Certificates

Advanced Estimating Certificate

• Are you interested in enhancing and improving your ability to estimate?
• Would you like to learn how to complete accurate quantity take-offs?
• Curious about how to solve real-life estimating problems?

We have created a comprehensive hands-on approach for you to gain an understanding of advanced estimating in the construction industry. This accelerated evening program provides the critical knowledge you need to respond to trends in commercial and residential building.

Benefits

• Update you on practical estimating procedures from the Rocky Mountain region's leading university in construction management education.
• Expand your knowledge and provide you the valuable tools and techniques in estimating.
• Increase your confidence and ability to function as a qualified building construction estimator.
• Minimize risk by increasing your knowledge and skills in estimating.

Program Objectives

The program aims to provide an understanding of a wide variety of estimating topics including:

• Different estimate types (conceptual, systems, unit cost)
• Compiling projects estimates
• Effects of project contract type on the estimating process
• Use of specifications and construction drawings in the estimating process, including use of an electronic measuring wheel
• Pricing direct costs, including self-performed work and subcontracted work
• Pricing labor, material, and equipment costs.
• Taking off major building systems (concrete, masonry, steel, mechanical, electrical)
• Pricing project overhead costs, including insurance, financing, and bonds
• Pricing company overhead costs to determine the "break-even" volume
• Selecting subcontractors
• Analyzing subcontractors' combination bids
• Effects of project schedule on project cost
• Examining the estimate to identify project financial risks
• Using estimates to control project cost
• Relation of the estimate to the company's financial systems

During the program, students will use drawings and specifications from an actual project to complete the estimating assignments. Students will also be introduced to Timberline Estimating Software by Sage Software.

Prerequisite / Materials

• Knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.
• 3-5 years of construction industry experience.

Students are required to provide the following: architect's scale, calculator, and accounting ledger paper. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop.

Faculty

• Dr. Hazem Elzarka is an Associate Professor of Construction Management at the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management, University of Denver. He is a registered professional engineer (PE) in the State of Ohio and is also a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). He has consulted for major US and international construction firms including Centex Rooney, Stone & Webster, Fluor Daniel, and Chemonics. His consulting work primarily focuses on Total Quality Management, sustainable construction, LEED certification, ISO certification, process reengineering, development of standard operating policies databases and systems integration. He has conducted several research projects in the areas of value engineering, computer-integrated construction and infrastructure management. His work has been published in refereed journals and conference proceedings sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Associated Schools of Construction, and the Construction Industry Institute.