Phone: 905-941-1611      

Estimator Training Workshops

4-Day Estimator Training Workshop – Buffalo, NY

4-Day Estimator Training Workshop – Buffalo, NY

Workshop 101 – 2-Day Estimating Philosophy

Min. 5, Max 10. trainees

This workshop consists of five lessons on estimating philosophy, organization, and technique. It is designed for those who have never had formal estimating training. Electricians who have been given estimating responsibilities are the ideal candidates.

The workshop has three parts:

Part 1 – Estimating Philosophy Lessons
  1. Lesson 1 – Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating
    1. Introduction to Electrical Estimating
    2. Estimating Philosophy
    3. The Estimator
    4. Organization
    5. Estimating Materials
    6. Understanding Labor
    7. The Estimating Sequence
  1. Lesson 2 – Estimate Preparation
    1. The Contract Documents
    2. Estimate Preparation
    3. The Pre-Bid Meeting & Site Visit
  1. Lesson 3 – The Takeoff
    1. Introduction to Takeoff
    2. Estimate Organization
    3. Estimating Technique
    4. Installation Labor Factors
  1. Lesson 4 – The Extension
    1. The Importance of the Extension
    2. Checking the Takeoff
    3. Focus on What Matters
  1. Lesson 5 – Bid Summary
    1. Introduction to Bid Summarization
    2. Project Labor Factors
    3. Summarizing the Estimate
    4. Labor Summary
    5. Bid Day
    6. Checking the Estimate
Part 2 – Course Materials
  1. The Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating by Don Kiper. (200 pages)
  2. Three-ring workshop binder – four sections: Workshop schedule, 12 lessons taught in class, estimating forms and checklists, 58 pages of quick estimating reference charts, complied or written by Don Kiper
  3. Estimating tools
Part 3 – Bonus Hours

Each trainee in the training workshop will have two (2) hours of access to Don Kiper. Bonus time is for review and refresher instruction on the concepts taught during the training workshop. This access can be done by phone or Webx meeting, if necessary.

Workshop 102 – 3-Day Estimating Philosophy & Takeoff Basics

Min. 4, Max. 7 Trainees

This workshop is for the experienced estimator who has had no formal training and needs to learn structure and consistency. The trainee maybe be a good estimator, but this training will make him a great estimator. The workshop is non-software specific. The training will benefit any estimator regardless of the estimating software used. Takeoffs are written on takeoffs sheets in an organized manner that can be easily entered into most estimating software programs. Electrical field experience is required. This workshop is ideal for the electrician learning the science of estimating.

This workshop has four parts:

Part 1 – Estimating Philosophy Lessons
  1. Lesson 1 – Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating
    1. Introduction to Electrical Estimating
    2. Estimating Philosophy
    3. The Estimator
    4. Organization
    5. Estimating Materials
    6. Understanding Labor
    7. The Estimating Sequence
  1. Lesson 2 – Estimate Preparation
    1. The Contract Documents
    2. Estimate Preparation
    3. The Pre-Bid Meeting & Site Visit
  1. Lesson 3 – The Takeoff
    1. Introduction to Takeoff
    2. Estimate Organization
    3. Estimating Technique
    4. Installation Labor Factors
  1. Lesson 4 – The Extension
    1. The Importance of the Extension
    2. Checking the Takeoff
    3. Focus on What Matters
  1. Lesson 5 – Bid Summary
    1. Introduction to Bid Summarization
    2. Project Labor Factors
    3. Summarizing the Estimate
    4. Labor Summary
    5. Bid Day
    6. Checking the Estimate
Part 2 – Estimating Technique and Takeoff
  1. Quantify and list a project
  2. Follow through the 28-step estimating sequence
  3. Perform takeoffs using takeoff sheets and feeder schedules
  4. Write up a Bid Summary and Recap
  5. Learn how to have a good bid day
Part 3 – Course Materials
  1. The Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating by Don Kiper. (200 pages)
  2. Three-ring workshop binder – four sections: Workshop schedule, 12 lessons taught in class, estimating forms and checklists, 58 pages of quick estimating reference charts, complied or written by Don Kiper
  3. Drawings and specifications used for learning takeoff procedures
  4. Estimating tools
Part 4 – Bonus Hours

Each trainee in the training workshop will have three (3) hours of access to Don Kiper. Bonus time is for review and refresher instruction on the concepts taught during the training workshop. This access can be done by phone or Webx meeting, if necessary.

