Estimating Fundamentals: From Takeoffs to Totals: Live Online 2026: NAHB: November 5

Includes a Live Web Event on 11/05/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)

Build a rock-solid foundation in construction estimating and learn how to develop accurate, complete project budgets from the ground up >span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW258169825 BCX0">managers and construction professionals who want to strengthen their estimating process and improve cost reliability.

You will explore how scope definition, quantity takeoffs and cost development work together to create a dependable estimate. The course walks through how to interpret plans, specifications, inclusions and exclusions, so you can clearly define project scope, avoid gaps and improve coordination with trade partners. 

Through a structured estimating process, will learn how to select the right estimating methods based on project phase and available information. You will practice performing accurate quantity takeoffs and organizing costs into clear, detailed breakdown structures that capture direct costs, indirect costs and general conditions. 

By the end of the course, you will know how to assemble, validate and communicate a complete estimate that stands up to real-world scrutiny. You will walk away with practical tools and a repeatable process to improve accuracy, reduce risk and support better decision-making across bidding and project execution.

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Define and interpret project scope using plans, specifications, inclusions and exclusions 
  • Select and apply estimating methods, including rough, assembly and detailed estimating 
  • Execute a structured estimating process from takeoff >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208286517 BCX0">final pricing 
  • Perform accurate quantity takeoffs and avoid common errors 
  • Build organized cost breakdown structures, including direct and indirect costs 
  • Incorporate trade partner and vendor pricing into your estimate 
  • Assemble, validate and clearly communicate a complete, reliable estimate.  

Important Registration Details:

This live class is intended to be interactive. Please ensure you are in an environment that allows you to participate and that your camera and microphone are working.

Due to the live, interactive nature of this course, no recordings will be available.

This course is non-transferable. Do not use another individual’s login information to register for this course. You must login to nahb.org as yourself to receive your certificate of completion and credit for this course. If you are not registered on nahb.org, create your login at www.nahb.org/register. If you are having issues with your login, please contact our help desk at [email protected] or 202.266.8313

Cancellation and Refund Policy: You may cancel your registration and request a refund by emailing [email protected] until the day of the scheduled live class. If requested after the class has begun a fee will be charged ($25 for a 3-hour class, $50 for a 6-hour class).

Please contact [email protected] with any questions


    Donny Mack, CGR, CGB, GMB, CAPS, CSP, CGP

    Donny Mack, CGR, CGB, GMB, CAPS, CSP, CGP

    President and CEO

    Mack Professional Inc./Beaver Builders

    Donny Mack is the founder and CEO of Mack Professionals, Inc., a general contracting company which serves a wide and diversified client base from residential  remodels and custom homes to commercial remodeling and construction.  He earned his Associates in Science degree from Frank Phillips Jr College, studied marketing at Texas Tech, and earned his Strategical Management BBA degree from the University of North Texas in Denton.  Some of the additional training Donny has completed includes the SBA Emerging Leaders Executive Training Initiative and Goldman Saks 10,000 Small Businesses.  Donny has earned many awards, local and national, for educational outreach and working with others individually and through organizations across the country.  He enjoys outdoor sports and activities, classic cars and in his spare time, he really likes writing about himself in third person

    Key:

    Complete
    Failed
    Available
    Locked
    Live Class
    11/05/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
    11/05/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)  |  60 minutes
    Course Evaluation (262455)
    6 Questions
    6 Questions Please fill out the evaluation with your feedback about the course. You must complete the evaluation to receive your Certificate of Completion.
    Certificate of Completion
    3.00 Continuing Education credits  |  Certificate available
    3.00 Continuing Education credits  |  Certificate available