Program designed to improve knowledge and skills of persons working or wishing to work as estimators in the construction industry. Courses cover construction project planning and preparing realistic time based project schedules, cost planning/control, estimating materials quantities and unit costs, surveying, and review of specifications.
Learn to read blueprint drawings and the fundamentals of estimating takeoffs. Also, develop an understanding of legal concepts that impact the estimating process such as building codes, standards, statutes and regulations.
Basics of Construction Estimating
Creating accurate construction estimates is the key to success for any building project. It helps avoid unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings that can cause additional expenses for both the client and contractor. Accurate cost estimating can also mitigate risk, as all proposed expenses are accounted for and costs that don’t match with the estimate are flagged for further investigation.
Construction estimators have to be able to read blueprints and understand the many aspects of a building project. They also need to be able to calculate the costs of labor and materials. Lastly, they must know how to construct an effective budget. This will help them determine how much money they need to spend on the project and what their profit margin should be.
There are several different types of construction estimates, and each one is used for a different purpose. The order of magnitude estimate, for example, is a rough estimate that is made before the actual design is complete. A level 2 estimate is created after the schematic design is developed, and a level 3 estimate is done after the final designs are completed. Then, a level 5 estimate is created, which is based on construction documents and can be used to create a bid price for the project.
Estimators must be able to account for all the different components of a building project, including the indirect costs, profit margins and markups, as well as the materials and equipment. They also need to be able to adjust standardized cost data for local economies, as there will often be considerable variance even within the same region or country. Labor costs are especially variable, as they depend on the supply and demand for skilled labour in any given area.
A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for becoming a construction estimator. However, you can also obtain a construction estimating certificate from a community college. It can be a good way to start your career in this field and build up the necessary skills before you apply for full-time employment. In addition, you can take online courses to learn more about the industry and improve your chances of getting a job in it.
Advanced Construction Estimating
The advanced construction estimating course builds upon the foundations of introductory estimating by examining procurement and productivity concepts in a practical way. Students work in teams to develop and deliver a competitive bid for a real project, focusing on meeting the owner’s budget and expectations through strategic value engineering approaches. Students are also exposed to various approaches to generating cost estimates for heavy construction projects.
This program is perfect for individuals who want to advance their careers as a commercial estimator, construction manager or senior level engineer. It covers the essential knowledge and skills to prepare accurate building and civil engineering estimates for commercial projects such as industrial buildings, highways and bridges. It also provides valuable information on legal concepts that affect the bidding process such as construction standards, statutes, contracts and safety requirements.
Students learn to use Microsoft Excel to analyze data and make more informed business decisions in this introductory computer class. Topics include: creating and editing workbooks; using mathematical formulas and functions; adding shapes, charts and images; cutting, copying and pasting; and the creation of macros. Students are required to bring their own laptop computers with a version of Microsoft Excel 2016 or higher.
The blueprint reading and estimating fundamentals bundle helps students acquire the foundational skills needed to perform the duties of a construction estimator in residential, commercial and industrial environments. This program trains students to review architectural and engineering blueprints, project specifications and quantities surveying techniques. It also covers the role that the estimator plays in preparing and submitting a bid package to clients, architects and engineers.
The final course in the program focuses on estimating for civil and site work construction. This construction estimating training course introduces students to the methods of determining earthwork and crew make-up, calculating concrete quantities, estimating equipment and other civil project components. In addition, students learn how to calculate labor, material and equipment quantities and price them accordingly. This construction estimating course also discusses the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders such as general contractors, sub-contractors, project managers and suppliers in preparing and submitting a tender package.
Construction Estimating Software
In a construction industry with razor-thin margins, inaccurate estimates can devastate a business. This is why it’s so important to have a reliable process in place to produce cost estimates and prices. One way to streamline this process is by using estimating software. These tools can help contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals in the industry save time, reduce stress, and produce more accurate estimates. But not all estimating software is created equal. It’s important to know what features to look for in the best construction estimating software.
For example, a good estimating software should be able to integrate with other tools such as accounting and project management. This can help save time by avoiding duplicate entry and ensure consistency across systems. The best estimating software should also have a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and understand. Additionally, the best estimating software should be able to generate reports that provide insight into a project’s costs and schedule.
Another great feature of a good construction estimating software is the ability to create work packages for each project phase. These work packages can be assigned to specific specialty contractors and help estimators keep track of material quantities. This is especially useful for projects that involve complex or unusual requirements. Another feature that many contractors like is the ability to compare alternative estimates side-by-side. This can help them choose the best option based on cost, schedule, and other factors.
Choosing the right estimating software for your needs will depend on your budget and the complexity of your projects. You should also consider your company’s needs in terms of functionality and integration. Ideally, the software you choose will be able to support the types of projects you typically do and be scalable as your business grows.
This fully online program focuses on improving the knowledge and skill levels of persons working, or wishing to work as estimators in the construction industry. Those who complete this program will gain an in-depth understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a construction estimator, the tendering process, industrial cost engineering, surveying, calculating unit costs, estimating take offs, and preparing final estimates. This course is available through OntarioLearn and can be taken online at your own pace.
Project Management
Project management is an important skill for professionals in a wide range of industries. It brings together tools, resources, and field expertise to manage a project’s scope, time, budget, and other requirements. These courses help you learn how to develop a schedule, organize team members, and communicate effectively with other stakeholders. They also cover critical topics such as risk analysis and change management.
The course is available for both Canadian and international students. The program includes a comprehensive set of lectures, readings, and exercises, as well as the latest version of Microsoft Excel. You can complete the course at your own pace and receive immediate feedback on your progress. In addition, you can connect with instructors through live chats and discussion forums.
This program is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of persons working or wishing to work as estimators in the construction industry. It covers a number of topics including the preparation of a conceptual estimate, tendering process, cost planning/control and surveying. The course also focuses on estimating material quantities and unit costs using simple residential and commercial projects. It also discusses the various types of cost risks associated with Alberta construction conditions.
It is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the construction industry and its processes. It also provides an opportunity to apply the core estimating principles and methods in the workplace. The course is a must for anyone interested in starting a career in construction estimating.
Construction estimating is an important skill for many professionals in the construction industry. It allows them to estimate the cost of a project and help their employers obtain contracts to keep their businesses growing. This is why the demand for qualified construction estimators is so high.
There are a variety of online courses available for those interested in pursuing a career as a project manager. These courses are typically offered through universities and professional organizations. Some courses provide certification as well. Some even offer a pathway to earning a degree. However, it is important to understand that not all online courses are created equal. You should be sure to choose a university that offers an accredited program.