An accurate and precise estimate is vital to the financial viability of a construction project. Learn to produce these estimates using the latest tools and techniques in our online construction estimating courses.
Our asynchronous courses are self-paced and include user friendly video modules with expert instruction and material. They are eligible for 2 CCA Gold Seal credits and BC Housing CPD credits upon completion.
Introduction to Construction Estimating
Whether you’re an individual contractor looking to take your career to the next level or a large construction company with a full-time estimator on staff, everyone needs to know how to produce accurate cost estimates. Estimating is a complicated task that requires an eye for detail and an understanding of the intricacies of a building project. Getting an estimate wrong can have huge consequences. A construction cost estimate is an important part of the bidding process and a crucial skill to have.
This course covers the essential aspects of preparing cost estimates. You will learn how to review blueprints and project specifications to calculate quantities, compare those quantities with subcontractor submissions and prepare realistic time based projects schedules. You will also explore the differences between manual and computer software methods of estimating and learn how to use critical path and precedence diagrams to prepare effective schedules.
Materials estimation is an integral component of a construction estimating project. You will learn how to use drawings and project specifications to establish a cost structure for the materials, labour and equipment needed to erect a structure. You will also explore legal concepts such as building codes, standards, statues and regulations that influence the bidding process. You will learn how to use a variety of cost estimating resources including annual cost books and RSMeans Data Online which provides cloud based access to an industry leading square foot costs database with advanced features.
Construction Safety
Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations. Statistics Canada shows that in the last decade, 450 Canadian construction workers have lost their lives and 63,000 have experienced workplace injuries. That’s why it’s so important for Canadian construction professionals to continue their education in safety training.
These courses provide a convenient way for busy professionals to meet OHS Canada training requirements without taking time off from their job. They are easy to complete, can be taken anywhere there is an Internet connection and offer immediate access to a certificate of completion.
This course will help participants recognize unsafe conditions and acts before they cause accidents. It examines hazard recognition and control techniques to help prevent injuries, deaths and property damage. It also discusses a number of scenarios to give participants a chance to put these hazard recognition and control techniques into practice.
Struck-by hazards can occur when you are hit or struck by a flying, falling, swinging or rolling object while working at your construction job site. This online construction health and safety course will help you stay safe from these hazards while on the job by studying the major legal responsibilities of first-line site supervisors and exploring the essential elements of a comprehensive health and safety program.
Caught-in or -between injuries happen when you are squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched or compressed between two or more objects or parts of an object. This online construction safety course teaches you how to remain safe from these hazards on the worksite by learning the essential safety tips related to concrete and masonry construction.
Blueprint Reading & Estimating Fundamentals Bundle
The ability to interpret and read construction blueprints is a core competency in cost estimating. It requires knowledge of drawing scales, the different types of blueprint lines (such as invisible and object lines), what each type of symbol means and what they represent, the various views of a blueprint and how they are referred to on the drawings, and how to read a plan view, elevation view or section view drawing. This course is offered as a self-paced online seminar and includes access to expert instructional videos, slides with narration, interactive exercises and a short quiz. There are a total of 8 modules in this course and each module must be completed with an 80% pass mark to move on to the next one.
Developing accurate materials estimates is the key to successful construction project delivery and is fundamental to all construction estimators’ livelihoods. Accurate estimating improves a contractor’s bid-to-win ratio and competitiveness in the marketplace. This bundle includes courses that focus on developing and strengthening estimating skills including reviewing architectural and engineering blueprint drawings and project specifications, completing quantity surveying and estimating takeoffs, and pricing estimated quantities.
Commercial projects can be complex with a variety of components that need to be accurately analyzed and costed in order for the project owner to make informed decisions. In addition, the process often involves multiple parties and requires a strong understanding of contracting methods, negotiating contracts and working with subcontractors to obtain accurate pricing information for specialized items or services.
Advanced Construction Estimating
Construction estimators are in high demand in the construction industry. Their cost estimates are often the key to bringing in the work and winning the job. However, they may struggle to find the right resources to help them be more successful in their work. Our courses can provide those resources that will allow you to stand out from the competition.
This online program is designed for individuals who want to improve their knowledge and skills in the field of estimating. You will learn how to use drawings and specifications to establish a cost structure of materials, labour and equipment. In addition, you will learn about preparing a bid and the various roles that project stakeholders play during the bidding process. You will also explore the role of legal concepts such as contracts, estimating tactics and building codes, standards, statues and regulations.
Construction is an industry with its own language, culture and conventions. Our no-nonsense and clear learning experiences guide students through the complex process of navigating the construction industry. Whether you’re a general contractor or a trade contractor (painting, carpentry, HVAC, electrical, heavy civil) you will find the necessary information and resources to better estimate your next job. Then you can take your career to the next level with a Construction Estimator Professional certification from the American Society of Professional Estimators.