Construction Estimating Using Excel

By Steven J. Peterson

Construction Estimating Using Excel is a practical, hands-on guide to building accurate construction cost estimates using Microsoft Excel. Published by Pearson, this industry-focused text teaches step-by-step estimating workflows, including quantity takeoff, pricing, labor productivity, subcontractor comparison, and bid preparation.

Designed for construction management students and working professionals, the book emphasizes real-world estimating methods and shows how to create reusable Excel templates for material, labor, equipment, overhead, profit, and contingency—making it ideal for coursework, training, and on-the-job reference.

What This Book Does

This book equips readers with a structured process to produce reliable construction estimates in Excel, from quantity takeoffs to final bid pricing, including best practices for organizing costs and reducing estimating errors.

Key Features

• Step-by-step construction estimating using Excel templates
• Quantity takeoff, pricing, labor, equipment, and subcontractor comparisons
• Practical bid preparation and cost-control approach
• Reusable worksheets for consistent estimating workflows
• Ideal for construction management courses and field practitioners

Who Should Use This Book?

• Construction management and civil engineering students
• Construction estimators and project managers
• Contractors and subcontractors preparing bids
• Quantity surveyors and cost engineers
• Professionals building standardized estimating templates

Why It’s Essential

• Practical Excel-based estimating approach used in the field
• Improves accuracy, consistency, and speed of estimates
• Bridges classroom learning with real bid preparation
• Trusted resource for construction estimating fundamentals

A practical guide to building accurate construction estimates in Excel.
Order today from BooksGoat and strengthen your estimating skills.

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780134405506
• Author: Steven J. Peterson
• Publisher: Pearson
• Format: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Availability: In Stock
• Price: $— (Free Shipping)

Table of Contents (Highlights)

• Estimating Fundamentals and Bid Strategy
• Excel Setup for Construction Estimating
• Quantity Takeoff and Work Breakdown
• Material, Labor, and Equipment Pricing
• Subcontractor Comparisons
• Overhead, Profit, and Contingencies
• Final Bid Compilation and Review

FAQs

• Do I need advanced Excel skills?
  No. The book is step-by-step and builds practical estimating templates from the ground up.
• Is this useful for working professionals?
  Yes. It’s designed for field-relevant estimating workflows and reusable spreadsheets.
• Is it suitable for construction management courses?
  Yes. It is widely used in construction estimating and project management programs.