Estimating Fundamentals

This course is ideal for early-career construction professionals, including estimators, assistant project managers, and field staff looking to build or strengthen their estimating skills. It also serves those transitioning into preconstruction or cost management roles and professionals preparing for more advanced trade-specific estimating work. You’ll explore the foundational concepts and workflows behind construction estimating, including tools, terminology, and cost coding. The course walks you through the complete estimating process—from reviewing drawings and specs to calculating quantities, applying contingencies, and organizing a defensible estimate. You will also examine common sources of risk and ethical considerations that arise in the bidding process. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply industry-standard estimating practices to real-world scenarios, using both manual and digital methods. This course lays the groundwork for more advanced estimating topics in subsequent courses.