Introduction

The class is a paced, 10 week long online class. By the end of this class you should be able to:

1. Estimate the cost of general conditions
2. Prepare quantity take off of excavation and backfill
3. Prepare a quantity take off of concrete, and formwork
4. Use unit prices to price your estimate
5. Prepare a quantity take off and conceptual estimate of masonry work

Students choose their own class hours but must complete a certain amount of work each week. Activities the student will participate in include discussions using a bulletin board, weekly online quizzes, and frequent estimating assignments.

Prerequisites

To do well in this course you should already have the following skills.

• Know how to read blueprints
• Know how to use a spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, or Quattro Pro
• Have a basic knowledge of construction estimating subjects including:
  - Basic math skills
  - Estimating terminology (quantity take off, unit price, production rate, etc.)
  - Use of the calculator and architectural scale
• Be able to organize your work so it can be easily understood by others

You should consider taking Introduction to Construction Estimating and/or Construction Blueprint Reading if you feel you need more information in these areas before taking this class. Those courses are not prerequisites but they will be a part of the Certificate in Construction Estimating.

Learning objectives

By the end of this class you should be able to:

1. Estimate the cost of general conditions
2. Prepare quantity take off of excavation and backfill
3. Prepare a quantity take off of concrete, and formwork
4. Use unit prices to price your estimate
5. Prepare a quantity take off and conceptual estimate of masonry work

Class Organization and Grading

The following table lists the learning modules, the maximum value in points a student can receive within each module, and the time in which the modules must be finished.

It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall behind. Course modules will be made available to students on Sunday of each week. Class work must be completed before the following Monday. Students will not be able to work ahead of the class although reading assignments will be made available in advance. Actual dates that modules will become available will be posted in advance on the course calendar.

Grading Policies

Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each module and participation in at least two class discussions. Each quiz will count 10 points, class discussions will count 10 points, and the weekly assignments will count 10 points per module. You can see that I consider class discussions to be a very important part of this course. For that reason, the regular weekly discussions are even more important than the weekly quizzes. Students should provide at least the minimum indicated contributions to the class discussions each week to gain the maximum 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.

The Textbook

Estimating in Building Construction by Frank Dabostino and Leslie Feigenbaum comes with construction plans for two commercial and one residential building projects. This book is included in the price of the course and will be sent to you by the instructor.

Hardcover - 362 pages 6th edition (2003)
Prentice Hall
ISBN: 0-13-060405-4
Dimensions (in inches): 1.00 x 11.31 x 8.50

Students will also need the following materials:

• A calculator
• An architectural scale
• A couple of colored pencils
• A spreadsheet program (Excel, Lotus 123, or Quattro Pro)

Detailed Syllabus

0. Student Orientation. Learn about the course, how to get a good grade, how to communicate with the instructor and how to use the course tools.

1. An Overview of Estimating and Bidding. Meet your fellow classmates. Learn what it takes to be an estimator and practice your spreadsheet skills.

2. Planning and Organizing the Estimate. Learn how to organize estimating information. You will prepare an estimate summary and a project fact sheet. Learn how to avoid estimating errors and how to prepare the quantity take off.

3. Estimating General Conditions. Learn how to estimate general conditions.

4. Estimating Labor and Equipment. We will practice the fundamentals of estimating and pricing labor and equipment.

5. Estimating Sitework - Excavation. Learn about dirt work and prepare an earthwork estimating assignment.

6. Estimating Sitework - Utilities and Other Site Amenities. Learn about paving, underground utilities, and other sitework.

7. Concrete Estimating 1 - Footings and Foundations. Learn concrete estimating fundamentals and prepare an estimate of concrete foundations.

8. Concrete Estimating 2 - Slab on Grade. Learn quantity take off techniques and prepare a concrete slab estimate.

9. Concrete Estimating 3 - Columns, Walls, and Systems. Learn about estimating complex formwork and concrete placement.

10. Estimating Masonry Construction. Learn how to estimate masonry, brick, and stone installation.

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

Registration

Tuition: $500 / $450 (Nonmember / AACE member)

Click here to REGISTER.