A General Contractor’s Introduction to Estimating, 2-Night Course

This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective estimating as a General Contractor. Participants will explore the crucial phases of design drawings, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction stages. Attendees will learn how to gather key attributes such as gross square footage (gsf), perimeters, and floor-to-floor heights to accurately assess project requirements.

The course will delve into various estimating formats, including the widely used CSI Masterformat and Uniformat, enabling participants to understand industry-standard classification systems. Practical sessions will focus on setting up estimates using Excel, covering setup tips, tricks, and best practices to streamline the estimation process.

Additionally, participants will receive a quick dive into content organization by CSI division, gaining insights into categorizing project components for more efficient estimation. By the end of this course, attendees will possess foundational skills essential for building an effective estimate for general contracting projects.

Instructor: Maryanne Kostick is a Cost Manager at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
She is a seasoned estimator with a decade of experience, possessing a strong dedication to enhancing industry knowledge and standards. As an instructor, she conducts significant training sessions both within and outside the company. Her particular focus lies in fortifying the preconstruction phase of projects, aiming to bolster industry expertise and strength. Her passion for education and improvement reflects her commitment to advancing the field and ensuring projects start off on the right foot.