In today’s highly competitive Ontario housing market, margins are tighter, timelines are stricter, and customer expectations are higher than ever. Whether you’re managing a custom home build or a large-scale residential project, accurate estimating can make or break your bottom line.
Yet, estimating is often one of the most overlooked skills in residential construction.
Without proper training, builders risk underbidding projects, overestimating resources, or overlooking critical costs—all of which can lead to budget overruns, dissatisfied clients, and reduced profitability. That’s where mastering the fundamentals of estimating comes into play.
Why Estimating Skills Are Critical in Ontario’s Homebuilding Industry
Ontario’s construction industry over that past couple years has become even more competitive with the slow down of materials due to tariffs. With that comes pressure on builders to deliver homes faster and more efficiently—while still maintaining quality.
To succeed in this environment, builders need to:
- Develop detailed, reliable project budgets
- Quantify materials and labour accurately
- Account for project risks and contingency plans
- Improve communication with trades, suppliers, and clients
Inaccurate estimates can have a ripple effect, throwing off entire schedules, disrupting cash flow, and damaging professional credibility. Builders who invest in proper training gain more control, confidence, and clarity in every project phase.
Gain a Competitive Edge with Estimating Fundamentals
The Estimating Fundamentals course from PHBI is designed specifically for Ontario’s residential construction professionals—whether you’re a new estimator, a site supervisor, or a builder looking to sharpen your numbers game.
This course breaks down the essential components of successful estimating, including:
- Understand the critical role estimation plays in keeping construction companies viable.
- Performing accurate quantity takeoffs
- Factoring in direct and indirect costs
- Building a logical estimating process from start to finish
You’ll also explore how estimating ties into procurement, contracts, and project scheduling—helping you align your pricing strategy with real-world outcomes.
Build Smarter, Bid Smarter
In a fast-paced industry like construction, precision is power. Whether you’re preparing tenders, managing sub trades, or budgeting for a new development, estimating fundamentals give you the tools to stay competitive and profitable. Don’t leave your numbers to chance, enroll now in the Estimating Fundamentals course and start building every project on a solid financial foundation.
