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There are 3 modules in this course
In this final course of the Estimating and Bidding Specialization, you’ll bring everything together; learning how to assemble, communicate, and defend a complete construction estimate.
You’ll start by exploring how estimators manage risk and convey project information to owners, architects, and contractors. You’ll then examine key concepts such as allowances, contingencies, and escalation factors that affect cost outcomes. Next, you’ll step into the future of estimating with Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Target Value Design (TVD); methods that integrate cost, design, and collaboration for better project results.
By the end, you’ll have the confidence to present and defend your estimate with clarity, professionalism, and precision—ready to perform as a valued member of any construction team.
In this first module, you’ll step into the estimator’s professional role and focus on how to communicate cost information with accuracy and credibility. Estimating isn’t only about numbers, it’s about understanding your audience and presenting data in a way that inspires confidence. You’ll explore how owners, architects, and contractors view the estimating process, and how factors such as allowances, contingencies, and escalation influence your message. Then you’ll apply these insights to the Dining Commons capstone project by creating an Invitation to Bid, the first deliverable in your final estimate package. By the end of this module, you’ll know how to organize and present project information clearly, setting the stage for developing and defending your own Guaranteed Maximum Price estimate.
What's included
13 videos2 readings3 assignments
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 61 minutes
Course Introduction•3 minutes
Introduction to Mitigating Risk and Presenting the Estimate•2 minutes
Owner's and Architect's Perspectives•6 minutes
Contractor's Perspective and Delivery Methods - Part 1•4 minutes
Contractor's Perspective and Delivery Methods - Part 2•3 minutes
Allowances•4 minutes
Contigencies•7 minutes
Escalation Factors and Leading Indicators•6 minutes
Presenting the Estimate - Part 1•6 minutes
Presenting the Estimate - Part 2•5 minutes
Clarifications Relevant to Estimate Conclusion - Part 1•3 minutes
Clarifications Relevant to Estimate Conclusion - Part 2•4 minutes
Defending the Estimate Conclusion•6 minutes
2 readings•Total 16 minutes
Capstone Project Overview: Presenting the Estimate•15 minutes
Course Navigation and Safety Statement•1 minute
3 assignments•Total 67 minutes
Create an "Invitation to Bid" for the Dining Commons Project•45 minutes
Understanding Audience and Perspectives in Estimating•7 minutes
Module 1 Knowledge Check•15 minutes
Advanced Tools & Looking Ahead
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll move from communicating project information to building your estimate. You’ll learn how estimators balance cost, scope, value, and uncertainty to develop a complete and defensible Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimate. Working with the Dining Commons project materials, you’ll use a provided Uniformat template to organize your estimate and write concise narratives explaining how the project schedule, site logistics, and potential risks influence your cost decisions. You’ll see how professional estimators think holistically; connecting data, planning, and judgment into a clear cost story. By the end of this module, you’ll have a structured estimate and accompanying analysis that demonstrate your ability to reason through complex project conditions.
What's included
3 videos10 readings3 assignments
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 6 minutes
Introduction to Advanced Tools & Looking Ahead•3 minutes
Virtual Design & Construction•2 minutes
Target Value Design•1 minute
10 readings•Total 106 minutes
Video: What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?•2 minutes
Video: What is 4D BIM?•5 minutes
Video: What is 5D BIM?•6 minutes
Video: What Will 5D BIM Mean for Cost Managers?•3 minutes
Video: What is 6D BIM?•6 minutes
Video: How MMC Contractors Surpassed Expectations Using BIM and Prefabrication•4 minutes
Video: OMA Overcomes Design Challenges with Generative Design•4 minutes
AI-Powered Digital Twins For Construction and Infrastructure•64 minutes
Video: Why Successful Teams Rely on Target Value Design?•4 minutes
Additional Resources•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 77 minutes
Develop Your Uniformat Estimate and Risk Narratives•60 minutes
Virtual Design & Construction Knowledge Check•10 minutes
Target Value Design Knowledge Check•7 minutes
The Bid Day Process
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this final module, you’ll step into the role of a professional estimator, presenting and defending your final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimate. You’ll synthesize your work from earlier modules into a clear, confident presentation that communicates your process, assumptions, and conclusions. By the end of this module, you’ll have completed the full estimating and bidding cycle: from interpreting project documents to delivering a persuasive, professional presentation.
What's included
11 videos2 assignments
Show info about module content
11 videos•Total 52 minutes
Introduction to the Bid Day Process•2 minutes
Bid Day Processes: 7 a.m. to Noon•6 minutes
Bid Day Processes: Noon to 2 p.m.•6 minutes
Bid Day Processes: After the Bid is Turned In•5 minutes
Scope Leveling Sheets - Part 1•5 minutes
Scope Leveling Sheets - Part 2•6 minutes
The Master Bid Day Spreadsheet•6 minutes
The Role of the Bid Runner•5 minutes
Dissecting and Analyzing Subcontractors' Quotes•5 minutes
What to Expect for the Bid Day Simulation•2 minutes
Course Wrap-Up•3 minutes
2 assignments•Total 75 minutes
Presenting and Defending the Estimate•60 minutes
Bid Day Knowledge Check•15 minutes
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
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