AEC 2611 Exam 2
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AEC 231 Estimating II
Exam 2
Name: Mya Rodriguez-Salas
Date: 11/27/2023
1. Name two basic stages for pricing an estimate. (2 pts)
●
Preliminary Estimation
●
Detailed Estimation
2. Describe the main factors affecting the measurement of masonry. (4pts)
●
Size and type of masonry units
●
Joint thickness and type
●
Height and location of the structure
●
Complexity of the design and detailing
3. Name two units which are used when measuring masonry quantities. (2 pts)
●
Square feet (sq.ft) for wall area
●
Cubic feet (cu.ft) for mortar volume
4. Explain the concept of “extra over” and give an example of how it would apply to an
estimate. (4 pts)
"Extra over" refers to additional costs not included in the original estimate. For example, if the
client decides to upgrade to a more expensive brick for the masonry project, the cost difference
between the initially estimated brick and the upgraded brick would be considered "extra over.”
5. A masonry unit is 3-5/8”x7-5/8” and will have an appropriate joint size. Give the
quantity of units per square foot. (3 pts)
To calculate the quantity of units per square foot, you would first convert the dimensions to
square feet: (3.625/12) x (7.625/12) = 0.1797 sq.ft. Then, the reciprocal gives the units per
square foot: 1 / 0.1797 ≈ 5.57 units/sq.ft.
6. Describe the importance of the scope of work with respect to estimating. (4 pts)
The scope of work defines the boundaries of the estimate, ensuring that all necessary tasks and
materials are included. It helps in accurately estimating costs and preventing misunderstandings
between the contractor and client.
7. Name three items that are not solely masonry materials but may still be included in the
masonry scope of work. (3 pts)
●
Mortar
●
Flashing
●
Anchors/Ties
8. T / F – Board foot calculations should always be done using actual dimensions, not
nominal dimensions. (1 pt)
True
9. You have 23 2x8s that are 16’ long. How many board feet do you have? (3 pts)
23 boards * 16 feet * 2 inches * 8 inches / 12 (to convert to board feet) = 613.33 board feet.
10. How is framing lumber classified on a takeoff? (2 pts)
Framing lumber is classified by its nominal size, species, grade, and any special treatments.
11. Give the dimensions of a standard brick. (2 pts)
The standard dimensions of a brick are 3 5/8 inches x 2 1/4 inches x 8 inches.
12. You have counted 100 sq.ft. of brick veneer in the running bond. How many extra bricks
(material only) will you add if 10 sq.ft. is to be a soldier course? (1 pt)
You would add extra bricks only for the soldier course area, so 10 sq.ft. * 5.57 units/sq.ft. = 55.7
units.
13. Give 4 examples of common finishes and the unit that would be used to count each
finish type on a quantity takeoff. Explain your answer. (8 pts)
●
Painting: Gallons or square feet, depending on the surface area to be painted.
●
Drywall: Square feet, as it is a surface area measurement.
●
Flooring: Square yards or square feet, depending on the flooring type.
●
Roofing: Square feet or squares, where one square equals 100 square feet.
14. Give five price categories that are considered on an estimate. (5 pts)
●
Labor costs
●
Material costs
●
Equipment costs
●
Overhead costs
●
Profit margin
15. Give two contract types and explain the relative risk involved in each contract – which
contract is more risky for the contractor, and why? (4 pts)
●
Fixed-Price Contract: The contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. More risky for the
contractor.
●
Cost-Plus Contract: The client bears the risk of cost overruns. More risky for the client.
16. Give two basic reasons that projects lose money. How can these two reasons be
avoided? (4 pts)
●
Poor estimation: Improve the accuracy of estimates through detailed analysis.
●
Ineffective project management: Implement efficient project management practices and
risk mitigation strategies.
17. T / F – When considering wages during pricing, the estimator only needs to consider the
base wage of the field employees. (1 pt)
False
18. Describe the importance of cost reports and how they are used for pricing. (6 pts)
Cost reports provide insights into actual costs incurred during a project, helping to refine future
estimates. They aid in identifying areas of overruns or savings, allowing for more accurate
pricing in subsequent projects.
