Thank you for the video! I am a cost estimator in Russia, but in our country we have 2 different types of this occupation - 1 n government funded construction, 2nd in civil funded construction. The first one oblige contractors to use particular from the price book designed by the government (which is probably backward). While in private construction area bids are made depending more on free market costs. How is it in the UK, is government run conctructions regulated in such terms?
Hello, there are frameworks but generally it’s open market costs. Generally estimating or estimators work purely on bidding for projects so they use data from current and past projects to estimate costs for the projects. They’ll still discuss the project with professionals to ensure they’re bids and calculations are reasoned but generally speaking the open market element won’t come into full effect until their company has secured the project. Once secured they’ll work with QS’ in a handover capacity and the QS will then go to the open market to hopefully better the prices the estimator used to maximise profits. This definitely isn’t a fixed example as it can vary from company to company and often the scale of the company determines the scope difference between an estimator and QS role. Small companies may see the roles merged into one and in larger companies they’ll be very separate roles. All the best
Hi I am just wondering, I live in Canada and thinking of obtaining the construction estimator certificate..Do I need to have an engineering background to do so because my educational background is Business..Thank you!!
Hi Ahmed, I hadn’t heard of CIQS so have had to do some reading about it. Seems to be recognised by the RICS so from a far it seems like the right course to invest in, in Canada. Is it purely an online course over 2-3 years? From a construction / engineering background perspective I would just compare it to a typical student graduating uni. Essentially you’ll be in the same position once you’ve completed the course: qualification but with limited industry experience. I don’t know what your current salary / career point is but if you’re prepared to go backwards to move forwards I think it’s a good move i.e. you’re likely to start out as an assistant QS or equivalent. I had to do this in my transition from QS to PM & honestly would be willing to do it again e.g. to be a PM in a different sector because I love learning how different things and industries work. Give the first work experience episode a watch as that might be a good way for you to meet a nearby QS that could give you their opinion on CIQS too.
Understanding the construction process is pivotal to accurately estimating costs, highlighting the continuous learning curve in construction materials, methods, and processes. This involves aspects of design and project management, both from the client's and contractor's perspectives. To gain this understanding, pursuing a college education in construction technology or securing a job related to building construction is recommended. This hands-on experience provides insights into "how it's built." While self-learning is possible, having a mentor is highly beneficial. Platforms like TH-cam, including channels like this one, can serve as a form of mentorship or coaching. Considering various factors, it's evident that having a mentor significantly enhances the learning process. My page offers valuable resources on estimating and cost engineering that can further support your journey.
Great info! I have a question though. So recently, i opened up a contracting company and already have a couple of small building projects. The thing is that i come from a business background so i have very minimal engineering knowledge; all the knowledge im gaining is from the site as the construction is taking place. And im aware that its important to know your stuff. So how would you suggest i go about it in terms of takin any sort of a technical course? Should i start with cost estimation? Thanks a bunch again!
Hi, Definitely a unique situation in taking on construction projects without any prior experience. Apologies for the dad speech but just be careful as construction can have easy barriers to entry but can bite back with a lack of knowledge. My grandad had a saying of “you know so little, you don’t know how little you know”. A lot of contractors that don’t make it are ones that price projects incorrectly and don’t understand the contracts they’ve entered into (written or unwritten). There’s no greater learning than doing but some hand holding / guidance goes a long way in construction as it’s such a vast field. In terms of boosting your knowledge I would recommend a part time masters with other working professionals on the course. All unis are different but they can be 4 x 1 week modules over a year so you can balance work. I don’t have much knowledge on college courses but definitely give them some research too. Hope this helped a bit and all the best with your projects
@@careerinsights2430 hey there. Thanks for your reply and advice! I 100% agree with you that knowledge is required, which is why I have an engineer to handle the engineering side of things, and the reason I want to learn is that so I dont have to rely on him everytime. I am considering masters degree too but I can't enroll in one for the time being due to financial constraints, which is why I'm thinking of some sort of short courses that can get my feet wet in this field. if you could point me to the right direction I will be really grateful. Thanks again!
