Cost Databases & Resources Flashcards
7 cards from real CEC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cost Databases & Resources flashcards as text
Which database resource is most commonly used by electrical estimators to look up material costs for wiring devices, conduit, and panels?
Answer: All of the above are commonly used
Electrical estimators regularly use RS Means, NECA labor units, and Craftsman data as complementary resources depending on project type and need.
The NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Manual of Labor Units is primarily used to determine:
Answer: Standard labor hours for electrical installation tasks
The NECA Manual of Labor Units provides standardized labor hour estimates for electrical installation work, separate from material costs.
When cost database data and a subcontractor's bid differ significantly, what is the recommended first step for an estimator?
Answer: Investigate scope differences and local market conditions before deciding
Significant variance between database data and bids typically indicates scope differences, market conditions, or errors that must be understood before making a decision.
Historical cost data from completed company projects is most valuable for which type of estimate?
Answer: Detailed bid estimates for similar future projects
Historical project data from similar completed work provides the most accurate calibration for detailed bid estimates on comparable future projects.
Which RS Means publication would be most appropriate for estimating the renovation of a commercial kitchen?
Answer: RS Means Interior Cost Data or Building Construction Cost Data
Commercial kitchen renovation falls under commercial interior work, best addressed by RS Means Interior Cost Data or the comprehensive Building Construction Cost Data.
What is the primary purpose of the 'reference section' typically found in published cost databases?
Answer: To explain crew compositions, abbreviations, and how to use the data correctly
The reference section of cost databases explains how to interpret the data, including crew definitions, abbreviations, and adjustment methodology.
When an estimator uses multiple cost databases to cross-check a unit price, which factor most commonly explains differences between them?
Answer: Differences in assumed crew mix, productivity, material specifications, and geographic base
Cost differences between databases typically stem from varying assumptions about crew composition, productivity rates, material grades, and the geographic location used as the base.