Udemy
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.
Learn More
Your cart is empty.
Keep shopping
Construction Cost Estimating - Complete Guide
Rating: 4.6 out of 5(46 ratings)
586 students

Construction Cost Estimating - Complete Guide

Learn the fundamentals of estimating - FAST
Created byTim Fairley
Last updated 1/2026
English
English [Auto],

What you'll learn

  • Construction Cost Estimating
  • How to estimate construction costs
  • The fundamentals of estimating
  • Estimating with microsoft excel
  • What is estimating
  • Why estimating matters
  • Understanding construction costs
  • Different Estimating Methods
  • When to estimate
  • Top-Down (Budget) Estimating
  • First-principles (bottom-up) estimating
  • Direct cost estimating
  • Labour costs
  • Plant Costs
  • Sub-contract costs
  • Indirect costs
  • Reviewing and submitting your estimate

Course content

3 sections • 19 lectures • 1h 36m total length

  • Introduction1:26
  • Estimating Guidebook!0:02
  • Estimating Spreadsheet0:05
  • Lecture Slides0:01

    Grab the lecture slides here!

  • What is Estimating?2:39
  • Why Estimating Matters7:10

    Estimation drives profits in a commoditized construction market by balancing price, risk, and contract inclusions and exclusions, shaping the project you can deliver.

  • Understanding Construction Costs8:10

    Break down construction costs into direct and indirect components, labor, materials, plant, subcontract costs, overhead, and apply contingency and margins to estimate the total project cost.

  • Estimating Methods4:18

    Learn how top-down and bottom-up estimating convert project scope into cost, compare accuracy and effort, and combine methods for reliable, contract-ready pricing.

  • When to Estimate8:00

    Explore when to estimate across a construction project's life cycle, from feasibility to closeout. Learn how top-down and bottom-up estimates drive tenders, cost control, and post-project improvements.

Requirements

  • No experience required. We'll show you the basics!

Description

Master Construction Estimating in Less than 90 Minutes (and get an excellent Excel estimating template)

Estimating is the foundation of every successful construction project — yet many professionals still rely on outdated methods or guesswork. This course shows you a better way.

By learning structured estimating techniques, you’ll build accurate, competitive bids and protect your margins while saving time.

You'll also kick-start your career as a construction estimator!

We’ve helped over 35,000 students grow their construction careers with practical, industry-focused training that delivers results.

This course is:

  • Proven – Thousands of students with 94% reporting improved confidence or job performance

  • Practical – Built by real construction professionals, for use on real projects

  • Efficient – Learn the essentials fast without unnecessary fluff

  • Resource-Rich – Includes an editable Excel estimating template, slides, and materials you can use immediately

We actively respond to questions and continually improve our content based on student feedback.

What You’ll Learn

Section 1 – Introduction to Estimating

  • What is construction estimating (and why it’s so important)

  • Why it matters

  • Understanding construction costs

  • When to estimate

  • Estimating methods

Section 2 – How to Estimate

  • Top-Down (Budget) Estimating

  • First-principles estimating

  • Direct Costs

  • Indirect costs

  • RIsk and opportunity

  • Profit and overheads

  • Reviewing and submitting your estimate

Section 3 – Conclusion

  • Learn to use our estimating template

  • Conclusion

Who this course is for:

  • People interested in a career in the construction industry
  • People wanting to become construction estimators
  • Construction estimators
  • Project managers

Report abuse