CM 275: Construction Estimating

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Prerequisite: CM 110, CM 140.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course covers the estimating and bidding process, concept and procedures for analyzing labor, equipment and materials take-offs involved in producing reliable complete project estimates. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Create written reports and oral presentations for construction estimating projects \\n
  • Understand the comprehensive estimating and bidding process.
  • Demonstrate ability to conduct quantity takeoffs for construction project estimates\\n
  • Conduct a cost comparative analysis of alternatives for the various estimates
  • Understand the concepts of estimating, types.
  • Work effectively in a bidding team to develop and present a basic bid proposal
  • demonstrate knowledge of direct and indirect costs associated with a bid
  • Analyze different ethical issues in construction projects (ACCE-SLO # 8)
  • Estimating technology applications

Major Course Content

  1. Basic Anatomy/Terminology of Estimating
  2. Estimating Practices
  3. Estimating/Bidding Process and Methods
  4. Understand the factors that influence a construction bid
  5. Lump Sum versus Unit Bid Item Estimating
  6. Construction Contract Requirements
  7. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Master and Uniformat II methods
  8. Quantity Take-Off process/procedure
  9. Estimate / Bid Analysis
  10. Conflict Identification and Resolution
  11. Ethical Issues pertinent to the Estimating Profession

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Conduct reading of instructor-assigned construction documents based on instructor handouts and library research.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Given basic sample contractor materials submittals, prepare a basic an estimating narrative to support your estimates and address potential various estimating risk.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Conduct research and prepare written report related to current estimating industry trends and tools, as well as potential ethical challenges.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture