A framing crew's productivity decreases from 1,000 board feet per day to 750 board feet per day when working in cold weather. If the crew cost is $2,400 per day, what is the increased labor cost per board foot due to weather?
Correct Answer
B) $0.80
Normal cost: $2,400 ÷ 1,000 = $2.40 per board foot. Cold weather cost: $2,400 ÷ 750 = $3.20 per board foot. Increased cost: $3.20 - $2.40 = $0.80 per board foot.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because it properly calculates the difference in labor cost per board foot between normal and cold weather conditions. The calculation involves finding the cost per board foot under normal conditions ($2.40), then under cold weather conditions ($3.20), and subtracting to find the increased cost ($0.80). This represents the additional cost burden imposed by the reduced productivity in cold weather.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: $0.60
$0.60 is incorrect because it underestimates the increased cost. This might result from calculation errors or using incorrect productivity figures.
Option C: $1.20
$1.20 is incorrect because it overestimates the increased cost. This could result from miscalculating the difference or confusing the calculation steps.
Option D: $3.20
$3.20 is incorrect because this represents the total cost per board foot in cold weather, not the increased cost. This is a common error where students provide the cold weather rate instead of the difference.
Memory Technique
Remember 'PCD' - Productivity Change = Difference. When productivity goes down, cost per unit goes up. Always subtract the original rate from the new rate to find the increase.
Reference Hint
Look up productivity factors and weather impacts in construction estimating chapters, typically found in cost control or scheduling sections of contractor reference materials.
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