19. Explain two different categories of materials used on a construction project. (4 pts)
●
Permanent Materials: Materials that form part of the final structure.
●
Temporary Materials: Materials used during construction but not part of the final
structure.
20. List four job factors and four labor/management factors that affect productivity. (8 pts)
●
Job Factors: Weather conditions, site accessibility, project complexity, availability of
materials.
●
Labor/Management Factors: Skill level of labor, communication, motivation, leadership.
21. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of renting equipment versus owning
equipment. Give at least 3 considerations. (6 pts)
●
Renting Advantages: Lower upfront costs, no maintenance costs, access to the latest
technology.
●
Renting Disadvantages: Long-term costs may exceed ownership costs, no asset
ownership, limited customization.
22. List five ownership costs that must be considered when purchasing a piece of
equipment. (5 pts)
●
Purchase price
●
Maintenance costs
●
Insurance
●
Depreciation
●
Storage costs
23. You want to take out a loan for $5000.00 over the course of 3 years. If the interest rate
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is 6% annually, what is the total amount you will repay? (2 pts)
●
Total repayment = Principal + (Principal * Interest Rate * Time)
●
Total repayment = $5000 + ($5000 * 0.06 * 3) = $5900
24. You have two choices for a loan of $10,000.00: 3 years at 7% annually, or 5 years at 5%
annually. Which loan will be cheaper, and by how much? (5 pts)
●
Calculate the total repayment for each option.
●
Option 1: $10,000 + ($10,000 * 0.07 * 3) = $11,100
●
Option 2: $10,000 + ($10,000 * 0.05 * 5) = $11,250
●
Option 1 is cheaper by $150.
25. An asset that costs $40,000.00 will be used for 10 years and then sold for $18,000.00.
Using the straight-line method, what will be the depreciation per year? (2 pts)
●
Initial Cost = $40,000.00
●
Salvage Value = $18,000.00
●
Useful Life = 10 years
The depreciation per year using the straight-line method for this asset is $2,200.00
26. Give two alternate methods for calculating depreciation. (2 pts)
●
Double-Declining Balance Method: Calculates depreciation at twice the straight-line rate
but applied to the book value.
●
Units of Production Method: Depreciation is based on the actual usage or production of
the asset.
27. T / F – Rubber tired equipment is treated the same as tracked equipment with respect
to depreciation. (1 pt)
False
28. Explain why excavation and backfill operations are usually sub-contracted. Give at least
two reasons. (2 pts)
●
Specialized Equipment: Excavation often requires heavy machinery that may not be
owned by the general contractor.
●
Expertise: Subcontractors may have specialized knowledge and skills for efficient
excavation and backfill, ensuring quality work.
29. Give two cost considerations pertaining to transportation of equipment. (2 pts)
●
Fuel Costs: The distance and mode of transportation impact fuel expenses.
●
Transportation Insurance: Ensuring equipment during transportation involves additional
costs.
30. List four factors that affect unit prices for excavation. (4 pts)
●
Soil Type: Different soils require varying levels of effort and equipment.
●
Depth of Excavation: Deeper excavations may require more extensive safety measures
and specialized equipment.
●
Site Accessibility: Easy access reduces the time and cost of transporting equipment.
●
Environmental Regulations: Compliance with environmental standards may necessitate
additional measures.
31. Explain how excavation and backfill productivity rates can be obtained. Give at least
two methods. (4 pts)
●
Historical Data: Analyzing past projects to determine the average productivity rates for
excavation and backfill.
●
Time and Motion Studies: Direct observation and measurement of work activities to
assess productivity and identify areas for improvement.
32. Explain the concepts of swell and compaction factors, including how they will affect
pricing for excavation and backfill operations. (6 pts).
●
Swell Factor: The increase in volume when soil is excavated compared to its volume in
place. Swell factor is crucial for estimating the additional space needed for hauling and
disposal. It affects pricing by determining the amount of extra material that needs to be
moved.
●
Compaction Factor: The reduction in volume that occurs when soil is compacted.
Compaction factor is important for backfill operations to ensure stability. It affects
pricing by influencing the amount of material required for backfilling. Higher compaction
factors may lead to higher material costs.