COT 258

Construction Cost Estimating

Joe Dusek, Instructor

Prerequisite: none

Texts
Required: Dagostino, Frank R. & Leslie Feigenbaum, Estimating in Building Construction, 6th Edition, Prentice-Hall

Recommended: Means Estimating Handbook, 2nd Edition, Reed Construction Data – available at amazon.com or most local booksellers.

Explore cost engineering through detailed presentation of cost estimation and relationship to project-control functions, including scheduling, budgeting, job-cost accounting, job-cost control and determination of unit prices. Timberline estimating software will be taught.

Course Outline:

Construction organization, financing and contracts
Introduction to Timberline software and cost estimating databases
Cost estimating: work packaging and code of accounts
Labor costs, productivity and markup
Equipment types and capabilities, costs maintenance, storage, purchasing vs. leasing, fleet capability
Subcontracting and purchasing
Work packages: concrete, masonry, earthwork, carpentry, piping, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, communication
Temporary services, heat light, water, sewer, site drainiage, offices
Job overhead: direct costs, indirect costs, markup
Bidding: preparation and submission
Probability approach to risk – allowances and unit prices
Timberline software application
Timberline exercise number
Timberline exercise number

Click Here for Explanation of the Department Policy

 

SYLLABUS

Course Objectives

It is presumed students will spend a minimum of 2 hours outside study for each hour in class in order to meet the following objectives. The student will be able to: upon receipt of construction drawings and specifications, prepare a complete construction estimate for both residential and commercial projects including but not necessarily limited to the disciplines of site development, excavation, concrete, masonry, ornamental metal, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, moisture and thermal protection, doors and windows, interior finishes, landscaping, miscellaneous equipment, and overhead/profit. In addition, the student will be proficient with Timberline estimating software.

 

Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all class sessions and to arrive on time. If you are unable to attend a class you are responsible for all material covered in that class. Missed quizzes and exams may NOT be “made up” at a later date. Attendance is taken at each class. The third unexcused absence will result in a one-letter grade reduction to the student’s grade. The fourth absence (excused or not) will result in the automatic withdrawal of that student.

Grading

Letter Grades: Breakdown:
A: 90-100 Participation 10%
B: 80-89 Class Assignments/Quizzes 40%
C: 70-79 Midterm 20%
D: 60-69 Comprehensive Final Exam 30%
F: 59 or below

Grading will NOT be done “on a curve.” All quizzes, mid-term and final examinations will be closed book, closed note tests of knowledge. All material either in the textbook or discussed in class may be appear on any quiz or examination. Daily quizzes may be given prior to the lecture. Therefore, it is essential that students review the assigned material before coming to class.

Academic Integrity: Students are responsible for the integrity of their academic work. With that principle as a firm starting point, this course will also encourage students to learn from each other. Personal experiences and insights of the members of the class constitute an important resource for each other, which we will utilize as fully as possible.

In their written work, students should use an appropriate footnote or reference system for citing others’ work. Plagiarism is forbidden at Triton College. If a student uses another’s work without giving credit, and this is proven, the student could receive an automatic “F” in the course.

Course Schedule
August 31st
Introductions, Triton College policies and procedures, Student Services, and course overview will be discussed.
Lecture: Chapters 1 & 2
Homework: Read Chapters 3 & 4

September 7th
Lecture: Chapters 3 & 4
Homework: Read Chapters 5, 6, & 7

September 14th
Lecture: Chapters 5, 6, & 7
Homework: Read Chapter 8

September 21st
Lecture: Chapter 8
Homework: Read Chapters 9

September 28th
Lecture: Chapters 9
Homework: Read Chapters 10 & 11

October 5th
Lecture: Chapters 10 & 11
Homework: Read Chapters 12 & 13

October 12th – Faculty Holiday, No classes at Triton College.

October 19th
Lecture: Chapter 12 & 13
Homework: Prepare for the Midterm Examination

October 26th
Midterm Examination
Homework: Read Chapters 14 & 15

November 2nd
Lecture: Chapters 14 & 15
Homework: Read Chapters 16 – 19

November 9th
Lecture: Chapters 16 – 19

November 16th thru December 14th
Lab Time in AT Building

December 21st Comprehensive Final Examination