Accurate Estimating Support

Failure to accurately estimate and price projects is a common and costly misstep. Because reliable cost-estimating should be a cornerstone of all watershaping contractors, Watershape University is now offering an online/on-demand version of its popular “Business 3452: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop.”

Why do watershaping companies fail? It’s not because there aren’t enough customers out there, or because taxes are too high or the price of rebar went up.

Businesses fail – or at the very least are not profitable enough — because don’t charge enough. Fixing that mistake starts with accurate cost estimating.

That’s why Watershape University has moved this fundamental issue to the head of the line. As of now, “Business 3451: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop” is available on line and on demand.

The eight-hour course, which previously has been presented in person and live on-line, covers a wide range of job-costing concepts and recommended practices including the categories of costs, breaking down overhead, understanding profit margins, and a detailed analysis of the estimating process.

Students receive a special cost-estimating spreadsheet that streamlines the estimating process for watershaping professionals. Past students of the course say the software alone is worth the price of admission.

Learning outcomes include:

[] Determine the correct markup and gross margin for your business using actual profit and loss financial data.

[] Execute “Watershape Advisor Estimator” software and implement software features to build assemblies and produce accurate estimates with detailed reports for the client, suppliers, subcontractors, and accountant.

[] Discuss payment schedule, cash flow, and construction contracts. Identify key factors to maintain a consistent payment schedule for project fees.

[] List methods for developing more accurate construction cost estimates and calculations for items such as weight of reinforcing steel, volume of excavation, trenching, concrete, and other details.

The cost-estimating course is the first long-form program available asynchronously on line, along with the more than 50 one-hour instructional webinars. All available when you sign uphere.

The fee is $700, which includes access to the course recording file, which you can watch as many times as needed, and access to the spreadsheet, which is customizable to fit your business. To take the course, click here.

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In addition to the course being available on WU’s learning deliver system, it is available as part of Bel Aqua’s online Dealer Day website . The online “meeting” is the place holder for Bel Aqua’s annual in-person dealer event.

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Also, check out these courses from WU’s at this year’s Pool & Spa Show “Experience”. Available at the show site through February 8. These courses are part of the show’s All Access Pass.

Design 3422: Vanishing Edge Design & Detail: This brand-new course from David Peterson dives into the many details and considerations for incorporating a vanishing edge into your next project. The presentation reinforces how a properly functioning and aesthetically pleasing water-in-transit design incorporates all facets of system engineering. This program lays it all out for you, complete with an exclusive handout. Find inspiration in the beautiful imagery, and discover the mastery behind these amazing projects. Access it here.

Construction 3731: Crack Prevention: Bill Drakeley returns to the digital lectern with more expert concrete advice. All concrete can crack, but that doesn’t have to ruin your projects. This course covers how concrete cracks, why it cracks and the ways that cracking is driven by mix design and placement procedures. Access it here.

Service 2311: Automating a Service Department: Paperless workspaces are on the rise, and longtime industry-member Julie Kazdin is here to help you modernize your service department. She’ll cover many of the different tools available to managers, such as scheduling software, GPS, picture programs, and automated job boards, and how incorporating these software solutions into your business can make your service operation more efficient and organized. Access it here.

Stay tuned for future WU online offerings.