CLC Estimating & Cost Control Flashcards

What is the first step a lead carpenter should take when preparing a bid for a carpentry project?

Answer: Perform a thorough site visit and scope review

A complete site visit allows the lead carpenter to verify measurements, identify hidden conditions, and confirm scope before any quantities or costs are calculated.

Which estimating method involves pricing each individual material and labor task separately?

Answer: Unit-cost estimating

Unit-cost estimating prices each specific item (e.g., linear foot of baseboard, each door hung) individually, providing the most accurate bid but requiring the most detail.

A carpenter's labor burden includes which of the following costs on top of base wages?

Answer: FICA, workers' comp, unemployment insurance, and benefits

Labor burden includes payroll taxes (FICA), workers' compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and any employer-paid benefits, typically adding 25–40% to base wages.

What does 'overhead' typically represent in a carpentry business estimate?

Answer: Costs of running the business not tied to a specific job (rent, insurance, office, vehicles)

Overhead covers indirect business expenses such as office rent, general liability insurance, vehicle costs, and administrative salaries that must be recovered across all jobs.

When calculating lumber quantities, what is the standard unit of measure for dimensional lumber sold in the US?

Answer: Board feet

Dimensional lumber in the US is priced and ordered in board feet, where one board foot equals 144 cubic inches (1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long).

A waste factor is added to material estimates primarily to account for:

Answer: Cuts, defects, and installation losses

Waste factors (typically 5–15% depending on material and complexity) account for cutting waste, damaged pieces, and layout inefficiencies that result in material being discarded.