CEC Cost Databases & Resources 3

Question 1

When escalating a cost estimate from a prior year to the current year using cost indices, which formula is correct?

Accepted Answer

Current Cost = Historical Cost × (Current Index / Historical Index)

Answer

To escalate costs, multiply the historical cost by the ratio of the current index to the historical index.

Question 2

The RS Means 'crew' designation in a cost database entry primarily communicates what information?

Accepted Answer

The specific mix of workers and equipment used to perform the task

Answer

A crew designation in RS Means specifies the composition—types and quantities of workers and equipment—used to calculate the unit cost.

Question 3

Which cost database format organizes construction costs by functional building systems (e.g., substructure, shell, interiors) rather than by trade?

Accepted Answer

UniFormat

Answer

UniFormat organizes costs by functional building systems, making it ideal for conceptual estimating before trade details are defined.

Question 4

A local contractor's historical project data shows costs 12% above RS Means published rates. How should an estimator account for this?

Accepted Answer

Apply a +12% adjustment factor to RS Means bare costs

Answer

Applying a calibration factor derived from historical bid comparisons to a published database is standard practice to localize generic data.

Question 5

What does the 'output' column in an RS Means productivity data entry typically represent?

Accepted Answer

Daily crew production quantity (units per day)

Answer

The output column shows how many units of work a specified crew can complete in a standard workday.

(CEC) Construction Estimator Certification Practice Test