Workshop 103 – 4-Day Estimating Philosophy & Takeoff Basics

Min. 4, Max. 7 Trainees

This workshop is for the junior estimator who has had no formal training. The additional day of training is what the entry level estimator will need. The workshop is non-software specific. The training will benefit any estimator regardless of the estimating software used. Takeoffs are written on takeoffs sheets in an organized manner that can be easily entered into most estimating software programs. Electrical field experience is required. This workshop is ideal for the electrician learning the science of estimating.

This workshop has four parts:

Part 1 – Estimating Philosophy Lessons
  1. Lesson 1 – Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating
    1. Introduction to Electrical Estimating
    2. Estimating Philosophy
    3. The Estimator
    4. Organization
    5. Estimating Materials
    6. Understanding Labor
    7. The Estimating Sequence
  1. Lesson 2 – Estimate Preparation
    1. The Contract Documents
    2. Estimate Preparation
    3. The Pre-Bid Meeting & Site Visit
  1. Lesson 3 – The Takeoff
    1. Introduction to Takeoff
    2. Estimate Organization
    3. Estimating Technique
    4. Installation Labor Factors
  1. Lesson 4 – The Extension
    1. The Importance of the Extension
    2. Checking the Takeoff
    3. Focus on What Matters
  1. Lesson 5 – Bid Summary
    1. Introduction to Bid Summarization
    2. Project Labor Factors
    3. Summarizing the Estimate
    4. Labor Summary
    5. Bid Day
    6. Checking the Estimate
Part 2 – Estimating Technique and Takeoff
  1. Quantify and list a project
  2. Follow through the 28-step estimating sequence
  3. Perform takeoffs using takeoff sheets and feeder schedules
  4. Write up a Bid Summary and Recap
  5. Learn how to have a good bid day
Part 3 – Course Materials
  1. The Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating by Don Kiper. (200 pages)
  2. Three-ring workshop binder – four sections: Workshop schedule, 12 lessons taught in class, estimating forms and checklists, 58 pages of quick estimating reference charts, complied or written by Don Kiper
  3. Drawings and specifications used for learning takeoff procedures
  4. Estimating tools
Part 4 – Bonus Hours

Each trainee in the training workshop will have three (3) hours of access to Don Kiper. Bonus time is for review and refresher instruction on the concepts taught during the training workshop. This access can be done by phone or Webx meeting, if necessary.

Workshop 201 – 3-Day Estimating Philosophy & Trimble ®Accubid Classic Training

Min. 3, Max. 5 Trainees

This workshop is for the experienced estimator who has had no formal training. The trainee maybe a good estimator, but this training will make him a great estimator. The workshop is software specific using Trimble ® ACCUBID Classic software. The training is for the estimator who is familiar with ACCUBID software but needs to learn to master the program better. Electrical field experience is required.

This workshop has five parts:

