DRFT 2102: Construction Quantity Takeoffs & Cost Estimating

Description

Students are introduced to the fundamental principles and methods used in construction quantity takeoffs and cost estimating, with an emphasis on both traditional and Building Information Modeling (BIM) based workflows. Students learn to interpret construction drawings and digital models to accurately quantify materials, labour, and equipment required for construction projects. Through the use of manual methods, spreadsheets, and BIM tools, students gain experience with modern estimating practices used in the construction industry.

Credits

3.0

Year of study

2nd Year Post-secondary

Prerequisites

DRFT 1374 or DRFT 1316 or DRFT 1391 or DRFT 1344.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Interpret construction drawings and BIM models to identify project components for quantity takeoffs.
Analyze and perform manual and BIM-based quantity takeoffs for key building elements.
Develop construction cost estimates by applying labour, material, and equipment pricing, including quantity take-offs and cost calculations.
Analyze how model data supports construction sequencing, timelines, and resource planning within estimating workflows.
Evaluate estimate accuracy by identifying risks, assumptions, cost variables, and data limitations within BIM-based processes.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

None

Hours

Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 24
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 36
Total Hours: 60

Instructional Strategies

Lectures, handout materials, video presentations, case studies, seminars and project/problem based
learning activities are used

Grading System

Letter Grade (A-F)

Passing grade

C-

Evaluation Plan

Type	Percentage	Assessment activity
Assignments	30	Manual & BIM Takeoff Exercises
Assignments	30	Cost Estimating Assignment
Project	30	Final BIM-Based Estimating Project
Participation	10	Actively contribute to course discussions and activities

Course topics

Introduction to Takeoffs (Manual & BIM Foundations) Quantity Extraction & Cost Components Preparing a preliminary estimate using BIM and manual data Cost summaries and estimate presentation

Notes:

Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.