The course provides an overview of the basic estimation concepts. The course covers basic skills that are required in order to produce a successful estimate.
The Introduction to Construction Estimating Course is approved for 7 General CEU's and 1 Business Practice CEU for Lake and Pinellas for irrigation contractor licensing renewal.
Course Topics:
1. Math Review:
a. Decimals
b. Fractions
c. Percentages
d. Perimeter Measurement
e. Area Measurement
f. Volume Measurement
2. Estimating Skills:
a. Skills and disciplines necessary to estimate a job.
b. Developing consistency in estimation.
c. Use of computer in estimation.
d. General order of procedure.
3. Quantity Surveys:
a. Organizing the estimate.
b. The benefits of an independent take off.
c. Proper quantity take off procedures.
d. Identifying separations points by measurement, cost levels, work classifications and operations.
e. Identifying common estimation errors and how to avoid them.
4. Calculating Labor, Material, Equipment and Overhead:
a. Labor – How to develop production rates and labor rates.
b. Material – Identifying and costing of materials, assemblies, and waster.
c. Equipment – Identifying operating costs, depreciation, and interest. Evaluating use of rental equipment versus purchase.
d. Overhead – Identifying and incorporating overhead expenses into an estimate.
5. Estimate as a cost control tool:
a. Relating actual cost to estimate.
b. Identifying high/low principles in developing an estimate.
c. Methods of cost accounting.
d. Developing and using unit costs.
6. Bid Documents – Reviewing documents related to producing a bid including:
