CLC CLC Estimating & Cost Control

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Perform a thorough site visit and scope review

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Unit-cost estimating

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

FICA, workers' comp, unemployment insurance, and benefits

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Board feet

Answer

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).

(CLC) Certified Lead Carpenter Practice Test

(CLC) Certified Lead Carpenter Practice Test

CLC CLC Estimating & Cost Control