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08Apr

Advanced Cost Estimating for Concrete Construction - VILT

The course walks through the practical side of formwork design and selection, concrete supply and placing methods, finishing operations, and reinforcing steel estimation. It also looks at specialized concrete applications, including high performance mixes, architectural finishes, and large volume placements. 

Indirect costs, contingency modeling, and methods for validating estimates against benchmarks and actual project data are also included, ensuring a complete approach to building reliable concrete estimates for both tendering and execution stages. 

What Will You Learn?

The course strengthens the ability to read structural drawings, specifications, and concrete mix designs to identify the main cost drivers. It builds practical skills for preparing detailed quantity take-offs for formwork, concrete, and reinforcing steels using established methods.  Participants learn to model crew productivity with adjustments for site, environmental, and schedule conditions, and to incorporate equipment selection and utilization into concrete cost breakdowns.

The course also covers contingency approaches, methods for validating estimates with historical data and market trends, and pricing considerations for specialized concrete applications, including sustainability related cost impacts.

Hands-on Application

Participants will prepare a full concrete works estimate from a real project package, including crew and equipment selection, productivity adjustments, supplier pricing, and final validation against benchmarks. Exercises will include scenario-based recalculations to test the impact of schedule compression, weather delays, and scope changes.

Mandatory Prerequisites:

  • basic blueprint reading skills
  • basic excel use/proficiency
  • familiarity with construction methodologies

Who Should Attend?

The course is intended for construction professionals responsible for developing comprehensive cost estimates for concrete works. It serves estimators, cost engineers, project managers, and construction managers accountable for concrete driven scopes, as well as field engineers and superintendents whose insight into sequencing and productivity informs accurate and defensible estimating practices.

Course Dates:

  1. April 7, 2026 - 8:30am - 2:30pm 
  2. April 8, 2026 - 8:30am - 2:30pm 
  3. April 9, 2026 - 8:30am - 2:30pm
  4. April 10, 2026 - 8:30am - 2:30pm

Next Scheduled Date:  TBD

Credits: 

  • 8 - CCA Gold Seal Credits
  • 24 - BC Housing CPD Point

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Course Credits Information
pointer
Gold Seal Credits:
8
Other Credits:
24 - BC Housing CPD Points
Course Certificates

Upon successful completion of this workshop you will receive an electronic copy of the course Certificate of Completion.

Course Instructor Information

Doina Dobre, P.Eng., GSC 

  • Doina Dobre has worked in Canada’s construction industry for close to three decades. She started her career in the field and carried that experience into estimating and project planning, where she has spent most of her time. Her background includes heavy civil, infrastructure, energy, and institutional projects, and she has worked with contractors of all sizes across the country. 
  • She has taken on senior estimating roles, reviewed estimates for accuracy, and supported projects as a consultant. Most of her work has been Canadian, although she has also been involved in a number of international assignments that added a different perspective to her practice. 
  • Through this foundation, Doina has developed an approach to training that is direct and grounded. She focuses on clarity and structure, while linking estimating skills to the larger process of delivering a project. Her sessions draw on real experience and open discussion, providing knowledge that carries into daily practice across the industry.
Course Contact Information

training@sicabc.ca
778-721-8451

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