Program Overview

Construction Cost and Estimating Using RSMeansź Data

Course Description

This course provides hands-on experience to build realistic general construction costs using RSMeansź. Topics include the preparation of quantity surveys (take-offs) and the development of material, labor, and equipment costs, including pricing of contractor and subcontractor work from actual working drawings and specifications.

Course Objectives

• Understand how to quantify the basic elements of a construction project
  • Apply quantities to labor, material, and schedule applications to develop a total cost estimate
  • Study of the basic trades including earthwork, concrete, structural steel, rough carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical to understand costs

About This Course

This course provides an overview of the basic procedures for estimating general construction costs. While there is a range of cost estimating tools in the construction industry such as Procoreź, this course focuses on using RSMeansź as the tool of choice for professional cost estimators and knowledgeable project managers.

Prerequisites

• Completion of C&EE X 407.4 Reading Construction Blueprint Drawings course recommended, or familiarity with reading construction plans.

Course Details

• Duration: As few as 11 weeks
• Units: 4.0
• Current Formats: Online, In Person, Live Online
• Cost: Starting at $1,100.00

Spring 2026 Schedule

In Person

• Date: March 31 - June 9
• Time: Tuesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
• Instructor: Artin Mgrtichian
• Fee: $1,150.00
• Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

Live Online

• Date: April 1 - June 10
• Time: Wednesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
• Instructor: Molly McMillan
• Fee: $1,150.00
• Location: Remote Classroom

Online

• Date: March 30 - June 14
• Instructor: AJ Schnell
• Fee: $1,150.00

Summer 2026 Schedule

Live Online

• Date: June 24 - September 2
• Time: Wednesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
• Instructor: AJ Schnell
• Fee: $1,100.00
• Location: Remote Classroom

Online

• Date: June 22 - September 6
• Instructor: Molly McMillan
• Fee: $1,100.00

Course Requirements

• Book: Fundamentals of Construction Estimating or Construction Cost Estimating (depending on the section)
• Reliable internet connection and Google Chrome browser required to access the software tool in this course.
• Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Programs This Course Applies To

Construction Management

• Certificate: Learn key construction management topics in this fast-track program covering foundational industry knowledge.

Construction Management Extended

• Certificate: The certificate in Construction Management Extended provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, and rigorous curriculum covering a wide array of aspects within the construction industry and the practical principles of construction management.