Construction Cost Estimating Example from Udemy

So far, we've helped over 20,000 students accelerate their careers in construction management by mastering the fundamentals.

Learn the tools, techniques, and processes to estimate construction costs with a detailed worked example.

The course is:

Proven - taken by thousands of students with satisfied results. Over 94% of students surveyed believed our construction management courses supported their career progression
Practical - developed in consultation with industry experts to teach you exactly what you need to know to succeed in the real world
Fast - we know you are busy, so we developed the course with that in mind and cut out every second of unnecessary information
Packed with Downloadable Resources - we offer students a guidebook and downloadable copies of all slides so you never forget what you learned.
Contains useful templates - we offer useful templates so you can apply the skills in the real world

Master the art of Construction Cost Estimating with our comprehensive online course, the Complete Construction Cost Estimating Worked Example. Whether you're an aspiring professional or an industry veteran looking to enhance your skills, this course provides a step-by-step guide to cost estimating in the construction field.

Designed for intermediate learners, this course assumes a basic understanding of cost-estimating concepts. We won't cover the fundamentals in this course, allowing us to dive straight into the core principles and techniques of accurate cost estimation.

Estimating is an indispensable skill in the construction industry, employed by project engineers, estimators, and professionals across the infrastructure sector. With the knowledge gained in this course, you'll be equipped to pursue high-paying positions in a range of infrastructure and building companies.

Throughout the course, you'll engage in a comprehensive estimating exercise centered around an imaginary garage construction project. Using real design materials, you'll develop a complete cost estimate for the project. Although the figures used will be fictional, the focus is on understanding the estimation process rather than precise numerical accuracy.

The course covers all aspects of cost estimating, from setting up the estimate to pricing the job, calculating direct and indirect costs, factoring in profit margins, and preparing the estimate for submission. You'll learn how to utilize Microsoft Excel effectively to create detailed estimates and gain valuable insights into the overall estimating process.

By the end of the course, you'll have a deep understanding of cost estimation principles and the ability to leverage Microsoft Excel for comprehensive estimates. You'll also have a complete estimate for the garage construction project, serving as a valuable reference for future endeavors.

Enroll now to elevate your estimating skills and unlock a world of opportunities in the construction industry. Join us on this transformative learning journey and become a proficient Construction Cost Estimator.

What's inside

Learning objectives

We've helped over 20,000 students
Over 94% of students surveyed say we helped accelerate their careers
Downloadable resources and lecture slides included!
Understand the cost estimating process
Use microsoft excel to estimate the costs of a construction project

Learn to plan your estimate
Understand the project scope by reviewing the drawings and specifications
Develop the work breakdown structure
Estimate the costs of civil and structural works
Estimate the costs of building a concrete slab

We've helped over 20,000 students
Over 94% of students surveyed say we helped accelerate their careers
Downloadable resources and lecture slides included!
Understand the cost estimating process
Use microsoft excel to estimate the costs of a construction project
Learn to plan your estimate
Understand the project scope by reviewing the drawings and specifications
Develop the work breakdown structure
Estimate the costs of civil and structural works
Estimate the costs of building a concrete slab

Syllabus

Introduction

Why you need to become a great estimator!

Who is this course for?

Structure of the course

Let's test your knowledge of Section 1

Let's test your knowledge of section 2!

Let's test your understanding of section 3!

Let's test your knowledge of section 4!

Let's test your knowledge of section 5!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a step-by-step guide to cost estimation, which is an indispensable skill for project engineers and estimators in the infrastructure sector

Uses a comprehensive estimating exercise centered around an imaginary garage construction project with real design materials to develop a complete cost estimate

Teaches how to utilize Microsoft Excel effectively to create detailed estimates and gain valuable insights into the overall estimating process, which is a core skill

Assumes a basic understanding of cost-estimating concepts, which may require learners to seek out introductory material beforehand to get the most out of the course

Focuses on understanding the estimation process rather than precise numerical accuracy, which may not be suitable for learners seeking rigorous quantitative training

Covers all aspects of cost estimating, from setting up the estimate to pricing the job, calculating direct and indirect costs, and factoring in profit margins

Reviews summary

Practical construction cost estimating guide

According to learners, this course provides a practical (positive) and step-by-step walkthrough (positive) of construction cost estimating using a realistic worked example (positive). It is considered well-structured (positive) and easy to follow (positive), making complex concepts accessible. Students particularly appreciate the focus on real-world application (positive) and the inclusion of useful templates and resources (positive), especially the effective use of Microsoft Excel (positive) for detailed estimates. While some reviewers note it assumes a basic understanding of concepts (neutral) and is best suited for those with some foundational knowledge, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with many feeling equipped to apply the techniques immediately to their work. The course is seen as a valuable tool for career development (positive) in construction management and estimating roles.

Downloadable materials were seen as highly beneficial.

"The downloadable resources, especially the templates, are a big plus."

"Having the slides and a guidebook to refer back to is very helpful."

"I can definitely use the provided templates for my own projects."

"The materials provided made it easy to practice what I learned."

Reviewers found the course structure easy to follow.

"Modules are well-organized, building knowledge progressively."

"The structure of the course is logical and easy to follow from start to finish."

"Lectures are concise and get straight to the point, which I appreciate."

"The presentation is clear and the pacing feels just right."

Praised for showing how to build estimates in Excel.

"Learning to build a cost estimate model in Excel was incredibly valuable."

"The Excel sections were clear and demonstrated effective ways to organize estimate data."

"Using Excel templates provided in the course helped me understand the structure needed for detailed estimates."

Appreciated for its real-world, step-by-step approach.

"The worked example is the best part of this course. It takes you step by step through a realistic project."

"I really enjoyed the practical example that went through the entire estimating process. It makes it easy to understand."

"Following the construction of a garage was a great way to learn; it made the concepts very concrete."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Best suited for those with some prior estimating exposure.

"This course is definitely for intermediate learners; beginners might struggle without prior knowledge."

"It moves quickly, assuming you know the fundamentals already."

"I found it most useful because I already had some basic background in construction estimating."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Construction Cost Estimating Example with these activities:

Review Construction Drawings and Specifications

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of construction drawings and specifications. This will help you accurately interpret project requirements and identify potential cost drivers before starting the course.

Browse courses on Construction Drawings

Show steps

Gather sample construction drawings and specifications from past projects or online resources.
Review the drawings and specifications, paying close attention to symbols, abbreviations, and notes.
Identify key elements such as materials, dimensions, and construction methods.

Read 'RSMeans Estimating Handbook'

Show steps

Supplement your knowledge with a comprehensive guide to cost estimating. This book provides detailed cost data and estimating techniques to enhance your understanding of the subject.

View How to Estimate with RSMeans Data: Basic Skills... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the RSMeans Estimating Handbook.
Review relevant sections on cost estimating principles, labor rates, material costs, and equipment costs.
Practice using the handbook to estimate the cost of simple construction tasks.

Excel Cost Estimation Exercises

Show steps

Sharpen your Excel skills for cost estimation. Practice creating spreadsheets to calculate material quantities, labor costs, and total project expenses.

Show steps

Create a spreadsheet template for cost estimation.
Input sample data for materials, labor, and equipment.
Use formulas to calculate total costs and profit margins.
Experiment with different scenarios and cost variations.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Read 'Construction Estimating with Excel'

Show steps

Learn how to effectively use Excel for construction cost estimating. This book provides practical examples and step-by-step instructions.

View Construction Estimating Using Excel (What's New... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Construction Estimating with Excel'.
Work through the examples in the book, focusing on Excel formulas and functions.
Adapt the techniques to your own cost estimation projects.

Estimate a Small Renovation Project

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by estimating the cost of a real-world renovation project. This hands-on experience will solidify your understanding of the estimating process.

Show steps

Identify a small renovation project, such as remodeling a bathroom or kitchen.
Obtain drawings and specifications for the project.
Develop a work breakdown structure and estimate the cost of each task.
Prepare a detailed cost estimate, including materials, labor, and equipment.

Develop a Cost Estimation Template

Show steps

Create a reusable cost estimation template in Excel. This will streamline your estimating process and improve accuracy.

Show steps

Design a template with sections for materials, labor, equipment, and overhead costs.
Incorporate formulas to automate calculations and generate summary reports.
Test the template with sample data and refine as needed.

Document Lessons Learned

Show steps

Reflect on your learning experience and document key takeaways. This will reinforce your understanding and help you retain the information.

Show steps

Create a document or presentation summarizing the key concepts and techniques learned in the course.
Include examples of how you applied these concepts in practice.
Share your document with peers or colleagues for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Construction Cost Estimating Example will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cost Estimator

A Cost Estimator analyzes project plans and other documents to prepare cost estimates. This course helps you build a foundation in cost estimation, covering the entire process from initial setup to final submission. By developing a complete cost estimate for a garage construction project using real design materials, you will gain insight into how to perform the duties of a cost estimator in a real-world scenario. Knowledge gained through this course may allow you to pursue a position as a Cost Estimator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cost Estimator

Estimating Manager

An Estimating Manager oversees the estimating department within a construction company. They ensure that accurate and competitive bids are prepared for potential projects. This estimating example course will reinforce your understanding of the estimating process. For an estimating manager, the sections on overhead, indirects, risk, and opportunity will be particularly valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Estimating Manager

