COURSE OUTLINE
Course Number BCT232
Course Title Construction Estimating
Credits 3
Hours: Studio/Lab, Lecture 3
Pre-requisite BCT110 Construction Materials & Methods BCT120 Construction Graphics BCT104 Codes for Construction, ENG 101 or divisional permission
Implementation sem/year Fall 2011
Course description: Construction Estimating Prerequisites: BCT 104, BCT 110, BCT 120, ENG 101 or divisional permission 3 credits Examination of the role of construction documents for producing construction job estimates, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the construction cost estimator. Both residential and light commercial applications are addressed along with an introduction to contracts and various bid types. Computer estimating software applications are introduced. 3 lecture hours
Required texts/other materials: Text (s): Other learning resources: Online website in text Last Revised: Spring 2011
Course Coordinator: Garry Perryman, e-mail: perryg@[Link], tel. x 3357
GENERAL OBJECTIVES: A. To familiarize the student with the various parts and aspects of a complete set of construction documents. B. To familiarize the student with the methods used to obtain a reasonable cost estimate and be aware of some current cost figures. C. To sensitize the student to the cost of construction to become aware and more critical of methods and materials used in his/her designs. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Arrange and prepare, from material and labor take-off list, a complete estimate. Explain responsibilities and ethics of an estimator. Demonstrate, define and explain the use of a construction spread sheet for estimating. Understand and relate the theory of estimating for building construction as related to the structure of plans and specifications estimates. Demonstrate, define and explain quantity surveying, unit cost synthesis and analysis, bid organization and preparation. Describe competitive simulations and exercises in estimating. Recount the estimator's qualifications, responsibilities and ethics.
UNIT I Theory of Estimating The student will be able to Understand the uses and functions of an estimate. Understand project phase level estimating and ranges of accuracy. Understand statistical bidding concepts. Understand concept of acceptable offsetting error accuracy. Understand systematic comprehension of total project cost. Understand aggregate estimating techniques. Understand major and minor cost item analysis and procedures. Distinguish between estimating and budgeting requirements. List types of bids and estimates. UNIT II Structure of Conventional Plans and Specs Estimates The student will be able to Identify the different abbreviations used on construction drawings and develop a take-off list. List major divisions of estimate. Describe the steps of the estimating process. Define the price receipt system and bid assembly. UNIT III Quantity Surveying and Pricing The student will be able to Identify take-off patterns and techniques. Identify unit work item building blocks. Describe the general contractors and subcontractor's work. Describe the vendor's material estimates. Describe the cost coefficient system. Describe the computed unit costs.
Describe the work item production analysis. Demonstrate an understanding of computer estimating.
UNIT IV Checking, Refining, Reviewing Estimates. The student will be able to Identify quantity verification techniques. Identify ratio cost analysis. Identify cost component comparisons. Identify time and resource comparisons UNIT V The Estimator The student will be able to Describe qualifications, duties and responsibilities of a competent estimator. Describe management control and administrative services. Define price and purchasing ethics. METHOD OF PRESENTATION The main method of instruction will be by actually producing a job estimate using actual examples obtained from the industry. Lecture and recitation time will be used to explain these examples and demonstrate methods and techniques which may be used to achieve an acceptable estimate. Samples will be available for study. The assigned text will be covered, and several outside sources of relevant material may be indicated for study. EVALUATION Short tests will be given approximately each week on the material covered. No references will be allowed. A cost estimate of a small structure or site will be required for the final exam. Cost books will be allowed. Cost estimate for the building or site will be required as office practice and will be completed by the last week of class. All submittals will be judged on neatness, comprehensiveness, detail and understanding. Students will be required to keep a notebook of all class notes, assignments, quizzes, outside reading and other materials to be handed in at the completion of the course for evaluation of completeness and returned for students future reference. PROPOSED GRADING Notebook Quizzes and Assignments Small Estimating Project Large Estimating Project Final Exam
5% 35% 10% 30% 20% 100%
Academic Integrity Statement: Students are expected to comply with the college-wide requirements for academic integrity. Mercer County Community College is committed to Academic Integritythe honest, fair, and continuing pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception. This implies that students are expected to be responsible for their own work. Presenting another individuals work as ones own and receiving excessive help from another individual will qualify as a violation of Academic Integrity. The entire policy on Academic Integrity is located in the Student handbook and is found on the college website ([Link]
Special Needs Students Statement Any student in this class who has special needs because of a disability is entitled to receive accommodations. Eligible students at Mercer County Community College are assured services under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you believe you are eligible for services, please contact Arlene Stinson, the Director of Academic Support Services. Ms. Stinsons office is LB217, and she can be reached at (609) 570-3525.