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
When escalating a cost estimate from a prior year to the current year using cost indices, which formula is correct?
Answer: Current Cost = Historical Cost × (Current Index / Historical Index)
To escalate costs, multiply the historical cost by the ratio of the current index to the historical index.
The RS Means 'crew' designation in a cost database entry primarily communicates what information?
Answer: The specific mix of workers and equipment used to perform the task
A crew designation in RS Means specifies the composition—types and quantities of workers and equipment—used to calculate the unit cost.
Which cost database format organizes construction costs by functional building systems (e.g., substructure, shell, interiors) rather than by trade?
Answer: UniFormat
UniFormat organizes costs by functional building systems, making it ideal for conceptual estimating before trade details are defined.
A local contractor's historical project data shows costs 12% above RS Means published rates. How should an estimator account for this?
Answer: Apply a +12% adjustment factor to RS Means bare costs
Applying a calibration factor derived from historical bid comparisons to a published database is standard practice to localize generic data.
What does the 'output' column in an RS Means productivity data entry typically represent?
Answer: Daily crew production quantity (units per day)
The output column shows how many units of work a specified crew can complete in a standard workday.
Which of the following best describes the function of the Dodge Data & Analytics (Dodge) platform in construction estimating?
Answer: Tracks construction project leads, starts, and market data
Dodge Data & Analytics specializes in construction market intelligence—project leads, starts, and industry trends—rather than unit cost data.
When a cost database lists a material cost as 'delivered to site,' what additional cost should an estimator consider for remote or difficult-access projects?
Answer: Additional freight surcharges and access premiums
Remote or restricted-access sites often require additional freight, specialty transport, or access premiums beyond standard delivered pricing.