This 30-hour, hands-on course provides a comprehensive introduction to construction estimating while incorporating the advanced skills now required in today’s construction industry. Students learn how to interpret construction drawings for estimating purposes, perform accurate quantity take-offs, and prepare cost summaries for materials, labor, equipment, and overhead.

Building on foundational estimating principles, the course also introduces digital take-off tools, cost databases, pricing assemblies, labor productivity factors, and current best practices used by estimators, project managers, and preconstruction professionals.

Through guided exercises and real construction documents, students learn how to organize estimates, avoid common errors, analyze project risks, and apply professional estimating techniques that support accurate bids and sound project planning.

Topics Include:

• Construction estimating fundamentals and terminology
• Material, labor, and equipment take-offs across multiple trades
• Reading drawings and specifications for estimating
• Pricing strategies, waste factors, and productivity considerations
• Cost data, unit pricing, and use of databases such as RSMeans
• Digital take-off concepts and workflows (Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff)
• Overhead, markup, contingency, and bid strategy
• Risk factors, escalation, and avoiding common estimating errors
• Cost summaries, spreadsheets, and professional documentation

Textbooks, materials, ID card, and exam fees are not included. Supplemental readings and resources will be provided. Additional reference materials are available through the college library.

Prerequisites: CD-405 Applied Print Reading for Construction Professionals must be taken prior to or concurrently with this course.

Total Program Hours: 30 Hours

Recommended Textbook: Estimating in Building Construction, 9th Edition (Peterson & Dagostino)
ISBN: 978-0137408894 (Available in eText format; purchase optional)

Instructor: Kenneth Schiller [email protected]