Sometimes, you want to learn a new skill as quickly as you possibly can. If this applies to you and you want to know more about construction estimating, there are a few options. This is a fairly tricky skill that usually takes a considerable amount of time to learn -- there are so many details to remember, from material costs and labor to project timelines and specific software. But with certain learning methods, you can pick up on those skills with less struggle. For those eager to learn in as little time as possible, no need to worry. It can feel like a lot to absorb at first, but there are ways to make it easier.
The quickest way to learn construction estimating is by simply practicing. Opting for a hands-on program, regardless of whether it’s conducted in-person or online, is essential to learning the skills fast. You can take a short course focused on one particular aspect of construction estimating, like Microsoft Excel, or you can take an all-encompassing course that covers all the big and small concepts associated with the field. Regardless, the key is to choose a hands-on method that takes a practical approach to learning a new skill. In these types of classes, you will learn from case studies, explore realistic assignments, and receive guidance from an actual expert. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll get the hang of construction estimating. If you are ready to take the leap and explore this rewarding field as soon as possible, it is important to consider all your learning opportunities.
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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What are the Basics Construction Estimating Skills I Can Learn Quickly?
Among the first important skills to learn with construction estimating is cost analysis. This involves figuring out how much materials, labor, and equipment will cost based on the amount you will require for the project. With this, you will study how to make sure your calculations are precise each time to avoid any issues. This is arguably the most important skill -- without it, you won’t be able to perform your job as a Construction Estimator. You can easily nail down the essentials within a short period of time, but truly mastering construction estimating and cost analysis will take time and practice.
Along with cost analysis, you may be able to learn blueprint reading fairly quickly, especially if you are a visual learner. Knowing how to read blueprints is necessary since you will often work with construction documents and drawings to determine what the project is supposed to look like in the end and, ultimately, what materials, tools, and workforce will be needed. Accurately interpreting blueprints helps you find out how much money this project will need to go off without a hitch -- including everything from the materials needed, the labor involved, and all the other nitty-gritty details that are part of the estimate.
With any project, you will have to factor in the unexpected. Risk assessment can be learned fairly quickly in a construction estimating class, but applying these skills, in reality, will require some practice. You will learn how to spot issues that can offset the entire predicted cost, like unanticipated weather delays or malfunctioning equipment. These costs, although unpredictable, can make or break the overall project. By preparing for the worst, you can end up with a more successful project. Learning this skill early on will be pivotal for the rest of your construction estimating learning journey and career.
Lastly, you can learn software like Excel pretty quickly. This is one of the most commonly used tools across all kinds of fields, including construction estimating. By learning how to create spreadsheets, perform calculations, organize data, and make reports, you will be able to keep everything and everyone on track. Plus, this software helps you make even more accurate estimates. Learning Excel can be a pretty quick skill to pick up, and one that makes the entire process feel far more productive.
Resources to Help Learn Construction Estimating Quickly
If you want to learn construction estimating as quickly as possible, you luckily have a few outlets to do so. One of the fastest ways to learn a new skill is through an online course. Platforms like VDCI offer self-paced classes where you can go through the material as fast or slow as you wish. You can speed through the lessons you feel comfortable with or skip over the information that isn’t relevant to your goals. At the same time, you can spend extra time on a subject that you want to really get the hang of so you have less stress down the line when performing at your job. Many online learning platforms have beginner-friendly courses, too so you can get started and pace yourself as you see fit.
Aside from classes, there are other ways to absorb the material in as little time as possible. For instance, you can also explore organizations and associations within the industry. Many have pages on their official website where you can learn more about the field and gain access to a wider range of resources to help throughout your journey. This makes learning quicker but also far easier.
You can also explore training center websites. Take VDCI, for example. Their website has blogs with dozens of posts ranging in subject and purpose. Whether you want to learn how to become a Construction Estimator or read up on the latest skyscraper projects, you can find a blog post to help you learn more. Plus, VDCI offers online resources that can help you determine what kind of learning journey you should expect if you want to pick up construction estimating as quickly as possible. All in all, training center websites can give you a wider net to cast when fishing for information about the field.
Most of all, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Regardless of whether you enroll in a self-paced course where you chat with others via discussion board posts or in a live class where you chat in real time, you should take advantage of networking opportunities that can teach you new things about the field that you may have never known otherwise. Local meetups are a great place to start, but really, anywhere you can get feedback and advice from other professionals is a great way to learn new skills quickly.
Free Tools to Help Learn Construction Estimating
If you are on the hunt for a free way to learn more about construction estimating, consider starting with YouTube and other social media platforms. You can find a wealth of resources available through video tutorials, slideshows, and posts that go in-depth on everything from basic techniques to more advanced construction estimating methods. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are all worth exploring too, since you can find a wider range of folks in different areas of the country who work in varying areas of construction.
Even though these platforms and their users are helpful resources, you can’t always determine the accuracy of what you are reading or listening to. As such, it is still worth looking at training center websites for more information. Because it is coming from a reputable source with far more incentive to provide accurate information, you know that what you are studying is more reliable on a training center website than you may know about the information you find on a stranger’s social media post. That isn’t to say one method is better or worse than the other -- they just serve different purposes and are beneficial in different ways.
What Can I Do To Learn More About Construction Estimating?
If you want to learn more about construction estimating, one of the best ways to do so is through a professional course. It doesn’t matter if you choose an in-person, live online, or self-paced course -- these all provide a surefire way to explore the field in more depth. One method may work better for you than the other depending on your learning style and preferences, but ultimately, a course will teach you everything there is to know about construction estimating and help you build a solid foundation that can be built upon in the future.
Beyond that, you could also explore different areas of construction besides estimating. You could study blueprint reading, project management, and financial strategies, all of which strengthen your construction acumen. Even learning more about the different materials and equipment can be immeasurably useful in the estimating world. All in all, the more you know about the construction process and field as a whole, the more likely you will pick up on construction estimating with ease.
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.