Learn Basic Formulas for Construction Estimating
Are you exploring construction estimating as a possible career option? Do you have strong math skills as well as strong organizational skills? These skills are critical skills for individuals who are interested in exploring construction estimating careers.
According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the demand for cost estimators which includes construction estimators will increase by 26% between 2012 and 2022. Click here to review the data. With this increase in demand, the construction estimators are a career path that will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.
“The demand for cost estimators which includes construction estimators will increase by 26% between 2012 and 2022.”
Strong math skills are critical for success as a construction estimator. When looking for construction estimating training, it is a pre-requisite that individuals looking for opportunities are aware of the basic formulas that are used in construction.
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The following are four basic formulas used in construction estimating training as well as in the construction industry in general.
Need more in-depth help? Watch Estimating 101.
- Length – length is a simple formula used to determine the overall length of a specific condition related to a construction or remodeling project. Length is calculated by adding together the conditions that are similar on a potential project. This is an addition formula. An example of this would be the installation of a fence line in a fencing project or the total length of electrical wiring needed in a tenant fit-out.
- Count – there are specific details which are calculated by counting. Counts are addition formulas and consist of adding together counts of specific details in a construction or remodeling project. An example of this would be the total faucets in a new home construction project or the total outlets in a wiring project.
- Area – area calculations are used to determine the overall area to be covered by a certain process or material. Area calculations are completed by multiplying length x width. Examples of the uses of area calculations include total area of roof covering for a roofing project or surface area for painting.
- Volume – volume calculations are used to determine the overall volume of a specific area that either needs to be filled or removed as part of a construction or remodeling activity. Volume calculations are completed by multiplying length x width x height. Examples of this type of calculation include calculating the total amount of insulation needed to fill a cavity at a certain depth or an amount of fill needed to back fill during an excavation project.
Mastering these four basic formulas and calculations will improve your skills in construction estimating.
Online estimating courses for Pros, by Pros.
Construct-Ed is an online learning platform where experienced Pros in the industry publish on-demand video courses to help you grow your business, skills, and knowledge. Browse over 180+ on-demand courses and watch a preview of each one. Or, you can check out our construction estimating 101 course.
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