Understanding how something is constructed is essential for accurate cost estimation. Therefore, familiarize yourself with construction technology, methods, and processes. Obtain resources such as a cost classification system, Masterformat, and Uniformat for a comprehensive work breakdown structure to guide your cost estimation. Build your knowledge further by acquiring reference books, including building codes, ASTM standards related to building economics, and reputable cost catalogs like RsMeans. These materials will enrich your understanding of the cost estimation landscape. Consider seeking guidance from a mentor or coach, and leverage educational platforms like TH-cam channels, such as the one you're currently viewing, as a valuable source of mentorship. Additionally, explore my page for a curated collection of estimating and cost engineering resources.
@@careerinsights2430 Im majoring in construction science and management. Any idea on what good paying jobs I can get right after college with only experience in an internship?
Hi, no not really. Jobs and their demand are often determined by local demand rather than a broad basis. Check out some job boards now and see the type of jobs and pay on offer and see if there’s anything you can do to add to your cv in the meantime to make you more attractive for those roles for when you’re ready to apply. Also don’t be afraid to do more work experience once you’ve finished college. Mentioned in a few different comments the job hunting process can last a couple of weeks to a year, so if you don’t find something relatively quickly don’t be afraid to offer your services for free to see if you can build up your cv or turn a free role into a paid one. All the best.
Hi, unfortunately we’re not a government body nor do we have a benefactor behind us. We self fund the channel at a considerable loss and ultimately if we’re unable to break even in the near future we will be closing the channel. The full interview is on our website if you want to check it out.
Thank you for the video! I am a cost estimator in Russia, but in our country we have 2 different types of this occupation - 1 n government funded construction, 2nd in civil funded construction. The first one oblige contractors to use particular from the price book designed by the government (which is probably backward). While in private construction area bids are made depending more on free market costs. How is it in the UK, is government run conctructions regulated in such terms?
Hello, there are frameworks but generally it’s open market costs.
Generally estimating or estimators work purely on bidding for projects so they use data from current and past projects to estimate costs for the projects. They’ll still discuss the project with professionals to ensure they’re bids and calculations are reasoned but generally speaking the open market element won’t come into full effect until their company has secured the project.
Once secured they’ll work with QS’ in a handover capacity and the QS will then go to the open market to hopefully better the prices the estimator used to maximise profits.
This definitely isn’t a fixed example as it can vary from company to company and often the scale of the company determines the scope difference between an estimator and QS role. Small companies may see the roles merged into one and in larger companies they’ll be very separate roles.
All the best
Is there any course?
Hi I am just wondering, I live in Canada and thinking of obtaining the construction estimator certificate..Do I need to have an engineering background to do so because my educational background is Business..Thank you!!
Hi Ahmed, I hadn’t heard of CIQS so have had to do some reading about it. Seems to be recognised by the RICS so from a far it seems like the right course to invest in, in Canada.
Is it purely an online course over 2-3 years?
From a construction / engineering background perspective I would just compare it to a typical student graduating uni.
Essentially you’ll be in the same position once you’ve completed the course: qualification but with limited industry experience.
I don’t know what your current salary / career point is but if you’re prepared to go backwards to move forwards I think it’s a good move i.e. you’re likely to start out as an assistant QS or equivalent.
I had to do this in my transition from QS to PM & honestly would be willing to do it again e.g. to be a PM in a different sector because I love learning how different things and industries work.
Give the first work experience episode a watch as that might be a good way for you to meet a nearby QS that could give you their opinion on CIQS too.
it helps with getting interviews. if you don't have any education like engineering it will be harder unless you network/grovel to the right people.
I got degree in mathematics and I am doing estimating for 10 years.
Understanding the construction process is pivotal to accurately estimating costs, highlighting the continuous learning curve in construction materials, methods, and processes. This involves aspects of design and project management, both from the client's and contractor's perspectives.
