Exam 17: Elemental Estimating

The ____ UniFormat is a function-based elemental breakdown that provides what is needed for an elemental estimating system.

To better achieve the cost control required throughout the design phase of a project, the single price estimate needs to be broken down into its constituent parts.

The main uses of elemental analysis include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

Very little information is required about a new project to prepare an estimate using ____ analysis.

The basic unit of the UniFormat breakdown is the building element that is defined as a major component of most buildings that performs the same function in the building.

When a developer first considers the idea of a project, he may quickly calculate the anticipated cost of the work using a ____ estimate.

The objective of ____ analysis is to provide a consistent reference format for the evaluation, estimation, and tracking of construction costs throughout the life of a project-from feasibility through occupancy and use to eventual demolition.

An element represents a component that always performs the same function in a building.

The ____ contingency is an amount that is added to the cost estimate which reflects the price increases that are anticipated over the time between the date of the analysis being used and the time when the new project is constructed.

All that is required to prepare a quick and accurate elemental estimate is the basic size and shape of the building and its use and location, as well as historical cost data of similar buildings constructed at the same general location.

The ____ is obtained by dividing the quantity of the element by the gross floor area of the project.

Three contingencies are usually applied to an elemental estimate at the conceptual stage. They include all of the following EXCEPT __________.

In order to obtain a realistic assessment of the cost of construction, a ____ estimate should be used.

When using an elemental analysis as an estimating tool, the ratio can be used to check for design errors.

The ____ is the cost of the element divided by its quantity.

Usually there is a trade off between items in the cost plan.

A trade breakdown is not detailed enough for the preliminary type of estimate prepared at the conception stage of a project.

Elemental analysis furnishes less useful information than the one budget price that results from a single-rate estimate.

An elemental cost analysis of a finished project can be likened to an estimate in reverse.

Ratios can help explain why one building is more expensive than another.