Proper estimating skills and accurate costing are critical to the success of your company. Gain a basic understanding of the estimator’s role and an introduction of techniques used in estimating. This Gold Seal-Accredited course is designed for mechanical contracting professionals who are entering or new to the position of estimator, project manager, field supervision or support staff. This course provides 2 Gold Seal credits.

Topics covered during the session are:

• Role of the estimator
• Types of bids
• Estimate structure
• Construction documents and the estimate
• Quantifying by the use of take‐off techniques
• Material costing
• Labor and the MCA Labor Estimating Manual (LEM)
• Subcontractors and scope alignment
• Finalizing the estimate and writing a quotation

About the Instructor: Keith Rahn

Keith A. Rahn is an Associate Professor at Auburn University in the McWhorter School of Building Science.

With 15 years of mechanical industry experience in estimating, project management and ownership with MCAA contractors, his industry knowledge coupled with his educational background provides an unparalleled classroom experience. Along with teaching, he develops and presents various mechanical industry related workshops for Mechanical Contractor Associations educational programs.

Previously, he served as an Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University for 9 years in the Construction Management program. Mr. Rahn has taught classes in mechanical and electrical systems, project management & administration, estimating & project scheduling and construction material & methods. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, he is the current faculty advisor for the MCAA Student Chapter at Auburn and President of Sigma Lambda Chi International, which is the Honorary Society for Construction Management. In 2007, the MCAA presented him with the “Educator of the Year” award at the national convention. In 2017, he received an Associated School of Construction “Regional Teaching Award” from southeast region. He was awarded the Benning Faculty Fund for Excellence Leadership Award in April 2023 for his work with the mechanical curriculum at the university.

For non-members: Reimbursement for the difference is available when you apply for membership and upon approval. Apply online here.