Part 1 – Estimating Philosophy Lessons
  1. Lesson 1 – Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating
    1. Introduction to Electrical Estimating
    2. Estimating Philosophy
    3. The Estimator
    4. Organization
    5. Estimating Materials
    6. Understanding Labor
    7. The Estimating Sequence
  1. Lesson 2 – Estimate Preparation
    1. The Contract Documents
    2. Estimate Preparation
    3. The Pre-Bid Meeting & Site Visit
  1. Lesson 3 – The Takeoff
    1. Introduction to Takeoff
    2. Estimate Organization
    3. Estimating Technique
    4. Installation Labor Factors
  1. Lesson 4 – The Extension
    1. The Importance of the Extension
    2. Checking the Takeoff
    3. Focus on What Matters
  1. Lesson 5 – Bid Summary
    1. Introduction to Bid Summarization
    2. Project Labor Factors
    3. Summarizing the Estimate
    4. Labor Summary
    5. Bid Day
    6. Checking the Estimate
Part 2 – Estimating Technique and Takeoff
  1. Quantify and list a project
  2. Follow through the 28-step estimating sequence
  3. Perform takeoffs using ACCUBID software
  4. Learn how to have a good bid day
Part 3 – ACCUBID Software Training – 14 Lessons
  1. Basic Lessons
  1. 1 – Job Schedule Screen
  2. 2 – Starting a New Estimate
  3. 3 – Program Overview
  4. 4 – Takeoff Basics
  5. 5 – Performing Takeoffs
  6. 6 – Audit Trail
  7. 7 – Extension Screen
  1. Advanced Lessons
  1. 1 – The Job Schedule
  2. 2 – Program Settings & Options
  3. 3 – Advanced Takeoff
  4. 4 – Extension
  5. 5 – Reports & Views
  6. 6 – Bid Summaries
  7. 7 – Closing the Job
Part 4 – Course Materials
  1. The Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating by Don Kiper. (200 pages)
  2. Two Trimble ® ACCUBID Training Manuals – Basic and Advanced Lessons, 200 combined pages
  3. Three-ring workshop binder – four sections: Workshop schedule, 12 lessons taught in class, estimating forms and checklists, 58 pages of quick estimating reference charts, complied or written by Don Kiper
  4. Drawings and specifications used for learning takeoff procedures
  5. Estimating tools
Part 5 – Bonus Hours

Each trainee in the training workshop will have four (4) hours of access to Don Kiper. Bonus time is for review and refresher instruction on the concepts taught during the training workshop. This access can be done by phone or Webx meeting, if necessary.

Workshop 202 – 4-Day Estimating Philosophy & Trimble ®Accubid Classic Training

Min. 3, Max. 5 Trainees

This workshop is for the junior estimator who has had no formal training in estimating or estimating software. The trainee will learn the basics of estimating philosophy, technique and estimating software that will make him a great estimator. The workshop is software specific using Trimble ® ACCUBID Classic software. This training workshop is for the estimator who is an entry level user of Trimble ® ACCUBID software. Electrical field experience is required.

This workshop has four parts:

Part 1 – Estimating Philosophy Lessons
  1. Lesson 1 – Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating
    1. Introduction to Electrical Estimating
    2. Estimating Philosophy
    3. The Estimator
    4. Organization
    5. Estimating Materials
    6. Understanding Labor
    7. The Estimating Sequence
  1. Lesson 2 – Estimate Preparation
    1. The Contract Documents
    2. Estimate Preparation
    3. The Pre-Bid Meeting & Site Visit
  1. Lesson 3 – The Takeoff
    1. Introduction to Takeoff
    2. Estimate Organization
    3. Estimating Technique
    4. Installation Labor Factors
  1. Lesson 4 – The Extension
    1. The Importance of the Extension
    2. Checking the Takeoff
    3. Focus on What Matters
  1. Lesson 5 – Bid Summary
    1. Introduction to Bid Summarization
    2. Project Labor Factors
    3. Summarizing the Estimate
    4. Labor Summary
    5. Bid Day
    6. Checking the Estimate
Part 2 – Estimating Technique and Takeoff
  1. Quantify and list a project
  2. Follow through the 28-step estimating sequence
  3. Perform takeoffs using ACCUBID software
  4. Learn how to have a good bid day
Part 3 – ACCUBID Software Training – 14 Lessons
  1. Basic Lessons
  1. 1 – Job Schedule Screen
  2. 2 – Starting a New Estimate
  3. 3 – Program Overview
  4. 4 – Takeoff Basics
  5. 5 – Performing Takeoffs
  6. 6 – Audit Trail
  7. 7 – Extension Screen
  1. Advanced Lessons
  1. 1 – The Job Schedule
  2. 2 – Program Settings & Options
  3. 3 – Advanced Takeoff
  4. 4 – Extension
  5. 5 – Reports & Views
  6. 6 – Bid Summaries
  7. 7 – Closing the Job
Part 4 – Course Materials
  1. The Fundamentals of Electrical Estimating by Don Kiper. (200 pages)
  2. Two Trimble ® ACCUBID Training Manuals – Basic and Advanced Lessons, 200 combined pages
  3. Three-ring workshop binder – four sections: Workshop schedule, 12 lessons taught in class, estimating forms and checklists, 58 pages of quick estimating reference charts, complied or written by Don Kiper
  4. Drawings and specifications used for learning takeoff procedures
  5. Estimating tools
Part 5 – Bonus Hours

