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Introduction To Construction Estimating
Class Syllabus
Introduction
Learning Objectives
Class Organization and Grading
Grading Policies
The Textbook
Unedited Student Evaluation
Comments
Introduction
Introduction to Construction Estimating is
a self-paced
class which is the gateway to
more complex and trade specific estimating courses. This on-line course is
designed to help estimators polish their estimating skills and learn the basic skills that
are absolutely required to produce successful construction estimates.
You can hear an audio message from
your instructor (MP3, 1 min 45 sec, 1.8 MB) by clicking on the link.
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Learning objectives
Students who successfully complete Introduction to Construction
Estimating will learn the basic principles of construction
estimating. Topics to be studied include:
- organization of the estimate,
- types of estimates
- elements of an estimate
- quantity take off techniques
- pricing techniques
- adjusting the estimate for a variety of variable factors
- estimating labor, materials and equipment
- profit and overhead markups
Upon completing this course the student will understand the
different types of estimates and how to organize an estimating document.
This course will build a foundation of knowledge that the student
will use while estimating virtually any individual trade or project type
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Class Organization and Grading
Class Syllabus
- Introduction and Orientation.
An
orientation module to get you started in the course. This module gives
you a chance to play with the course tools and features before the
course actually begins.
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Why We Estimate. This module teaches the
many different uses for construction estimates. You will learn that how an estimate is
to be used affects estimating methods.
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Estimating Skills. There are certain
skills and disciplines that all estimators need to develop. This module will discuss each
of these skills and provide some guidance on how to develop them.
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Estimating Tools, including software,
digitizers, guide books, references and other estimating tools.
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Different Types and Levels of the
Estimate.
You will learn how the amount of information available to you and the time you are allowed
to prepare the estimate affects the quality and accuracy of your work.
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Organizing the Estimate and the Masterformat.
How you organize your estimate is almost as important as how carefully you prepare your
quantity take off. We will learn about the Masterformat and common organizing methods.
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Estimating Materials, quantity take-off
procedures, waste factors, and pricing methods are dealt with in this module.
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Estimating the Cost and Quantity of
Labor.
This is the longest module. Have your calculator ready! We will learn about
using and developing production rates and how to adjust your estimate for a wide variety
of factors that affect production rates.
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Estimating Equipment. Quantity take off
procedures, pricing, and estimating techniques will be covered along with equipment
production rates. Learn how to chose the correct equipment for the job.
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Estimating Overhead and Profit Markups.
How, when and why to add contingencies. Adjusting the estimate for risk, inflation, and
geographic location will be covered.
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Estimating Errors. Learn about
common errors estimators make and how to avoid making them.
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Determining and Using Unit Prices. How to
use unit prices effectively. The crew method, what it is and how to use it.
Using
unit prices for conceptual estimating and for detailed estimating will be covered.
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Module |
Point Value |
By End of Week |
| |
|
|
| 1. Orientation |
4 |
1 |
| 2. Estimating Skills |
10 |
1 |
| 3. Estimating Tools |
15 |
2 |
| 4. Reasons for Estimating |
10 |
3 |
| 5. Levels of the Estimate |
16 |
3 |
| 6. Organizing the Estimate |
24 |
4 |
| 7. Estimating Materials |
30 |
5 |
| 8 Estimating Labor |
30 |
6 |
| 9. Equipment Costs |
28 |
7 |
| 10. Markups |
10 |
8 |
| 11. Avoiding Errors |
13 |
9 |
| 12. Using Unit Prices |
15 |
10 |
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| Total Points |
205 |
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It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall
behind. The class must be completed within 10 weeks of the
first log on.
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Grading Policies
Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each module and
participation in at least two class discussions, worth 20 points.
Each quiz will count for 10 points. There will be two case studies
each worth 100 points.
Grades will be posted on a weekly basis. You will have full
access to your grade sheet so you will be able to keep track of how you
are doing at all times.
Your overall grade in the course will be determined by
the total number of points you have accumulated on quizzes and
assignments. The grading scale is as follows:
You will be given more information about the grading and other course
matters in the Orientation Module.
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The Textbook
Detailed textbook information can be found at http://www.constructionclasses.com/textbooks.htm#intro
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