Estimating 102 - Applied Quantity Surveying

The terms “quantity surveying or quantity surveyors” in North America are synonymous with construction estimating or construction estimators. Even the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyor’s (CIQS’s) website, describes a quantity surveyor as “construction cost consultants/cost estimators [who] work for either the client or the contractor and can be based in an office or on-site. They make sure the costs of large construction and infrastructure projects are accurately estimated based on initial requirements and project specs.” The actual discipline of quantity surveying first involves the quantification of construction materials required in order to meet the job requirements – a skill set in and of itself.

This course focuses on that discipline by applying the processes and procedures required in order to complete accurate and consistent material “take-offs” for pricing or even ordering purposes.

This course will cover:

• Introductions
• What is Quantity Surveying
• Practices and Procedures
• Identifying Items for quantification
• Methods of Measurement
• Setting up the Take off
• General Rules and Units of Measure
• Quantification of Excavation & Backfill
• Quantification of Concrete & Formwork
• Quantification of Concrete Masonry Units

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, participant will be able to:

1. Identify the origin of the items for quantification in a general contractor environment.

2. Describe the various standard practices and procedures used in the quantity surveying discipline

3. Identify 10 steps to a successful take off.

4. Explain the mathematical principals behind basic quantity surveying processes.

5. Complete a detailed and comprehensive quantity survey for items of work including Earthwork, Substructure, and Superstructure for a small commercial structure.

6. Understand how the quantity survey dovetails to the eventual estimate.

New construction estimators, field engineering staff or supervisors required to order materials as part of their responsibilities, those considering a career as a quantity surveyor or industry professionals who want to learn how a quantity survey is completed

The course is Instructor lead through the ZOOM Platform Online. Knowledge is applied through work assignments

Ralph Lembcke P. GSC., (full bio)

Navigating the world of construction is a complicated process. The industry has its own language, culture and conventions. Who better to help you chart a course than someone with over 40 years experience both as a contractor and as a college level construction professor? Ralph combines practical knowledge with proven communication skills to provide you with no-nonsense, clear, concise and, occasionally humorous, learning experiences for a well-rounded understanding of our complicated industry.