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Estimating and Cost Control Flashcards

7 cards from real CBP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. At which stage of a project is a square-foot (cost-per-square-foot) estimate most appropriate?

    Answer: Early conceptual budgeting before plans are complete

    Square-foot estimates use historical averages and are best for quick early budgets, not detailed bids.

  2. A builder's total project cost is $200,000 and the company wants a 20% gross margin on the selling price. What should the selling price be?

    Answer: $250,000

    Selling price = cost / (1 - margin) = $200,000 / 0.80 = $250,000.

  3. A 25% markup on cost is equivalent to what gross margin on the selling price?

    Answer: 20%

    Margin = markup / (1 + markup) = 0.25 / 1.25 = 20%.

  4. An estimator measures 1,000 square feet of floor tile and applies a 10% waste factor. How many square feet should be ordered?

    Answer: 1,100 sq ft

    1,000 sq ft x 1.10 = 1,100 sq ft to cover cuts, breakage, and waste.

  5. Which item is typically classified as a job-site indirect cost (general conditions) rather than a direct construction cost?

    Answer: Portable toilet rental for the site

    General conditions such as temporary facilities support the job but are not built into the finished structure.

  6. What is the primary purpose of a contingency line in a construction estimate?

    Answer: To cover unforeseen costs within the defined scope

    Contingency covers unknowns and estimating risk within the scope; owner changes are handled by change orders.

  7. A unit-price estimate is calculated primarily by:

    Answer: Multiplying measured quantities of each work item by a cost per unit

    Unit-price estimating multiplies takeoff quantities (CY, SF, LF, each) by known unit costs.

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

  1. portal.ct.gov — Eligibility · verified Oct 2026
  2. phta.org — Score validity, test delivery, exam dates, registration deadline, score release, test dates, fees, exam format, passing score, time limit · verified Oct 2026
Estimating and Cost Control Flashcards — CBP Study Cards with Answers