Overview
Commercial Construction Estimating focuses on estimating and budgeting practices used in commercial construction projects, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. Through case studies and practical examples, you’ll examine the full budget development process, from preparing pre-bid estimates to completing post-bid analyses, and learn how elemental formats support effective budgeting.
You’ll explore key cost drivers in commercial construction, including construction site elements, the roles of different business units, and factors such as seasonal and environmental conditions. You’ll also develop the ability to accurately estimate quantities for excavation, concrete, carpentry, and masonry using standard measurement rules and presentation practices, and learn how to price work based on material takeoffs, construction equipment, and general expenses.
Interactive, self-paced online learning provides practical tools and resources you can apply immediately on the job. You’ll gain hands-on experience using Bluebeam construction software during coursework and assessments, supported by weekly virtual drop-in sessions with your instructor and peers.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills needed to produce accurate commercial construction estimates with confidence.
This course is ideal if you:
- are an early or mid-level construction professional looking to strengthen estimating and bidding skills
- are preparing for roles in project management, cost estimation or planning and scheduling
- want to use Bluebeam to create estimates and manage digital construction documents.
You must complete ESTM 006 Construction Estimating Bids and Contracts before registering for this course.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- outline the steps in the estimating process for commercial construction
- develop a preliminary project budget using an elemental breakdown
- summarize the budget development process from the creation of pre-bid estimates to post-bid analysis to establish costs associated with seasonal and environmental factors
- takeoff quantities of excavation, concrete, carpentry and masonry according to the rules of measurement and the requirements of presentation
- price the work measured in takeoffs of excavation, concrete, carpentry and masonry
- price construction equipment and general expenses.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
Don't have a student account? Let's set one up!
Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled, and blended courses, and one day before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive:
- Access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L)
- Access to a free version of the Bluebeam construction software for use during the course. Software access instructions will be provided in the D2L shell.
The following textbook is required and can be purchased from the SAIT Bookstore website:
- David J. Pratt, Fundamentals of Construction Estimating, 4th Edition, 2019, Delmar, NY: Cengage
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements
- Functional webcam and microphone
- Internet access.
Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants, including the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
-
Certificate of Achievement
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
Stories and news
From landing in Canada to landing dream jobs: Newcomers upskill with SAIT’s professional programs
Kanika from India and Lydia from Ukraine gained experience and confidence to take their careers to the next level
Alberta companies look to workforce training to close critical skills gaps
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) provides corporate training to help businesses boost productivity and workplace performance.
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.