To gain this understanding, pursuing a college education in construction technology or securing a job related to building construction is recommended. This hands-on experience provides insights into "how it's built." While self-learning is possible, having a mentor is highly beneficial. Platforms like TH-cam, including channels like this one, can serve as a form of mentorship or coaching.
Considering various factors, it's evident that having a mentor significantly enhances the learning process. My page offers valuable resources on estimating and cost engineering that can further support your journey.
Great info!
I have a question though. So recently, i opened up a contracting company and already have a couple of small building projects. The thing is that i come from a business background so i have very minimal engineering knowledge; all the knowledge im gaining is from the site as the construction is taking place. And im aware that its important to know your stuff. So how would you suggest i go about it in terms of takin any sort of a technical course? Should i start with cost estimation?
Thanks a bunch again!
Hi,
Definitely a unique situation in taking on construction projects without any prior experience.
Apologies for the dad speech but just be careful as construction can have easy barriers to entry but can bite back with a lack of knowledge. My grandad had a saying of “you know so little, you don’t know how little you know”. A lot of contractors that don’t make it are ones that price projects incorrectly and don’t understand the contracts they’ve entered into (written or unwritten).
There’s no greater learning than doing but some hand holding / guidance goes a long way in construction as it’s such a vast field.
In terms of boosting your knowledge I would recommend a part time masters with other working professionals on the course. All unis are different but they can be 4 x 1 week modules over a year so you can balance work.
I don’t have much knowledge on college courses but definitely give them some research too.
Hope this helped a bit and all the best with your projects
@@careerinsights2430 hey there. Thanks for your reply and advice!
I 100% agree with you that knowledge is required, which is why I have an engineer to handle the engineering side of things, and the reason I want to learn is that so I dont have to rely on him everytime. I am considering masters degree too but I can't enroll in one for the time being due to financial constraints, which is why I'm thinking of some sort of short courses that can get my feet wet in this field. if you could point me to the right direction I will be really grateful.
Thanks again!
Have a look for part time courses like HNC in Construction & the Built Environment.
.
Understanding how something is constructed is essential for accurate cost estimation. Therefore, familiarize yourself with construction technology, methods, and processes. Obtain resources such as a cost classification system, Masterformat, and Uniformat for a comprehensive work breakdown structure to guide your cost estimation.
Build your knowledge further by acquiring reference books, including building codes, ASTM standards related to building economics, and reputable cost catalogs like RsMeans. These materials will enrich your understanding of the cost estimation landscape.
Consider seeking guidance from a mentor or coach, and leverage educational platforms like TH-cam channels, such as the one you're currently viewing, as a valuable source of mentorship. Additionally, explore my page for a curated collection of estimating and cost engineering resources.
I’m currently going to school for a degree in construction management is there anyway you can provide me guidance?
Hi Michael, that’s a very broad question and very difficult to know what you’re looking for feedback on.
Happy to help if I can.
@@careerinsights2430 Im majoring in construction science and management. Any idea on what good paying jobs I can get right after college with only experience in an internship?
Hi, no not really. Jobs and their demand are often determined by local demand rather than a broad basis. Check out some job boards now and see the type of jobs and pay on offer and see if there’s anything you can do to add to your cv in the meantime to make you more attractive for those roles for when you’re ready to apply.
Also don’t be afraid to do more work experience once you’ve finished college. Mentioned in a few different comments the job hunting process can last a couple of weeks to a year, so if you don’t find something relatively quickly don’t be afraid to offer your services for free to see if you can build up your cv or turn a free role into a paid one.
All the best.
Half this video was literally an advertisement.
Hi, unfortunately we’re not a government body nor do we have a benefactor behind us.
We self fund the channel at a considerable loss and ultimately if we’re unable to break even in the near future we will be closing the channel.
The full interview is on our website if you want to check it out.
Hay quá