Carter School of Estimating

Construction Estimating Courses

Over 10,000 Estimators Trained Since 1976

Most estimates look right on paper but fail in the field.

Since 1976, the Carter School of Estimating has trained estimators to build accurate, profitable bids using real production rates, not guesswork.

Our construction estimating courses teach you how to read plans, perform takeoffs, and price work based on actual job conditions, not assumptions.

Whether you’re new to estimating or looking to improve, you’ll learn how to price work correctly and avoid costly mistakes.

Drywall Estimating Course

Commercial drywall, metal framing, insulation and ACT

Painting Estimating Course

Commercial painting

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Most Estimates Are Wrong

Most estimators lose money for one reason — bad production rates.

Not math. Not software. Production rates.

Trouble Reading Plans?

You’re missing scope or counting the wrong materials. You’ll learn how to read prints, measure correctly, and build a takeoff that actually holds up.

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No Estimating Experience?

That’s better than learning it wrong. You’ll learn how to build an estimate from scratch using real production rates and real job conditions.

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Don’t Understand Your Estimator?

Then you’re trusting numbers you can’t verify. You’ll learn how estimates are built so you can spot mistakes and question the numbers.

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Always Too High Or Too Low?

That’s not bad luck. That’s bad production rates. You’ll learn how to price work correctly so your bids land where they should.

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Not Making The Profit You Bid?

That’s where most estimators fail. You’ll learn how to build estimates that hold up — not just on bid day, but in the field.

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What You Actually Get

Real Production Rates

Stop guessing. Learn the actual production rates used in the field.

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Correct Pricing

Price work based on real job conditions, not averages.

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Accurate Takeoffs

Measure and count correctly so your numbers actually hold up.

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Consistent Profits

Know where money is made or lost on every job.

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What You'll Learn

Plans and Specifications

Read plans correctly and know exactly what belongs in your scope.

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Production Rates and Man Days

Apply real production rates and calculate labor the right way.

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Bidding and Job Selection

Know which jobs to bid and how to avoid costly mistakes.

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Field to Office Connection

Understand how field conditions affect your numbers and pricing.

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Start Building Accurate, Profitable Estimates

Trusted since 1976

The Carter School of Estimating has trained thousands of estimators since 1976.

Whether you're focused on painting or drywall, you'll learn how to build accurate bids using real production rates and job conditions, not guesswork.

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What Our Students Say

Thousands of estimators trained since 1976. See what they’re saying.

“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 materials, man-days, production rates, difficulty factors, overhead, and much more. Call (603) 263-0345 or write to harry@estimatingcourse.com
today and I will change the way you think about many things related to estimating.

Estimating is an art. I like to think that I am a great artist when it comes to estimating. Let me bring out the artist in estimating that is inside you.

Carter School of Estimating

Construction Estimating Courses

Drywall Estimating Course

Commercial drywall, metal framing, insulation and ACT

Painting Estimating Course

Commercial painting

Most Estimates Are Wrong

What You Actually Get

What You'll Learn

Start Building Accurate, Profitable Estimates

Trusted since 1976

What Our Students Say

Tyler Boutot

Dan Gallagher

Steve Grossman

Harry Carter

Serious About Improving Your Estimating?