If you are interested in construction, home renovations, and all kinds of structural projects, learning construction estimating has a lot of benefits. First, this skill is useful for professional reasons, such as helping you manage project budgets effectively and accurately predict the expected cost. If you want to enter the construction field in any capacity, estimating skills are useful no matter what role you play. This allows you to keep the project within budget, which keeps the company, Contractors, and the client happy. When you have a good sense of what things will cost, you can make smarter financial decisions, avoid unexpected expenses, and keep everything on track without any surprise costs popping up.
Learning construction estimating can also help you find a career and advance in the field. This is a highly sought-after skill in the industry, so mastering it can lead to a career in estimating, management, or analysis. As construction projects become more complex, companies need skilled professionals who can manage resources and be financially responsible for the sake of the project. Plus, with the rise of advancements like Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools, knowing how to use construction estimating tools and technologies can set you apart from the rest during a job search and help you get ahead quickly.
Construction estimating skills can also help you manage your personal projects far more efficiently. When you know how to estimate the costs of materials, equipment, and tools, you can better plan for everything else within the project, whether that is the timeline or where you allocate resources. Likewise, it gives you an advantage when discussing rates and expectations with hired professionals. If you are interested in do-it-yourself home renovations, project planning for friends or family, and starting a side hustle, construction estimating can help you prevent financial loss or avoid costly surprises along the way and give you added credibility if you choose to provide services to others in the community.
Furthermore, construction estimating gives you a better idea of the construction process as a whole, which provides an added appreciation for the entire building process and allows you to collaborate with other teams if you choose to work in the field. This knowledge makes you a more effective team member who can anticipate the needs of the project, prioritize responsibilities, and delegate tasks. Whether you are collaborating with Contractors or other professionals, this skill helps everything run smoothly and ensures the project is completed on time, following rules and regulations, and within budget.
What is Construction Estimating?
Construction estimating is the process of calculating and predicting the costs associated with a construction project. This includes calculating the costs for materials, labor, equipment, and any other necessary expenses to get the job done. The goal is to estimate the total costs accurately to ensure the project can be completed within budget. Estimators rely on blueprints, project specifications, and data from past projects to make a solid estimate. They must also factor in concerns such as location, project complexity, and potential risks to arrive at the most accurate estimate possible. It involves in-depth construction knowledge as well as familiarity with materials, machines, equipment, and other tools.
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This process is one of the most important for any project. Construction estimating is one of the first stages and requires deep thought and consideration. You will have to plan the budget for different phases of the project and adjust accordingly when market prices fluctuate. An accurate estimate helps contractors and clients make informed decisions about the future of the project. It can also help secure financing and allocate resources far more efficiently. Furthermore, construction estimating is an essential step in the entire process because it sets expectations for the project and serves as a benchmark for tracking the project’s process and costs. Whether it’s a small house or a large infrastructure project, getting the estimate as accurate as possible is important for minimizing financial risk and ensuring a successful project.
Construction Estimating Careers
With proper training, you can become a Construction Estimator. This position is responsible for calculating the total costs of a construction project, including any expenses for materials, labor, equipment, and other costs involved in the build. They will analyze blueprints, project specifications, and other documents to determine the most realistic, feasible budget. Construction Estimators often work closely with other construction professionals, like Contractors, Architects, and Engineers to ensure the project is completed as safely and as cost-effectively as possible. Indeed indicates that the average base salary for Construction Estimators in the United States is roughly $81,000. This varies greatly based on experience, location, and the company. For instance, those living in Denver can expect salaries closer to $100,000 on average and those in Atlanta earn closer to $94,000. In general, there is some variation. Furthermore, Junior Construction Estimators can expect salaries closer to $73,000 whereas Senior Construction Estimators can earn closer to $116,000.
Likewise, many Project Managers have construction estimating skills. In the construction field, they handle the budget, timeline, and tasks associated with various teams. Moreover, Construction Project Managers delegate tasks between the appropriate teams and rely heavily on the most accurate estimates to guide their decision on the project. Furthermore, they monitor the project throughout the entire lifecycle and step in when things go awry. They allocate resources, coordinate assignments, handle construction documents, and work within their set limitations. Indeed shares the average salary for a U.S.-based Project Manager is slightly over $91,000. However, it is all about location -- Project Managers in Los Angeles earn averages closer to $108,000 whereas those in Charlotte can expect salaries closer to the national average. Plus, the industry you work for may greatly impact your salary. For example, Glassdoor estimates that Construction Project Managers typically earn anywhere between $82,000 to $126,000, with an average closer to $102,000.
