lenncad

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if there are any classes/courses to learn how to estimate framing/drywall/acoustical ceilings. I've been estimating for precast (GFRC/GFRG) manufacturer for quite a while, and I just think its time to move on to bigger and better things. I don't think anybody hires entry level estimators, they want someone with some experience. If anyone can help me with this it would be appreciated. Thanks.

Darren@Partners

The school I went to was Hard Knocks Community College.

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www.partnersconstruction-drywall.com

joepro0000

I sell a drywall estimating chart that will definitely point you in the right direction, for 10.00 pay pal. PM me if interested.

silverstilts

I will second that . I think most is trial and error, if you stumble pick yourself up and try again. Don't over complicate things keep it simple and to the point. First thing is to be able to read blue prints so you know what it is you are bidding, which there are classes out there for this, not that you may need them but it may aid in finding a job as an estimator to put on you resume. This is something you should already know.

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aka the rock doctor

d-rock

contact some drywall estimators in your area. Offer to pay them for private instruction.

Custom Drywall Svc.

No offense....

But do companies REALLY need estimators anymore????????

times like NOW?????

I always felt an estimator was for owners that basically got too lazy to calculate and measure their own plans.

Lenncad, unless you are applying to BIG construction firms (and you most likely are, being from Vegas), to put it lightly, there's not a TON of justification for your position right now in today's economy.

In California at least, i've heard tons of stories of estimators being one of the first to go during this industry slump, and locally I can tell you that I have at least 1 - 2 laid off estimators per month looking to apply at my business.

And I jokingly, but sincerely tell them "i wish there were enough plans coming in for you to estimate, but I can handle it on my own for now."

As far as drywall estimating, there is no school -- and if there IS a school, you're wasting your money. Drywall is one of the easiest trades to estimate.

Sorry I'm not that much help Lenncad, but in all honesty, if you're looking to make a career out of 'estimating,' you might want to find another profession.

Stinger

I second what Custom Drywall SVC said. Not a good time. And if you got a job keep it unless someone is offering a better job.
But to take a class to get qualified to look for a new job?
A lot of inexperienced estimators have ruined good companies and they don't hold much value today.
Even when times were more stable what your wanting to do was questionable at best. Field experience is more valuable than a class or course.
Perhaps if you are willing to seek an education you would consider pointing it toward a different industry than construction.
With all this talk about Health Reform, maybe it would pay to look into the medical field and get paid by the government for the rest of your life!

lenncad

Thanks for the input. Some comments are discouraging but I do appreciate the honesty. I have asked framing and drywall estimators to help me learn but only when they have time. So far no one has gotten back to me. That's why I wondering if they offered any courses. I thought thought this would be the next best thing.

Custom Drywall Svc.>>>> Thanks for being honest. As far as estimating being a career choice. I think more of it as a spring board. If I do learn framing/drywall estimating and do it for a couple years, I may think about opening my own company or even land a job with higher pay. Right now I'm a GFRC/GFRG estimator/CAD designer for a manufacturer. I've been doing this for quite some time and I just don't see a bright future in this trade. I see more buildings being built more modern looking and I feel that they are no longer going to need this product. How much GFRG parts have you ordered lately? (Column Covers, Access Panels, Moldings etc.)

Stinger>>> I don't about the medical field. I have a lot of friends that are nurses and doctors they are cutting hours even doing layoffs (Kaisar Permenante Hospitals). I've been hearing that doctors don't want that bill to pass.

Stinger

Hey Lenncad, you could check out RS Means. They used to offer training courses and seminars for estimating. Seeing how you live in LV there's a good probability they host them in your area. Or maybe ITT Tech if you think you might be up for more school? And your right on the reform bill. My mom is an MD and believes that if they would stop hospitals from gouging they won't need reform. Like when they give someone a shot that cost them $6.00 for supply and bill the insurance co $600.00! No exaggeration.