A self-paced online course offered over the Internet
©2007 Construction Experts, Inc.
Who should take this course?
Anyone desiring to learn how to estimate construction
costs will find much value in this course. Whether your background is construction,
architecture or engineering, Introduction to Construction Estimating will help you learn
the basic concepts of construction cost estimating.
This course is for:
- Estimators
- Project managers
- Superintendents
- Foremen
- Craft workers
- Anyone who wants to advance in the construction industry!
Introduction to Construction Estimating is the
gateway to more complex and trade specific estimating courses. This on-line training
course is designed to help estimators polish their estimating skills and learn the basic
skills that are absolutely required to produce successful construction estimates.
Course goals
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.
Course requirements
The student must:
- Complete the course application form.
- Complete all modules of Introduction to Construction Estimating.
- Achieve a passing grade on each quiz.
- Complete all portions of the course within 10 weeks.
- At completion of the course, you will fill out an evaluation form and apply for a
completion certificate.
It is all very straight forward and uncomplicated. The requirements are not much different than for a typical in-classroom course. The
difference is that an on-line class is much more convenient.
How the course works
Each module of Introduction To Construction
Estimating will require about 3 to 4 hours of the student's time to complete within
the 10 week period. The student can choose what order the material is studied although it
is best if the course is taken in the suggested sequence.
The Textbook
Construction Estimating and Bidding in Building Construction 2nd
Edition, by the Associated General Contractors of America. Hardcover - 2nd
edition (2005), Associated General Contractors of America. This book is
included in the price of the course and will be sent to you by the instructor.
It includes all the reading and the assignements.
The quizzes consist of a wide variety of question types.
You will see
- true/false,
- multiple choice
- actual estimating problems.
You will get immediate feedback on how well you did on
the quiz. If any questions are answered incorrectly, you will be given the opportunity to
review the module to find the correct answer. After reviewing the appropriate material,
you may return to retake the quiz.
In addition to the integrated elements of the program,
the student will experience interactive learning sessions as well as audio lessons from
the instructor.
Your Internet Setup
If you can cruise the net, you can take this class.
Generally, you should have a Pentium computer or equal, your own email account and access
to the Internet at 28.8 k or better.
Class Syllabus
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Estimating Tools, including software,
digitizers, guide books, references and other estimating tools.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Estimating Materials, quantity
take-off procedures, waste factors, and pricing methods are dealt with in this module.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Estimating Overhead and Profit Markups.
How, when and why to add contingencies. Adjusting the estimate for risk, inflation, and
geographic location will be covered.
11. Estimating Errors. Learn about
common errors estimators make and how to avoid making them.
12. 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.
Withdrawal Policy
You may withdraw from this course by sending an email to cmiller@aacei.org or by conventional mail requesting
to be dropped from the course. Non-attendance or notifying the instructor does not
constitute officially dropping or withdrawing from a course. Students who stop attending
courses without officially dropping will receive a grade of U in the class. Refunds
are not automatic. NO refunds are due unless the course is officially dropped within
stated guidelines in the refund schedule.
Refund Schedule
| a. |
Withdrawal postmarked at least
one working day before the first day of class – total fee less a $125 cancellation
fee. |
| b. |
Refund requests postmarked on
or after the first day and no later than two weeks after the first day of class will be
refunded 65% of the fee, after which time there is no refund. |
| c. |
Decision on withdrawals and
refunds will be based on the date when the written withdrawal notice is received by AACE
International. Drops done by mail are effective as of the postmark date. |
Registration
Tuition: $500 / $450 (Nonmember / AACE member)
Click here to REGISTER.
Self-paced course can be started at any time.
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