A Construction Manager holds a similar role to a Project Manager with a larger focus on the on-site execution of the project. They also have strong estimating knowledge and manage the daily operations to ensure everything is completed safely, efficiently, and in line with the project requirements and client needs. Construction Managers will use their estimating skills to manage budgets, track costs, and adjust the necessary resources as the project progresses and needs shift. Furthermore, they work closely with Contractors and other building teams to make sure everything is going according to plan. Indeed estimates the average base salary for United States Construction Managers is $97,000. Junior-level positions can expect salaries closer to $67,000 whereas senior-level positions can earn closer to $107,000 on average. Likewise, factor in your location. Living in San Diego brings your average salary estimates up to $118,000 whereas Houston expects salaries in the $85,000 range.
Reasons to Learn Construction Estimating
If you are interested in learning construction estimating but are not totally sure about the outcomes associated with learning this skill, you have come to the right place to learn a little more. There are many reasons to learn construction estimating, whether you plan to enter the field or just enjoy home renovation projects. Throughout the process, you’ll gain an understanding of proper budgeting and technical skills. You will also develop several soft skills that make your work more effective. With this combination, the world of construction estimating opens up and affords you plenty of ways to advance professionally.
Better Budgeting Skills
Learning construction estimating helps you gain strong budgeting skills, enabling you to accurately predict project costs and manage financial resources effectively. This prevents you from going over budget and leads to more successful projects. With your well-developed construction skills, paired with financial literacy, you will impress both stakeholders and clients alike. Plus, construction estimating skills allow you to become more financially responsible for personal reasons, such as handling home renovations and projects. In fact, construction estimating skills can transfer to other areas of life and help you budget there as well.
Advance Your Career
By mastering construction estimating, you are building a foundation to advance in your career and can explore a wide variety of career paths. For example, you can become a Construction Estimator, Project Manager, or Construction Manager with adequate estimating skills. These careers are widely sought-after and highly accessible, which means you will likely have job security no matter where you live. As construction projects become more complex and widespread, skilled estimators will always be in demand, so estimating skills give you a considerable edge in the job market but also provide job stability.
Professional Flexibility
Beyond career advancement, learning this skill gives you considerable flexibility that other careers cannot. Construction estimating is used in any industry where construction is needed -- and, realistically, that includes every industry that has brick-and-mortar shops. Some construction estimating skills are highly transferable, meaning they can be used in various roles and applied to various situations. Because this skill is used in many sectors of the construction industry, it offers far more flexibility to move between different types of projects and roles. You can find construction and estimating careers virtually everywhere, whether you want to work on residential builds or commercial projects, there is a professional opportunity out there for you.
Opportunity for Side Income
Plus, construction estimating skills open the door for more financial opportunities than you may have thought possible. If you consider yourself relatively handy when it comes to home renovation and do-it-yourself projects, further education on construction estimating gives you an extra advantage. This affords you the chance to take your skills to friends, family, and community members and make some money on the side. When you can offer your services at a reasonable rate and with the hands-on skills to get the job done right, you are viewed as a more well-rounded and credible freelance Contractor. No matter what your day job is, having an extra line of income is always helpful.
Developing Your Hobby
Even if you aren’t interested in making money from your new skills, construction estimating can still help you develop your hobby even further. By understanding how to accurately estimate the costs for materials and tools, you will be able to plan your projects better and stick to a budget. Whether you are renovating a room in your house or building furniture, knowing how to break down the project costs will help you make smarter decisions and avoid overspending. This can prevent surprises down the road that can really derail the whole project. Overall, with estimating skills, you can use your time more wisely and stay within your financial limits, allowing you to continue enjoying your hobby.
Technical Competency
Furthermore, construction estimating requires learning certain tools and technologies that make the process more productive. Construction Estimators often use software like Microsoft Excel for calculations and financial analysis. They may also use BIM to visualize the project in 3D and provide a more accurate prediction. By using these tools, you can ensure precise predictions, identify potential issues, and stay within a reasonable budget. Staying up to date with the latest tech is necessary for being part of the modern construction industry. The construction field and learning construction estimating may be right for you if you have a natural interest in the tech world and want to explore the field further.
Build Soft Skills
Beyond the technical skills, you will also learn soft skills that make the entire construction process far more optimized and enjoyable. When you have supportive soft skills that complement your practical and technical abilities, the project is much more enjoyable from start to finish. Some of these soft skills include effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. You will often have to collaborate with others on different teams and convey information to stakeholders. Having these skills improves your project management skills and makes you more adaptable and resourceful in various construction situations.
