Important — Please Read Before Starting
This self-study estimating package assumes you are already proficient at reading
construction plans and specifications for your trade.
If you are not yet comfortable navigating drawings, symbols, schedules, and basic spec language,
we strongly recommend completing the Trade Basics package first so you get full
value from this estimating system.
Construction Self-Study Estimating Packages
Trade-specific estimating systems built for real contractors — not theory. Each package teaches a repeatable workflow: plan/spec review → quantity takeoff → labor logic → estimate structure → bid-ready deliverables. This hub includes all trades (NO General Contracting) and clearly defines the scope you can expect in each trade.
How These Packages Work (Same System Across Trades)
Every trade package is built on the same professional estimating structure so you can apply it across projects and scale your business. You learn what to look for in the drawings/specs, how to take off the scope, how to build a labor summary, and how to package the deliverables in a way that a GC, owner, or internal team can verify.
What You Learn (Every Trade)
- Plan + Spec navigation (where the scope hides, what pages matter, and what to extract)
- Takeoff method (counts, lengths, areas, assemblies where applicable)
- Industry-standard labor logic (NECA / Means style reference language only)
- Estimate structure (scope organization, alternates, exclusions, and risk handling)
- Bid-ready deliverables (QTO export + one-page labor recap minimum where offered)
What These Packages Are NOT
- NOT General Contracting (no GC packages, no full prime scope rollups)
- NOT a “one video and done” course — these are structured systems with outputs
- NOT tied to special software — you can use your preferred tool stack
- NOT brand-specific estimating databases — labor is referenced industry-standard style, not proprietary tables
Trades Directory (NO GC)
All trade study sets are available. Click any trade to contact us to purchase and receive access.
🔌 Electrical
Power + lighting + low-voltage workflows, QTO export, labor recap, estimating structure, and bid deliverables.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🌬️ HVAC / Mechanical
Ductwork + equipment takeoffs, labor logic, productivity factors, bid-ready deliverables.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🚿 Plumbing
Domestic + sanitary takeoffs, material breakdown, labor recaps, bid structure and outputs.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🧱 Concrete
Footings, slabs, rebar, forms, production-driven takeoffs and labor summaries.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🏭 Structural Steel
Steel counts/tonnage logic, connections awareness, erection labor, estimate structure.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🧰 Drywall / Framing
Partitions, board, studs, insulation scope, labor logic, and clean bid deliverables.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🎨 Painting / Coatings
Surface area takeoffs, finish systems, access conditions, production-based labor recap.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🧱 Masonry
CMU/brick quantities, reinforcing/grout logic, wall assemblies, labor recap outputs.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🪟 Glazing / Storefront
Openings takeoff, framing + glass scope, hardware considerations, labor recap.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🧯 Fire Protection (Sprinkler)
Heads, pipe routing logic, hazard classifications, takeoff outputs and recap.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE📡 Low-Voltage (Structured Cabling)
Devices, cable runs, pathways, racks, takeoff exports and labor summaries.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🚧 Civil / Sitework
Earthwork, utilities, paving quantities, production-based labor recap and bid structure.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🧨 Demolition
Demo scope, sequencing and containment logic, risk allowances, safety-driven outputs.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🪚 Carpentry / Millwork
Casework quantities, installs, hardware scope, labor recap and deliverables.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🏗️ Roofing
Roof areas, details, penetrations, accessory scope, production-based labor recap.
CONTACT TO PURCHASE🧱 Flooring
Areas, transitions, base, adhesives, finish schedules, labor recap and deliverables.
CONTACT TO PURCHASEAll Trades — Specs Coverage (What’s Included)
This section defines the scope for each trade package so expectations are clear. Every trade package includes plan/spec navigation, quantity takeoff structure, industry-standard labor reference language, and bid-ready outputs appropriate to the trade. No General Contracting is included anywhere on this hub.
