This program challenges students to compute markup based on their own financials. Students will utilize the Watershape Advisor® Estimator software developed for the watershaping industry as a platform to elevate their cost analysis and client presentation, while reducing liability exposure.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe correct markup and gross margin using accurate profit and loss financial data.
- Discuss payment schedules, cash flow, and construction contracts.
- Identify key factors for maintaining consistent payment schedules for project fees.
- List methods for developing accurate construction cost estimates and calculations for items such as weight of reinforcing steel, excavation volume, trenching, concrete, and other project phases.
Accreditation
- Duration: 8 hours
- IACET CEUs: 0.8
- All students who complete the course and evaluation form receive a Certificate of Completion documenting 0.8 IACET CEUs even if they do not continue with the Certified Watershape Builder (CWB) certification.
Delivery
There are three options:
Online On-Demand
- Start immediately at your convenience
- Available 24/7/365
- Start and stop at your own pace
- Repeat content as needed
- The course is organized into roughly one-hour logical units of study. You can tackle one at a time or even stop after 20 minutes and start over later or simply resume where you left off.
- We will send you the manual via FedEx as soon as you register but it is also available as a PDF download
- Instructors are available for calls during normal business hours
- No travel or lodging expenses!
Live Online
- See schedule for upcoming classes
- A typical course runs 8-hours in a single day
- Complete attendance is required
- Ask questions as they come up
- We will send you the manual via FedEx as soon as you register. Last-minute registrants can reference PDFs until the manual arrives.
- Instructors are available for questions during the lectures
- No travel or lodging expenses!
Live In-Person
- See schedule for upcoming classes
- A typical course runs 8-hours in a single day
- Complete attendance is required
- Ask questions as they come up
- Manual is provided in class
- Instructors are available for questions during the lectures
- Travel, lodging and meals are the responsibility of the student
- Watershape University provides lunch
Schedule
Check back soon — our schedule may update at any time.
Online On-Demand
- $700
- Instructors: David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI
- begin immediately→
Live Online
- Not currently scheduled
Live In-Person
- Typically $800, although other fees may be applicable
- Not currently scheduled
Certifications
Watershape University’s BUSINESS 3451: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop prepares builders, service professionals and retailers for financial success by explaining basic accounting and overhead expenses, culminating in the calculation of markup. The second half of the course focuses on estimating projects and it includes a free MS Access database that can be used to estimate projects quickly and accurately. Watershape University requires this course or an equivalent 8-hour cost estimating course in order to apply for the Certified Watershape Builder (CWB) certification.
BUSINESS 3451: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop supports the following certifications:
Licensing and CEUs
The Certified Watershape Builder (CWB) certification may be used for contractor licensing and required continuing education in certain jurisdictions. The CWB certification builds upon the CWF certification; therefore, all Certified Watershape Builders (CWBs) are also CWFs which support licensing in the following jurisdictions:
Details
BUSINESS 3451: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop is intended for and attended by architects, landscape architects, designers, builders, installers, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and service and maintenance professionals — particularly those looking to ensure long-term success by accurately estimating their project costs.
Level: 3 – Junior / Intermediate / Practical Application
There are no prerequisites for BUSINESS 3451: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop
BUSINESS 3451: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop, or approved equal, is a prerequisite for the following programs:
- None
Manual Table of Contents
- Why Businesses Fail and Basic Accounting Definitions
- Gross Margin, Markup and Breakeven
- Profit & Loss Statements, Balance Sheets
- Estimating Methods, Tools, Spreadsheets and Databases
- Contracts, Payment Schedules, Cash Flow and Misappropriation of Funds
- Introduction to Watershape Advisor Estimator
- Project Phase 1
- Deeper Dive into Watershape Advisor
- Project Phase 2
Authorized Faculty
David J. Peterson, P.E., IWI
President/CEO — Watershape Consulting, Inc.
Peterson is President/CEO of Watershape Consulting, Inc., an international planning, design and engineering firm providing owners, architects, contractors, and the legal profession with services relating to residential, commercial and institutional pools, spas and water features.
He obtained his B.S. Civil Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is a registered engineer in several states. Peterson has been in the watershape industry since 1994 when he began his career designing life support systems for large aquariums and marine mammal exhibits. He was Vice President Engineering at Polaris Pool Systems where he developed and patented several products.
Peterson reorganized the Genesis 3 Design Group into GENESIS® University in 2012. When GENESIS merged with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) in 2016, Peterson became Director of Education for GENESIS, a position he held until forming Watershape University.
