Within three months of training, you can learn a considerable amount about basic construction estimating. This gives you enough time to practice the most standard tasks, like blueprint reading and cost analysis. Plus, you’ll likely become familiar with certain software and tools within this time, like Microsoft Excel. Three months certainly isn’t enough time to consider yourself an expert, but within this timeframe, you will start to feel much more confident and competent with foundational construction estimating practices.
Sometimes, you want to learn a new skill as soon as possible. In that case, consider enrolling in a course designed for professional development such as a bootcamp or certificate-granting program. In this type of course, you can pick up more skills within three months thanks to the hands-on, project-based approach to learning. Reputable training centers like VDCI offer courses in construction estimating, blueprint reading, AutoCAD, and all kinds of relevant skills. If you want to turn construction estimating into a career or just want to learn it as a way to advance in your current construction position, consider learning as much as you can within three months and taking it from there.
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 Much Construction Estimating Can I Learn in 3 Months?
Three months is enough time to form a solid understanding of the construction industry and construction estimating skills. You’ll likely learn more about the construction process from start to finish, but you’ll gain estimating-specific skills too. In particular, you will likely get the hang of reading construction documents like blueprints, floor plans, 3D models, and drawings. By understanding these documents, you will be able to give a more accurate estimate regarding costs for materials and tools. The symbols and shapes may take time to memorize, but within three months, you’ll have a better idea of the details hidden within the blueprint.
You’ll notably become more adept at cost estimation and analysis. Construction estimating requires breaking down a project into smaller parts, figuring out the resources needed for each aspect, and determining a feasible budget for all those materials, tools, and workers. One of the biggest tools in the financial world, Microsoft Excel, is a huge help in this field, so you’ll likely gain familiarity with spreadsheets, calculations, and data organization within the first three months as well. This tool makes the entire prediction process more precise and less time-consuming.
A huge part of becoming a proficient Construction Estimator is learning to devise and stick with a budget. In this budget, you’ll learn to consider direct costs, like labor and materials, as well as indirect costs, like insurance and additional construction fees. In addition, you will have to continually adjust your project to align with profit margins and come up with contingency plans in case something goes awry. Breaking down all the separate parts of the whole project requires strict budgeting to ensure each team stays within the expected range. Within three months, you’ll be able to do all this with more confidence and have stronger decision-making and budgeting skills.
Lastly, three months gives you enough time to learn about all the different kinds of construction projects and their unique needs and expectations for each. For instance, the process for building residential properties is vastly different from for commercial properties. In addition, infrastructure projects have an entirely different set of codes and regulations to follow. Each project comes with different needs and expenses, so no two will ever be the same, even if they are both the same type of project. Within three months, you’ll be able to approach each project type with a level of assuredness and, in turn, determine the best budgeting practices.
What Will Impact How Quickly I Learn Construction Estimating?
A lot of factors will determine how quickly you’ll be able to learn construction estimating. First, if you have previous or relevant experience, you are more likely to quickly pick up the skills than someone who has never worked a day in construction. This isn’t always the case, but it often applies. Likewise, if you are knowledgeable in project management or finance, you could quickly learn some aspects of construction estimating more than someone who has less financial literacy and management abilities. Lastly, if math is your strong suit, construction estimating may be a straightforward task. Cost analysis and calculations may come naturally to you, and in that case, you’ll have an easier time learning the basics and advancing through the levels of difficulty.
In addition, the type of training program you opt for will impact your learning speed. Some may think an on-demand class will be the quickest way to learn, but this is often incorrect. The reason lies in an on-demand class's inability to provide support or guidance. Plus, some on-demand courses are out of date or inaccurate, which means it could be an unproductive way to learn. Instead of wasting time, many choose live classes or self-paced methods from reputable training centers. A live class, like an in-person or online course, is worthwhile but not always as quick as a self-paced method. In a self-paced class, you can spend more or less time on certain lessons, which means you can cut out any irrelevant or previously known materials, shortening your learning time. As long as you find a course that is supportive and comprehensive, you will have less trouble learning the skills and can breeze through the material.
In any kind of learning method, your level of commitment determines how quickly you will learn. In a live course, you can commit to full-time or part-time learning, with one lasting far longer than the other because the courses are more spread out. Self-paced classes allow you to set the tone for your lessons so you can spend as much or as little time as possible. However, if you are dedicated to learning construction estimating for professional or personal reasons, you will ensure you spend enough time each week studying the material and completing the projects. By gaining practical experience and staying focused, you will learn in less time.
Above all else, keep your priorities in check and maintain a positive mindset. No one has ever learned construction estimating in a day, and you will likely have to spend a considerable amount of time before you truly feel like an expert. Don’t let this deter you, and don’t feel bad if some lessons go longer than you expected. If you want to achieve your goals—whatever they may be—you have to remain dedicated and focused in your pursuits.
What Should I Learn Beyond 30 Days?
The first 30 days are all about getting you comfortable with the field and familiarizing yourself with basic concepts. The further you go in your studies, the more in-depth the material becomes. In more advanced courses, you will start learning how to manage detailed cost breakdowns, like quantity takeoff and cost per measurement calculations such as by unit or square foot. You may also study more successful risk management techniques, like learning how to adjust the estimate based on unexpected issues and setbacks.
You will also get exposure to more advanced concepts in estimating software and digital tools. For example, you may use project management software or explore the more complex features in Excel. No matter what tool you use, you’ll have a more familiar understanding of the interface and will be able to take it a step further and learn about features beyond the surface level.
Project scheduling will also play a more significant role beyond the first 30 days. Although Construction Estimators are not part of every stage of the planning process, they are vital parts of making a strong budgeting plan. After 30 days, you’ll have a greater understanding of the entire construction process and can approach your budgeting techniques with more level-headedness and tact.
Accelerated Construction Estimating Classes
In most accelerated construction estimating classes, you can expect to speed through the material quicker than others that are more suitable for beginners. Although an accelerated course may seem intimidating at first, the advantages are far superior to any doubts you may have about the curriculum. Accelerated construction estimating classes give you a wider range of skills to learn within one class, so you can start as a beginner but work your way up to an intermediate and, ultimately, an expert. As you move through the lessons and the material, whether you are in a live class or a self-paced one, you will ultimately feel more capable of performing cost analysis and presenting predictions to others.
Of course, this means you will likely want to move through the material quickly so you don’t fall behind. Although you are able to set the pace in many self-paced classes, you may feel compelled to keep up with the provided timeline so you can finish up the class within a reasonable timeframe. In addition, you may feel like you need more and more support as the lessons become more advanced. Luckily, self-paced classes offer supportive instructors via discussion board or email, but you may want more interaction and face-to-face discussion that goes beyond the additional bonus mentoring that many training centers offer.
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.