CCS Cost Estimation 4

Question 1

Which specification section division under MasterFormat 2016 covers facility construction subgroups most directly related to cost estimating of building envelope work?

Accepted Answer

Division 07 — Thermal and Moisture Protection

Answer

Division 07 covers roofing, waterproofing, insulation, and exterior wall systems that are commonly high-cost envelope elements requiring detailed cost analysis.

Question 2

A cost estimator calculates a 'labor burden rate' of 42%. This rate accounts for:

Accepted Answer

Payroll taxes, workers' compensation, health insurance, and other employer-paid fringe benefits beyond base wages

Answer

Labor burden includes all employer costs above base wages — FICA, FUTA, workers' comp, health, retirement, and similar fringes — and is expressed as a percentage of base pay.

Question 3

Which type of estimate is prepared using elemental cost breakdowns such as 'substructure,' 'superstructure,' and 'enclosure' as defined by ASTM E1557 (UNIFORMAT II)?

Accepted Answer

Systems or assemblies estimate

Answer

A systems (assemblies) estimate uses UNIFORMAT II functional elements to price complete building subsystems before individual specification sections are written.

Question 4

A project contingency of 10% is included in an early design estimate. As design development progresses and scope becomes better defined, the contingency should:

Accepted Answer

Decrease as design uncertainty is resolved

Answer

Contingency is inversely related to design completeness — as unknowns are resolved through further design, the contingency percentage appropriately decreases.

Question 5

Which condition would MOST likely cause a bid to be declared non-responsive?

Accepted Answer

The bidder failed to acknowledge a material addendum issued before bid opening

Answer

Failure to acknowledge a material addendum means the bid is not based on the complete, current scope, making it non-responsive and ineligible for award.

(CCS) Certified Construction Specifier Practice Test

(CCS) Certified Construction Specifier Practice Test

CCS Cost Estimation 4