
Similar to the CAD Manager position, construction estimating professionals can become BIM Coordinators with additional training to better understand the project life cycle. BIM Coordinators are responsible for managing the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes and tools in a construction or design project. They keep up with the BIM software and models, ensuring they are used effectively throughout the project lifecycle from design through construction. BIM Coordinators collaborate with various stakeholders such as Architects, Engineers, and Contractors, throughout the entire process so that the model is accurate, comprehensive, and integrated into every aspect of the design. They may also oversee the development of 3D models and provide guidance on BIM practices.
Data from Glassdoor states that the typical salary range for a BIM Coordinator in the United States is somewhere between $59,000 and $90,000. The average rests around $73,000. However, experience plays a factor. For instance, if you have experience with both management and consulting, salaries may differ. Likewise, once you reach the lead role, your salary expectations will expand considerably.
How to Learn Construction Estimating
You can learn construction estimating from several training methods, but which one works best for you will depend entirely on your needs, preferences, and goals. You will get the benefit of direct interaction with experienced instructors who can answer questions in real time and provide practical examples. The neutral learning environment removes distractions and gives you the full immersion method. In-person classes often include workshops and group activities, which gives you more interaction than other methods. You get the chance to practice estimating actual project plans while networking with other professionals and hopefuls in the industry. Making connections could be helpful in the long run as you continue to learn, land a job, and apply your new skills. This method requires making a commute, showing up to class on time every session, and having the resources to attend. As a result, this learning method may be better suited for some than others, but it is a worthwhile endeavor.
Live online courses offer the flexibility of learning from home while still being able to interact with your instructor and classmates. You get the benefit of live sessions where you can ask questions, participate in discussions, and get immediate feedback. This format often includes learning from demonstrations, reading materials, online projects, and case studies. You can ask the instructor direct questions and get immediate assistance. It is a great way to learn if you want a structured schedule but need flexibility to actually have time to learn. Plus, you don’t have to deal with a commute! Of course, you will have to account for any technical issues and maintain a strong signal so you do not end up missing any essential lessons. Some courses are also held in different time zones, so it is important you double-check the course times before enrolling.
If you are someone who likes to learn at a speed that fits better with your learning style, a self-paced course may be the best option. You can work through the course materials, videos, quizzes, and exercises on your own time. This gives you plenty of time to absorb the material without the stress of keeping up with other students. If you have a busy schedule, are a current working professional, or prefer to spend additional time on concepts that might be harder to grasp. Self-paced courses are often affordable and give you the freedom to learn when and where it is most convenient for you. This option makes it flexible for people with different learning styles. In addition, you aren’t left to your own devices entirely. You can access a professional instructor to ask questions or receive feedback. If you are self-disciplined, highly motivated, and interested in learning at home, without the usual structure and guidance of a live course, then a self-paced option is worth looking into.
Lastly, you could opt for an on-demand course. This learning style is similar to self-paced options but with an emphasis on flexibility and immediate access. Once you sign up, you will be able to access the course materials as you like. You can start with videos and articles or complete quizzes and projects as you see fit. Moreover, you can skip certain parts of the course that you already know or that aren’t relevant to your studies. There is no set time to finish, nor are there specific guidelines. It is perfect for those who want to learn at a personalized pace, need convenience, and prefer individual studying opportunities. Whether you are incredibly busy or just prefer a relaxed learning experience, on-demand courses can let you fit the course nicely into your life rather than feeling crammed in. This method is entirely hands-off, so it is important to keep that in mind if you prefer more structure or guidance.
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.