Carter School of Estimating

Learn to Estimate

Welcome to the Carter School of Estimating!
Since 1976, we’ve been the trusted leader in construction estimating education. Specializing in drywall, metal framing, and painting, we’ve equipped thousands of professionals with the skills to succeed in this competitive industry.

Our comprehensive courses dive into plan reading, specifications, takeoffs, and bid pricing—giving you the tools and confidence to excel as a professional estimator. Whether you’re starting out or looking to enhance your expertise, the Carter School of Estimating is here to elevate your career.

Drywall

Commercial drywall, metal framing, insulation and ACT

Painting

Commercial Painting

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Our Construction Estimating Courses Solve Problems

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our

customer support

I have trouble reading prints.

Okay, so let's change that! Our construction estimating courses include plan reading, tailored to your trade. By the end of your course, you'll be able to distinguish between materials that belong to you and will have learned how to measure and count them for pricing.

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I have no previous estimating experience.

Join the club! Our courses are designed for the person who has little to no estimating experience. By the end of your course, you'll be armed with new estimating knowledge.

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I can't make heads or tails out of what my estimator presents to me.

Being at the mercy of an estimator that you hired can be a scary thing. But learning to "talk turkey" with an estimator is typically an immediate benefit of taking our courses.

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When bidding, I'm always high or low it seems.

A common problem with inexperienced estimators is not being consistently accurate with bidding. Learn our system and we're confident that you'll see the true values of each and every job that you price.

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We never make the profit that we figured.

Figuring one amount of profit but making another (usually less) is a very common thing amongst inexperienced (and experienced) estimators. They don't know what they don't know... it's that simple. Learn our system and start realizing more accurate profits.

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Benefits

In the comfort of your home or office

Our courses can be taken anywhere that has a good internet connection. Please make sure it's a quiet place!

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90-day access period

You'll have plenty of time to take our courses because we have given you 90-day access to learning. This allows a student to go over course material as many times as they wish!

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At any time you want

That's right! Now, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from taking our courses. We've removed all the barriers for you. Our classes are available 24/7.

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Self-Paced

Feeling energetic one day but a bit laid back the next?
No problem. Learn at your own pace on your own time.

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What Will You learn

Plans and Specifications

How to interpret plans and specs
How to discover details that are relevant
How to perform a quality takeoff
How to properly price a job
How to check for bid accuracy

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Man Days and Production Rates

How to apply proper production rates
How to create unit prices
How to figure man days
How to figure overhead and profit
How to figure worker wages and selling prices
How to price odd shaped objects

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Wins and Losses

How to bid the proper jobs
How to learn if a job isn’t right for you
How to spot errors before your bid is submitted
How to know if your win/lose ratio is off
How to utilize and track historical data

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From Field to Office

How to get everyone on the same page
How to time workers on particular tasks
How to adjust based on field feedback
How to know when field production is off

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Let's create your future!

Since 1976

The Carter School of Estimating is more than just an estimating school. We are a trusted partner to the thousands of students who have come before you. Whether you’re looking for a painting estimating course, a drywall estimating course, or both, you’ve come to the right place.

When you purchase a course from our school, you’re investing in peace of mind. Our estimating courses are designed to give you the skills and confidence needed to succeed in your career. And your journey doesn’t end when the course does—it’s just the beginning.

Our promise to you: We’ll be here long after your course ends. If you ever have a question about the material covered or get stuck on a specific job detail, we’re here to help—free of charge.

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What other students have said

“Harry Carter is truly a miracle worker in terms of estimating education. Not only did his school greatly exceed my expectations, it also gave me a much broader understanding of overhead and other business expenses.”

Tyler Boutot

B&B Drywall, Inc.

“Harry Carter is a patient teacher and has the ability to make anyone a great estimator. He taught me that estimating is an art and that one needs to understand that, in order to excel in the field of estimating.”

Dan Gallagher

Shannon Corp.

“I loved Harry’s approach to blueprint reading for painting. His class was informative, educational and enlightening. Harry never rushed and made time for anyone who needed help. I highly recommend this class for everyone.”

Steve Grossman

If Walls Could Talk

Harry Carter

Carter School of Estimating

My estimating courses cover material, man days, production rates, difficulty factors, overhead and a whole lot more! Call (603) 263-0345 or write harry@estimatingcourse.com today and I’ll change the way you think about a lot of things regarding estimating. Estimating is an art. I’d like to think of myself as a great artist when it comes to estimating. Let me bring out the estimating artist in you.