Construction Blueprint Reading and Estimating 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'change order' in construction?
- A written modification to the original contract scope, cost, or schedule (Correct answer)
- A daily work log
- A material delivery receipt
- A subcontractor invoice
Correct answer: A written modification to the original contract scope, cost, or schedule
A change order is a written document that formally modifies the original construction contract, including changes to scope, cost, and/or schedule.
Question 2: Which view on a blueprint shows a building as seen from the outside at eye level?
- Plan view
- Section view
- Elevation view (Correct answer)
- Detail view
Correct answer: Elevation view
Elevation views show the exterior or interior faces of a building from a horizontal vantage point, typically labeled North, South, East, and West.
Question 3: In cost estimating, what does 'contingency' refer to?
- Profit margin added to labor costs
- A percentage added to cover unforeseen expenses (Correct answer)
- The cost of temporary structures
- Permit and inspection fees
Correct answer: A percentage added to cover unforeseen expenses
Contingency is an amount added to a construction estimate (typically 5–15%) to account for unforeseen conditions, design changes, and uncertainties.
Question 4: What does a dashed (hidden) line represent on a construction drawing?
- A future addition
- An element hidden from the current view (Correct answer)
- A demolished element
- A property line
Correct answer: An element hidden from the current view
Hidden lines (dashed) represent edges, surfaces, or features that exist but are not directly visible from the current viewing direction.
Question 5: When calculating square footage for a concrete slab, which formula is used?
- Length × Width × Height
- Length + Width × 2
- Length × Width (Correct answer)
- Pi × Radius²
Correct answer: Length × Width
Square footage is calculated by multiplying length by width (L × W), giving the area in square feet; volume requires multiplying by thickness.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'legend' on a construction drawing?
- To list the project team members
- To explain symbols, abbreviations, and line types used on the drawings (Correct answer)
- To show the project schedule
- To list material specifications
Correct answer: To explain symbols, abbreviations, and line types used on the drawings
A legend (or symbol key) on a construction drawing identifies and explains all symbols, line types, abbreviations, and conventions used throughout the set.
Construction Blueprint Reading and Estimating 2
What is a 'change order' in construction?