About This Course
Building estimation and costing is the process of predicting and controlling the cost of a construction project from inception to completion. Accurate cost estimation is fundamental to successful construction project management — it determines project feasibility, enables competitive tendering, secures project financing, and drives profitability for contractors and developers.
This Building Estimation & Costing course provides comprehensive training for civil engineers, site engineers, project managers, and quantity surveyors seeking to master construction cost management. The course covers all types of building elements — substructure, superstructure, finishing, and external works — with practical calculation exercises for each.
Estimating professionals are essential throughout the construction industry: contracting firms need estimators for competitive bidding, project management consultants need cost managers for budget control, and developers need cost advisors for investment feasibility. This course equips you for all these roles.
Our curriculum is aligned with Indian construction standards including CPWD (Central Public Works Department) specifications and IS codes, while also addressing private sector construction practices. Real drawings and site photographs are used throughout to make the learning immediately applicable.
Course Syllabus – 10 Modules (35–40 hours)
Our structured curriculum is designed to take you from foundational concepts to advanced, practical application. Each module builds on the previous one, ensuring comprehensive understanding and skill development.
Introduction to Estimation & Construction Economics
Types of estimates: rough cost, plinth area, cubic rate, approximate quantities, detailed estimate. Construction project lifecycle and the role of estimation at each stage. Basic economics of construction: direct costs, indirect costs, overhead, profit margins. Reading and interpreting architectural and structural drawings for estimation.
Measurement Standards & Units
Standard Method of Measurement (SMM), IS measurement rules for civil works. Units for different work items: cubic meters (earthwork, concrete), square meters (plastering, flooring), running meters (lintels, beams), numbers (doors, windows). Calculating net vs gross quantities, waste and breakage allowances.
Earthwork Estimation
Types of earthwork: excavation, filling, compaction. Foundation trench excavation calculation: individual footings, strip footings, raft. Plinth filling and anti-termite treatment. Disposal of excavated material, lead and lift calculations. Earthwork for roads, grading, and site leveling. Cut and fill balancing.
Foundation & Substructure Estimation
Plain cement concrete (PCC) for foundation beds. Reinforced concrete footings: isolated, combined, strip. Masonry foundation walls, DPC (Damp Proof Course). Plinth beam estimation. Material quantities: cement, sand, aggregate, steel for each element. Foundation cost summary sheet preparation.
Masonry & Superstructure Estimation
Brick masonry: full brick, half brick walls, deductions for openings. Block masonry (AAC, concrete blocks). RCC columns, beams, and slabs: volume calculation, shuttering area, reinforcement estimation. Staircase RCC estimation. Steel calculation from structural drawings: bar bending schedule cross-check.
Rate Analysis in Detail
Components of a rate: materials (with wastage), labour (with OT and bonus), machinery/equipment, overhead (establishment, AMC, supervision), contractor's profit, taxes. Preparing rate analysis for: RCC M20/M25, brick masonry, plastering, tiling, painting, steel work. Understanding Schedule of Rates (SOR) and BSR (Basic Schedule of Rates).
Finishing Works Estimation
Internal plastering: walls and ceiling, different grades. Floor finishes: tiles, marble, granite — material and fixing cost. Dado tiling for kitchens and bathrooms. External plastering, texture finishes, external painting. False ceiling systems: gypsum, PVC — area calculation and material costing. Woodwork: doors, windows — carpenter's rate.
Services & External Works Estimation
Electrical works: wiring, switchboards, lighting points — package estimation. Plumbing: water supply lines, drainage, sanitary fixtures. HVAC cost indication. External development: landscaping, compound wall, gate, external pavement, storm water drain. Rainwater harvesting system cost. Lift installation cost indication.
Abstract of Cost & Tender Preparation
Consolidating all work items into an abstract of cost, contingency provision (typically 3-5%), work charged establishment, departmental charges. Preparing bid documents: BOQ formatting, item descriptions as per CPWD/NBO specifications, preliminary and general items. Tender comparison: preparing comparative statements.
Project Cost Control & Software
Cost control during construction: comparing estimate vs actual expenditure, material reconciliation, labour productivity monitoring. Variations management: pricing extra items, deducting omitted items. Final bill preparation, retention money, defects liability. Introduction to cost estimation software: Excel-based templates, CostX demo, Candy (overview).
Career Opportunities After This Course
Upon completing this course, you'll be equipped for a range of rewarding career paths:
- Job Roles: Cost Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, Site Engineer, Project Manager, Tendering Engineer
- Salary Range: ₹3–6 LPA (entry estimator) to ₹10–20 LPA (senior cost manager)
- Industries: IT, manufacturing, banking, healthcare, consulting, government, and more
- Work Options: Full-time employment, consulting, freelancing, remote work
Tools & Technologies Covered
You'll gain hands-on experience with the industry-standard tools that professionals use every day:
Who Should Take This Course?
- Students and fresh graduates looking to build industry-relevant skills
- Working professionals seeking to upskill or change career direction
- Entrepreneurs and business owners wanting to leverage technology
- IT professionals expanding their skill portfolio
- Anyone with a genuine interest in this field and commitment to learning
Training Methodology
Our training is 100% practical and project-based. Each module includes concept explanation, live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, mini-projects, and doubt-clearing sessions. Sessions are available on weekdays (2 hrs/day) and weekends (4 hrs/day), with recordings available for 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required for beginner-level courses. We start from the absolute basics and build progressively. Students with existing knowledge will benefit from the advanced modules.
What are the batch timings?
We offer weekday batches (Mon–Fri, 2 hours/day) and weekend batches (Sat–Sun, 4 hours/day). Online and hybrid options are available. Contact us for the current batch schedule.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion of all modules and the final project assessment, you'll receive an industry-recognized certificate from Optimetrik Digital.
Is placement support available?
Yes, we provide resume building, mock interviews, LinkedIn optimization, and job referrals for top-performing students through our hiring partner network.
Are classes online or offline?
Both options available. Live online sessions via video conferencing and in-person at our Coimbatore center. All sessions are recorded and accessible for 3 months.
