This course provides essential guidance on construction project cost estimation, using the world's most popular source of construction cost data. Step-by-step instruction guides students through several exercises that emphasize real-world problem-solving skills, and new discussion on Building Information Modeling provides up-to-date estimation techniques that are becoming standard in the industry.

Estimating skills are critical at all levels of the construction industry, and the learning process also strengthens understanding of blueprints and construction assemblies. This course provides comprehensive instruction on all aspects of the estimation process, with detailed guidance.

Course Objectives:

By completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Define and explain basic estimating calculations, spreadsheets, and general requirements

2. Adjust RSMeans data to account for local labor rates, overtime, markups, and more

3. Estimate material costs for concrete, masonry, metals, wood, and plastics

4. Analyze costs for structural elements, finishes, mechanical systems, and groundwork

5. Integrate equipment, assemblies, depreciation, and more into a complete estimate

Course Content:

• Introduction

• Basic Calculations

• Spreadsheet Types

• Cost Estimating: An Introduction

• General Requirements

• Adjusting RSMeans Data to Job Conditions

• Concrete

• Masonry

• Metals

• Wood and Plastics, Thermal and Moisture Protection

• Doors and Windows, Interior Finish, and Equipment

• Fire Suppression, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical

• Earthwork

• Equipment Analysis

• Assemblies Estimating

Course Software:

You can register for RSMeans through its website and get free one-month trial access. That should help you enough with this course.

Course Textbook:

How to Estimate with RSMeans Data: Basic Skills for Building Construction, 5th Edition; RSMeans, Saleh A. Mubarak; ISBN: 978-1-118-97797-2, March 2020