Introduction

This course features hands-on estimating and quantity take off activities associated with Metals, Wood, Doors and Windows, Finishes, Electrical, and Mechanical Estimating.  

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

1. Estimate the conceptual cost of structural metals
2. Prepare quantity take off  and estimate of rough carpentry
3. Prepare a quantity take off of roofing and waterproofing
4. Use unit prices to price doors and windows
5. Prepare quantity take off and estimate various finishes
6. Prepare a quantity take off and conceptual estimate of mechanical systems
7. Prepare a quantity take off and conceptual estimate of electrical systems

The Certificate in Construction Estimating program includes this class.

Prerequisites

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

• Know how to read blueprints
• Know how to use a spread sheet 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. Estimating and Bidding 1 is not a prerequisite.

Learning objectives

By the end of this class you should:

1. Be able to perform quantity take offs and conceptual estimating for structural and miscellaneous metals.
2. Be able to prepare quantity take offs and estimates for rough carpentry and framing.
3. Be able to prepare quantity take offs and conceptual estimates for waterproofing and roofing.
4. Prepare a quantity take off and conceptual estimate of various finish trades.
5. Be able to utilize conceptual estimating methods to arrive at mechanical and plumbing budgets.
6. Be able to utilize conceptual estimating methods to arrive at electrical budgets.

Class Organization and Grading

The course is organized into 10 learning modules and we will study one module per week.

Grading is based upon 30 points per week for a total of 300 points in the course. The weekly grading includes a quiz (10 points), discussion participation (10 points), and homework (10 points).

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 estimating problem solving will count for 10 points per week. Students should provide at least 3 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

The textbook for this class is Building Trades Estimating by Leonard Toenjes.  This book is included in the price of the course and will be sent to you by the instructor.

The book comes with a CD-ROM that contains estimating software, activities, prints, reference materials, and web links.

376 pages, 313 illustrations, soft cover
American Technical Publishers
ISBN 0-8269-0541-2

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

This table details the reading assignments for the entire course. This will give you opportunity to read ahead and get a jump on upcoming modules.

0. Student Orientation

1. Estimating Practices and Methods

2. Structural and Miscellaneous Metals Estimating

3. Estimating Carpentry, Part 1

4. Estimating Carpentry, Part 2

5. Estimating Thermal and Protective Systems

6. Estimating Doors and Windows

7. Estimating Finishes

8. Estimating Mechanical and Plumbing Systems

9. Estimating Electrical Systems

10. Bid Day

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.