How Can I Learn Construction Estimating?
There are many ways to learn construction estimating; the right one for you will depend on several key factors. For instance, live online classes are a great way to learn construction estimating if you like learning in real-time with an instructor and peers but dislike the idea of making a commute to class each week. This also applies if you live too far from a training center. Live online classes provide enough structure with class schedules, deadlines, and structured curriculum but still provide a little flexibility. If you feel confident learning when you can ask questions directly to the instructor and want an engaging environment, this could be an ideal method.
However, many people prefer or need a lot more flexibility than a live online class can offer. With self-paced training, you can go through the material at a speed that suits your needs and schedule. There is no pressure to keep up with live lessons, so you can take your time and review material as much as you need to truly absorb each concept. Not only can you learn however you see fit but you can still ask an instructor questions via discussion forums and offers for additional mentoring. If you are an incredibly busy person or just need a lot of patience, practice, and pacing to learn something effectively, self-paced training can make all the difference when learning construction estimating.
On-demand learning is another option that lets you pace yourself even further. You can access pre-recorded lectures and read through materials whenever you have time, even if it is in the evening hours after work or during the early hours on the weekends. You can watch videos, read content, and learn when it is convenient for you. It is ideal if you want to focus on certain topics and prefer to avoid a full course. On-demand courses are also perfect for those who want full flexibility and don’t mind having a lack of interaction. If you have an unpredictable schedule and prefer learning solo, on-demand classes are a good option.
Each method is better suited for different individuals. For instance, live online classes are good for people who like structure with real-time interaction. Self-paced courses work best for those who want the flexibility of learning at their own speed but still want some support. On-demand may work best for the hobbyist, current professional looking to upskill, or someone who has far too much unpredictability to enroll in a class. In the end, it is all up to you and your needs.
Learn Construction Estimating with Hands-on Training at VDCI
You can enroll in courses focused on construction estimating and relevant topics through VDCI. For instance, the 20-hour Construction Estimator Course helps you understand the purpose of estimating and become familiar with all the construction estimating tools. You will go step by step through the process required to create an estimate. Furthermore, you will learn all the necessary terminology, definitions, and units of measure. Through various projects, you will learn how to estimate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs. Finally, you will learn how to fill out an estimate cover sheet. This is a fully in-depth estimator course that gives you access to necessary software, project-based training, and instructor access. By the end, you will have earned a verified digital certificate of completion to show for all your efforts.
If you want to become an even more well-rounded construction professional, you could explore the 50-hour Blueprint Reading and Construction Estimating Course Bundle. This course covers blueprint reading for residential and commercial construction projects as well as construction estimating. You will learn about the various estimate types, master quantity surveying, and develop a strong attention to detail that is fully necessary when estimating construction costs. You will also learn to read blueprints by learning from a licensed Architect. You will understand all the different symbols, the relationships between the drawings, and the need for consistency and accuracy within blueprints. All these make for a well-rounded construction education that comes with project-based studies, additional mentoring, and a verified certificate.
A big part of construction projects includes handling behind-the-scenes planning, especially if you work as a Project Manager. The 40-hour Construction Management Fundamentals Course is a great place to start if you want to kick-start your career. From handling the site logistics and fixing any issues to scheduling timelines and handling estimates, you will learn how to thrive in the construction industry. Furthermore, you will practice document management and explore the connection between design and construction as well as their key differences. This course comes with bonus training, project-based learning, and software access. You will earn a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
The Construction Fundamentals Course Bundle gives you a deep dive into the roles played by the design and construction team. You will learn more about structural systems and how they work as well as the materials and equipment needed to create the project. For instance, you will explore different equipment, such as the various cranes, scrapers, dozers, and excavators that are frequently used during a build. You will even learn about different soil types and subsurface conditions to ensure the site is cleared, installed with the proper utilities, and ready for the build. Plus, you will go beyond the exterior and focus on interior elements as well, such as wall types, partitions, drywall finishes, and all the options for paint, flooring, ceilings, and casework. To wrap it up, you will study MEP systems such as HVAC controls and plumbing and safety precautions like fire suppression systems. Over 70 total hours, you will learn everything needed to start your construction career on the right foot. You will have access to industry experts for assistance, one-on-one bonus training, industry-standard software, and projects rooted in realistic workplace situations. Plus, you will receive a certificate of completion.