Construction Manager

Construction Managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Estimating construction costs is a critical skill for construction managers. This course may be useful for construction managers looking to refine their abilities to estimate costs in construction projects. The course provides a detailed worked example, offers templates, and downloadable resources to help construction managers understand cost estimation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Construction Business Owner

Construction Business Owners manage all aspects of their construction company, including bidding for new projects and controlling costs. This course helps construction business owners gain a deeper understanding of the cost estimation process, from initial planning to final submission. It covers all aspects of cost estimating, from setting up the estimate to pricing the job, calculating direct and indirect costs, and factoring in profit margins.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Business Owner

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for the overall success of a construction project, including managing the budget. A project manager will find this course useful to better forecast costs. With the knowledge gained in this course, you will be better equipped to pursue positions in a range of infrastructure and building companies, which makes the course particularly valuable to those in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Project Engineer

Project Engineers assist in the planning, design, and execution of construction projects. They may be responsible for cost control and ensuring projects stay within budget. The Construction Cost Estimating Example course helps project engineers refine their estimating skills. The course walks through the process of creating an estimate within Microsoft excel and provides templates relevant to project engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Engineer

Quantity Surveyor

Quantity Surveyors manage the costs of construction projects, ensuring that they are completed within budget. They prepare cost estimates, track expenses, and negotiate contracts. This course may be useful for quantity surveyors as it provides a comprehensive guide to cost estimating in the construction field. The complete construction cost estimating worked example will provide a foundation for understanding quantity surveying.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantity Surveyor

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, develop, and maintain infrastructure projects. Cost estimation is important at every stage of a project. This course may be useful for civil engineers as it focuses on estimating construction costs, from initial planning to final submission. The course covers estimating the costs of civil and structural works - central to a civil engineer's role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Construction Supervisor

Construction Supervisors oversee the day-to-day operations of a construction site. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. The Construction Cost Estimating Example course helps construction supervisors understand the cost implications of their decisions during the construction process. This course will make you a more effective construction supervisor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Supervisor

Contracts Manager

Contracts Managers oversee the bidding and contract negotiation stages of a construction project. They ensure that all contracts are financially sound and align with the company's goals. This course, teaching the tools, techniques, and processes to estimate construction costs, may be useful. You will learn to improve your work with detailed worked examples with insight into the overall estimating process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Contracts Manager

Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Developers oversee the planning, financing, and construction of real estate projects. Cost estimation is a critical aspect of their role, as it determines the profitability of a project. This course may be useful for real estate developers, as it provides a step-by-step guide to cost estimating in the construction field. By the end of this course, you'll have a deep understanding of cost estimation principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Facility Manager

Facility Managers are responsible for maintaining and operating buildings and infrastructure. They often manage budgets for repairs, renovations, and new construction. This course may be useful for facility managers. The course covers all aspects of cost estimating, from setting up the estimate to pricing the job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facility Manager

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans and programs for land use, transportation, and community development. They often work with construction companies to implement these plans. This course may be useful for urban planners, particularly those involved in infrastructure development projects, as it focuses on estimating construction costs. By the end of the course, you'll have a deep understanding of cost estimation principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants advise construction companies on how to incorporate sustainable practices into their projects. Understanding the cost implications of sustainable materials and technologies is important to being a Sustainability Consultant. Estimating is an indispensable skill in the construction industry, and with the knowledge gained in this course, you'll be equipped to pursue positions in a range of infrastructure and building companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Building Inspector

Building Inspectors examine structures to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. While not directly involved in cost estimation, understanding cost implications can help them assess the feasibility and value of construction projects. With the knowledge gained in this course, you'll be equipped to pursue positions in a range of infrastructure and building companies, which makes the course particularly valuable to those in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Inspector

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Construction Cost Estimating Example.

How to Estimate with RSMeans Data

Save

This handbook comprehensive guide to construction cost estimating, providing detailed cost data for various construction tasks and materials. It's a valuable reference for understanding pricing and developing accurate estimates. It is particularly useful for those looking to deepen their understanding of real-world cost data and industry standards, and useful reference tool for estimators.

How to Estimate with RSMeans Data: Basic Skills for...

Paperback

Construction Estimating Using Excel

Save

Focuses on using Microsoft Excel for construction cost estimating, aligning perfectly with the course's emphasis on Excel skills. It provides practical guidance on creating detailed estimates and managing cost data within Excel. It useful reference tool for estimators, and is particularly helpful for those looking to improve their Excel skills.

Construction Estimating Using Excel (What's New in...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Construction Cost Estimating Example

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

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Reviews summary

Practical construction cost estimating guide

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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