- Electrical drawings: power, lighting, risers/one-lines, schedules, details, site power
- Low-voltage coordination where shown: fire alarm, data/telecom pathways, controls interface notes
- Spec alignment: device/fixture intent, raceway types, grounding/bonding notes, equipment connections
- Structured takeoff system: counts + lengths + assemblies (where applicable)
- QTO export (organized by area/item/unit)
- One-page labor recap (industry-standard reference language)
- Mechanical drawings: duct layouts, equipment schedules, piping where applicable, controls notes
- Sheets/Details: RTUs, VAVs, diffusers/grilles, shafts, access panels, hangers/support assumptions
- Specs focus: insulation, gauges, accessories, testing/balancing coordination notes
- Ductwork takeoff structure (LF/SF/EA), equipment counts, accessories
- Labor recap aligned to project conditions (ceilings, access, phasing)
- Bid-ready scope notes (controls, rigging, TAB coordination language)
- Plumbing drawings: domestic water, sanitary, vent, storm (where included), fixture schedules
- Isometrics and details: cleanouts, floor sinks/drains, backflow, water heaters, interceptors
- Specs focus: pipe materials by system, testing requirements, insulation, supports
- Fixture count + system-based piping takeoff structure
- Labor recap for rough-in vs trim-out and phasing conditions
- Scope clarity notes (tie-ins, shutdown windows, core drilling assumptions)
- Sprinkler layouts, head types, hazard classification notes, equipment rooms (where shown)
- Coordination: ceiling types, obstructions, seismic bracing notes (as applicable)
- Specs focus: testing/flush, inspectors test, FDC, valves and trim
- Heads + pipe takeoff structure (EA/LF) with fittings allowances
- Labor recap tied to access, ceiling conditions, and bracing
- Bid-ready notes (water supply assumptions and coordination items)
- Device locations (cameras, WAPs, data drops), pathways and cable tray (where shown)
- Rooms/racks, backboards, patch panels, labels, and testing requirements
- Specs focus: cable types, terminations, certification/testing deliverables
- Device count + cable run structure (EA/LF) and pathway allowances
- Labor recap for pulls, terminations, and testing/certification
- Scope notes (pathway responsibility and ceiling access assumptions)
- Grading, utilities, paving, striping, erosion control, demolition of site elements
- Earthwork quantities and utility trenching logic (as shown/available)
- Specs focus: compaction, aggregate sections, testing requirements, restoration
- Takeoff structure for CY/SY/LF/EA as applicable
- Labor recap tied to access, haul assumptions, and phasing
- Bid-ready scope notes (restoration limits, testing, and allowances)
- Interior selective demo, removals, sawcutting, patch limits, disposal requirements
- Containment, dust control, access/egress, and phasing notes (as shown)
- Specs focus: hazardous material language awareness (scope note only), protection of existing
- Demo quantities by area/system with clear inclusions/exclusions
- Labor recap aligned to phasing, access, and protection requirements
- Bid-ready notes (disposal assumptions, after-hours, protection, and patch limits)
- Footings, slabs, foundations, curbs, pads, ramps, and details
- Reinforcing awareness (takeoff structure for rebar where applicable)
- Specs focus: strength, finish, joints, curing, and placement requirements
- CY/SF/LF/EA takeoff structure with formwork allowances where needed
- Labor recap tied to access, pump assumptions, and placement sequencing
- Bid-ready scope notes (finish level, joints, curing responsibilities)
- Structural framing plans: beams/columns, joists, connection notes, misc metals scope
- Finish requirements awareness (galvanized/paint/AESS where stated)
- Specs focus: fabrication tolerances, coatings, and install notes (as provided)
- Member takeoff structure, misc metals list, and scope notes for connections
- Labor recap tied to access, pick plans, and erection sequencing assumptions
- Bid-ready notes (finish, bolt grades, field weld assumptions)
- Partitions, wall types, ceiling types, soffits, and details
- Openings, backing, specialty boards, and rated assemblies awareness
- Specs focus: STC/fire ratings, finish levels, accessories, and taping requirements
- SF/LF/EA takeoff structure by wall type and ceiling type
- Labor recap tied to height, access, and finish level
- Bid-ready notes (rated partitions, backing, and patch scope boundaries)
- Finish schedules, room/area finish intent, specialty coatings where required
- Prep requirements awareness (repair levels, skim coats, primer requirements)
- Specs focus: systems, coats, sheen, VOC requirements, and protection
- Surface area takeoff structure by system (walls/ceilings/doors/frames)
- Labor recap tied to prep level and access conditions
- Bid-ready notes (system assumptions, protection and masking scope)
- Finish plans, transitions, base, stairs (where shown), and moisture mitigation notes
- Underlayment and leveling requirements awareness
- Specs focus: adhesives, install method, warranties, and substrate requirements
- SF/LF takeoff structure by material and area
- Labor recap tied to prep/leveling and access sequencing
- Bid-ready notes (substrate assumptions and transition/base scope)
- Roof plans, slopes, drains/scuppers, penetrations, parapets, and details
- Accessory scope: insulation, cover board, flashing, coping, walk pads
- Specs focus: warranty requirements, fastening method, and sequencing constraints
- SF/LF/EA takeoff structure (systems + details)
- Labor recap tied to access, staging, and penetrations density
- Bid-ready notes (warranty, tear-off limits, and flashing responsibilities)
- CMU/brick wall quantities, reinforcing/grout awareness, lintels, control joints
- Openings, embeds, shelf angles coordination notes where shown
- Specs focus: mortar type, reinforcement, ties/anchors, and finish requirements
- SF/LF/EA takeoff structure with accessories and reinforcing allowances
- Labor recap tied to height, access, and reinforcing density
- Bid-ready notes (grout/rebar responsibility and embeds coordination)
- Storefront/curtainwall elevations, door schedules, hardware awareness where included
- Glass types, framing systems, and waterproofing/sealant coordination notes
- Specs focus: glass performance, frame finishes, and install tolerances
- Opening takeoff structure (EA) plus linear framing where appropriate
- Labor recap tied to access and install complexity
- Bid-ready notes (hardware responsibility, sealants, and field measure assumptions)
- Casework plans, elevations, details, hardware notes, and specialty install items
- Blocking/backing coordination notes where required
- Specs focus: materials, finishes, hardware allowances, and install requirements
- Cabinet/casework takeoff structure and accessory list
- Labor recap tied to install complexity and site conditions
- Bid-ready notes (field measure, hardware, and protection responsibilities)