Each trainee in the training workshop will have four (4) hours of access to Don Kiper. Bonus time is for review and refresher instruction on the concepts taught during the training workshop. This access can be done by phone or Webx meeting, if necessary.

Estimating Tools ($250 Value) Included in All Workshops

  1. Sample 3-Ring Binder Estimate Book
  2. Scale Master Pro electronic scale by Calculated Industries
  3. Hand tally counter
  4. Architectural triangular aluminum scales – 12” & 24”
  5. Engineering triangular aluminum scales – 12” & 24”
  6. Stainless steel rulers with cork backing by Alvin – 12”, 18”, 24”
  7. Highlighters, five colors
  8. Prismacolor ® pencils, five colors
  9. 10-digit desk calculator

All estimating tools become the property of the trainee at the end of the workshop.

Further Information

Estimating 101 provides the following:

  1. Training location
  2. Laptop computer with Trimble ® ACCUBID Pro software
  3. All drawings and specifications for workshop
  4. All estimating tools – which become property of each trainee at the end of the workshop
  5. Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks during each day.

The Client is responsible for the following:

  1. Training workshop costs
  2. All lodging
  3. All transportation
  4. Evening meals

Training Workshop Terms & Conditions:

  1. Ten-minute breaks will be taken after each 50 minutes of instruction.
  2. All training, organization, and instruction is offered by Estimating 101 as recommendations to the client. It is solely the responsibility of the client to determine the value of any of the training and instruction for his benefit.
  3. Trimble ® ACCUBID Pro software and laptop computer will be provided for each trainee to use during the training workshop.
  4. Trainee is responsibly for their own lodging, travel, and meals.

Refer to the Workshop Training Schedule page for upcoming training workshops

To reserve your place in a future workshop, please contact me.

Cancellation & Substitution Policy

Once registration has been paid and accepted, it is non-refundable for any reason, although it may be rescheduled for a future workshop. There is a $250 rescheduling fee for changes less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the event start date. Estimating 101 reserves the right to reschedule the workshop up to 30 calendar days prior to the event start date.

A full refund will made to the client if Don Kiper cannot complete this agreement due to death or a debilitating illness. Any expenses incurred by the client related to lodging and transportation are the responsibility of the client.

Substitutions of attendee may be made at any time. Reschedule and substitution requests must be received in writing by email or mail.

Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality

All information and methodology disclosed by Estimating 101 during the execution of this agreement is solely for the use of the client and is considered proprietary and confidential.

Estimating 101 agrees that any information learned from the client related to his business operations during the execution of this agreement is held in strict confidence.

Trademarks

ESTIMATING 101 ELECTRICAL ESTIMATING & TRAINING SOLUTIONS is a registered trademark of Donald Kiper. All rights reserved.
ACCUBID is a registered of trademark of Trimble, Inc. and is used herein in cooperation with Trimble, Inc.

Nothing contained herein shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, joint venture, or other form of joint enterprise, employment, or fiduciary relationship between Donald Kiper and Trimble, Inc.