Cost Databases & Resources Flashcards

Which RSMeans database division is primarily used for site preparation and earthwork cost data?

Answer: Division 2 – Existing Conditions

RSMeans Division 2 (Existing Conditions) covers demolition, excavation, and earthwork cost data.

In cost databases, 'bare cost' typically refers to which of the following?

Answer: Material, labor, and equipment costs without overhead and profit

Bare cost is the direct cost of material, labor, and equipment before adding overhead and profit markups.

When using a historical cost database to estimate a current project, an estimator must apply a cost index to account for what?

Answer: Changes in construction costs over time due to inflation and market conditions

Time adjustment indices update historical costs to reflect current pricing due to inflation and market fluctuations.

Which publication is a widely recognized source for construction cost data organized by MasterFormat divisions?

Answer: RSMeans Building Construction Cost Data

RSMeans Building Construction Cost Data organizes unit costs by MasterFormat CSI divisions and is an industry standard reference.

The Engineering News-Record (ENR) Building Cost Index is based on the cost of which components?

Answer: Structural steel, cement, and skilled labor

The ENR Building Cost Index tracks costs of structural steel, Portland cement, and skilled labor in 20 cities.

A cost database unit price for masonry work typically includes which combination of costs?

Answer: Material, labor, and equipment specific to laying masonry units

Database unit prices for masonry include materials (blocks, mortar), labor (mason and helper), and any required equipment.

What does the term 'productivity factor' represent when using labor cost data from a database?

Answer: The rate at which workers complete a specific task under normal conditions

Productivity factor reflects how many units of work a typical crew installs per hour or day under standard conditions.