CCT Construction Materials & Labor Costs 3

Question 1

In the context of labor productivity, what does an 'all-in rate' for a construction worker represent?

Accepted Answer

Base wage plus all burdens including taxes, insurance, and fringe benefits

Answer

The all-in rate captures total employer cost per hour including base wage, payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits.

Question 2

Which factor most significantly causes material quantity 'waste allowances' to vary between different materials on a construction project?

Accepted Answer

Material form, cutting requirements, and installation method

Answer

Waste allowances depend on how a material is shaped, cut, and placed; for example, tile requires more waste than pipe due to cuts at edges.

Question 3

A prevailing wage requirement on a public project primarily affects which component of the cost estimate?

Accepted Answer

Labor cost per hour for covered trades

Answer

Prevailing wage laws (e.g., Davis-Bacon Act) set minimum wage and fringe rates for labor on covered public construction projects.

Question 4

Ready-mix concrete is typically sold in the US in which unit?

Accepted Answer

Cubic yards

Answer

Ready-mix concrete is ordered, delivered, and priced per cubic yard in standard US construction practice.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'open-shop' versus 'union-shop' labor cost implications for a cost estimator?

Accepted Answer

Union labor typically has higher all-in rates but may offer standardized fringes; open-shop rates vary regionally

Answer

Union all-in rates include negotiated fringes and are set by collective bargaining agreements, while open-shop rates vary by region and employer.

(CCT) Certified Cost Technician Practice Test