Construction Blueprint Reading and Estimating 2

Question 1

What is a 'change order' in construction?

Accepted Answer

A written modification to the original contract scope, cost, or schedule

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Elevation view

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A percentage added to cover unforeseen expenses

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

An element hidden from the current view

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Length × Width

Answer

Square footage is calculated by multiplying length by width (L × W), giving the area in square feet; volume requires multiplying by thickness.

Construction Practice Test