Overview
This Introduction to Construction Estimating is taught by a professional construction estimator. Starting at the very beginning, you will learn about the types of estimates and how an estimate is organized. The components and sub-components of an estimate will be addressed.
You will learn the purposes for construction estimating, the estimating tools used and the skills required for construction estimating.
The online classes continue by discussing quantity takeoffs and by teaching you how to determine prices based on estimated quantities. The course wraps up discussing cost estimate proposals and what is included and excluded when creating an estimate.
VDCI encourages a strong online engagement. You will participate in group discussion forums, connect with your instructor and message your classmates. You are also invited to join us in the VDCI Student Lounge, where our instructors, staff, current students and alumni share information and help one another.
This online construction estimating course is designed to help trades professionals, journey people, drafters, designers and architectural and engineering interns. By the conclusion of this class, participants will be able to create a construction cost estimate, and understand and apply the inter-connectivity between the construction documents and the information created in the construction cost estimate.
What Is Construction Estimating?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the construction drawings and a quantity-takeoff cost estimate.
- Analyze the components of a construction cost estimate and learn how a quantity-takeoff cost estimate is created.
- Master an understanding of quantity surveying, estimating takeoffs and pricing estimated quantities.
- Recognize the need for thoroughness and attention to detail when preparing construction cost estimates.
Certification / Accreditation
- State of California Approval - Our individual courses, training bundles and technology certificate programs are approved by the State of California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) for both online and onsite learning.
- National Accreditation - Our individual courses, training bundles and technology certificate programs are nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). All of our courses are regulated and reviewed by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Prerequisites
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
- PFC 121, Introduction to Construction Estimating, is designed as a detailed overview of how professional estimators establish the costs for a construction project. All students are expected to have a working ability to read in English and an interest in learning the details of how to establish a construction cost estimate.
COMPUTER HARDWARE
- You will need to have access to a computer which can run Adobe Reader, which is included in the Windows and Mac operating systems. You will also need access to 10 mbps Internet
Materials Required
Software
- Adobe Reader
Textbook
- There is no textbook for this course.
Can I work at my own pace?
Yes. You can work at your own pace. Each course is 18 days long. You will have two weeks and three weekends to complete the course. There are set deliverable schedules which are addressed in the course syllabus.
Downloads
- Syllabus (PDF/200KB)
- Career Options (PDF/200KB)
Syllabus
Bandwidth Access to the Internet
Throughout your studies at VDCI, it is very important that you have access to good-quality Internet bandwidth with a download speed of 10 Mbps.
Discussion Forums
There are two discussion forums for the course, the Student Forum and the Graded Forum.
The Student Forum is for you to interact with your fellow classmates, to discuss issues you are having, and get to know one other much like you would in a classroom environment.
The Graded Discussion Forum requires an initial post and a response to another student. These will be part of your final grade. Your initial discussion post is due Monday, one week from the beginning of class, by 11:55pm Pacific Time. Your second discussion post must be a response to another student, and it is due by the end of the course.
VDCI Student Lounge
The VDCI Student Lounge is open to all VDCI Students and Alumni. In the Student Lounge, you are welcome to ask general questions to your VDCI colleagues. Instructors and VDCI staff regularly chime in. This is a great center of engagement for our VDCU students.
Course Lessons
Students will receive a detailed syllabus once they are enrolled in the course.
Lesson 1 - Equivalent of five (5) On-Site Clock Hours
Students become familiar with the architectural drawings for a high-end residential project. Topics covered include: Scales and Scaling; Architectural Scales; Engineering Scales; How sets of Construction Documents are Organized; Cover Sheet; Regulatory Agency Requirements; Sheet Index; Maps; Symbols, Dimensions and How they are Used; Site Plans; Civil Drawings; Floor Plans; Elevations; Building Sections; Enlarged Sections and Details; Structural Drawings
- PROJECT: Blueprints (CDs) for Single Family Residential Project
Lesson 2 - Equivalent of five (5) On-Site Clock Hours
Students become familiar with drawings included within a set of residential construction documents plus an overview of occupancy loads and egress analysis. Topics covered include: Architectural Drawings - Title Sheet; Floor Plans; Finish Schedules; Roof Plans; Building Sections; Wall Sections; Exterior Elevations; Interior Elevations; Door and Window Schedules; Details
- PROJECT: Blueprints (CDs) for Single Family Residential and an occupancy and egress analysis for a mixed-use project.
Schedule
Online Course Start Dates
Please click here to see the online course schedule. Online courses begin every three weeks, on a Friday and are 18-days long.
