CMT 120 Residential Cost Estimating

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of construction cost estimating and project planning. Students will interpret residential construction documents, take off material quantities, and estimate labor and equipment costs. They will explore methods of estimating costs and scheduling using industry-standard tools and software.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

(MAT 183 or higher or concurrent), ((CMT 110) or (CET 125 and CET135)).

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

CMT 120 Residential Cost Estimating

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202651

Prerequisites

(MAT 183 or higher or concurrent), ((CMT 110) or (CET 125 and CET135)).

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of construction cost estimating and project planning. Students will interpret residential construction documents, take off material quantities, and estimate labor and equipment costs. They will explore methods of estimating costs and scheduling using industry-standard tools and software.

Additional Materials

NA

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

NA

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Compute practical geometry used to estimate building material quantities. (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)
  2. Measure, calculate, and convert various units of measure. (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)
  3. Read and interpret architectural and engineering construction documents. (CCC 2; PGC 3, 5,6)
  4. Classify methods of cost estimating for different project phases. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 4, 6)
  5. Understand how different factors can affect construction estimates and schedules. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 4, 6)
  6. Calculate items of site work, excavation, and concrete. (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)
  7. Group materials using the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) MasterFormat. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 1, 4, 6)
  8. Categorize and compute quantities and costs of labor and equipment. (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  9. Prepare checklists and complete a construction estimate for a typical wood-frame residence. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)
  10. Use standard industry references, information resources, and software to prepare cost estimates and schedules. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  11. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct as expected in industry. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Compute practical geometry used to estimate building material quantities.
    1. Calculate areas of common 2D shapes, including rectangles, triangles, circles, and other shapes as required.
    2. Determine volumes of common 3D shapes, such as cubes, rectangular prisms, cylinders, and other shapes as required.
    3. Estimate volumes based on determination of cross sectional areas multiplied by length.
    4. Solve for surface areas and volumes for complex 2D and 3D shapes.
  2. Measure, calculate, and convert various units of measure.
    1. Define and describe units of measure used in the construction industry.
    2. Measure, calculate, and convert units of various construction materials.
    3. Explain nominal versus actual size.
  3. Read and interpret architectural and engineering construction documents.
    1. Read and interpret site plans, foundation plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
    2. Review and explain structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
    3. Identify and interpret specifications.
  4. Classify methods of cost estimating for different project phases.
    1. List and describe methods to prepare rough cost estimates.
    2. Identify and give examples of methods to prepare approximate cost estimates.
    3. Name and summarize methods to prepare detailed estimates for bids.
    4. Calculate contingencies for estimates and bids.
  5. Understand how different factors can affect construction estimates and schedules.
    1. List and describe how various economic and site conditions impact construction costs, planning, scheduling, and financing.
    2. Identify and give examples of indirect costs, overhead, and profit.
  6. Calculate items of site work, excavation and concrete.
    1. Interpret contours, elevations, inverts, and other site and excavation quantity information.
    2. Name volumetric properties of undisturbed, excavated, and compacted soils.
    3. Calculate cut and fill.
    4. Describe site, excavation, and concrete methods, materials, and equipment.
    5. Compute quantities and costs of site work, excavation, and concrete.
  7. Group materials using the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) MasterFormat.
    1. Describe MasterFormat and the organization of divisions as they apply to cost estimating.
  8. Categorize and compute quantities and costs of labor and equipment.
    1. Calculate quantities and costs of concrete and masonry.
    2. Calculate quantities and costs of items of wood-frame construction.
    3. Calculate quantities and costs of insulation, weatherproofing, exterior materials and finishes, and windows and doors.
  9. Prepare checklists and complete a construction estimate and schedule for a typical wood-frame residence.
    1. Develop a checklist itemizing materials needed for construction.
    2. Interpret drawings to create a checklist for construction.
    3. Interpret drawings, perform calculations, and organize quantities using MasterFormat to compile a construction estimate.
  10. Use standard industry references, information resources, and software to prepare cost estimates and schedules.
    1. Use standard industry references to determine costs for materials and time and cost estimates for labor and equipment.
    2. Select websites, publications, books, periodicals, catalogues, and other industry sources to research materials, labor and equipment.
    3. Use industry-standard tools and software to prepare a cost estimate for a typical wood-frame residence.
  11. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct as expected in industry.
    1. Identify the need for self-discipline and time management in technical industries.
    2. Communicate and function effectively as a member of a team.


Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative Assessments

  • 2-3 Exams – (Equally weighted)

25%

  • Course Project

30%

Formative Assessments

  • Chapter Activities – (Equally weighted)

20%

  • Chapter Quizzes – (Equally weighted)

10%

  • Course Project Preliminary Submissions

15%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Explore and apply foundational principles of civil (horizontal) and architectural (vertical) fields as they relate to construction management.
  2. Identify and quantify materials used in technical projects.
  3. Interpret and utilize construction drawings and project manuals.
  4. Employ project management skills as they relate to horizontal and vertical construction projects.
  5. Use equipment and technologies relevant to the construction management field.
  6. Demonstrate a commitment to safety, sustainability, quality, timeliness, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.