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Free construction estimating mini-course

Learn the fundamentals of construction estimating with US standards in 10 minutes. No payment, no card. If you like it, continue with all 16 divisions.

1. What is estimating?

Estimating means predicting the cost of a project BEFORE it is built. The estimator reads the drawings, measures the quantities (take-off) of each work item and prices material and labor. In the US, work is organized into the 16 CSI MasterFormat divisions.

2. The units that rule (US)

CY — cubic yards (concrete, excavation)
SF — square feet (finishes, roofing)
LF — linear feet (piping, base)
EA — each (doors, fixtures)
Lbs/Tons — weight (steel)

3. Your first take-off

A concrete slab is 30 ft × 18 ft × 1 ft thick. Calculate the volume in cubic yards (CY). Remember: 1 CY = 27 ft³.

Volume = (Length × Width × Thickness) ÷ 27

4. Mini quiz

In which unit is concrete measured?

Linear feet (LF) Cubic yards (CY) Each (EA)

How many divisions does CSI MasterFormat (1995) have?

8 12 16

Liked it? This is just the start

All 16 divisions: real theory, take-off exercises, calculators, quizzes and a certificate. Single course, packs or all.

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