A masonry crew of 4 workers can lay 1,200 concrete blocks per 8-hour day. If the crew costs $280 per hour total, what is the labor cost per block?
Correct Answer
D) $1.87
Calculate: $280/hour × 8 hours = $2,240 per day. Then $2,240 ÷ 1,200 blocks = $1.87 per block. This represents the direct labor cost per unit of production.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because it follows the proper unit cost calculation method. First, calculate the total daily labor cost by multiplying the hourly crew rate ($280) by the 8-hour workday, which equals $2,240. Then divide this total daily cost by the daily production output (1,200 blocks) to get the labor cost per block: $2,240 ÷ 1,200 = $1.87 per block. This represents the direct labor cost per unit of production, which is essential for accurate project bidding and cost control.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: $2.24
This answer appears to result from incorrectly calculating either the total daily cost or using the wrong production quantity in the denominator.
Option B: $3.36
This answer likely results from dividing the total daily cost by 1,000 blocks instead of 1,200 blocks, or from making an error in the hourly rate calculation.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Total Cost ÷ Total Units = Unit Cost' - always match your time periods (daily cost ÷ daily production)
Reference Hint
Construction estimating and cost control sections, typically found in project management or estimating chapters of contractor reference materials
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?
An indemnification clause in a construction contract typically requires the contractor to:
A property owner wants to convert a single-family home into a duplex in an area zoned for single-family residential use. The conversion meets all building codes but violates density requirements. What approval is needed?
As-built drawings are typically required to be submitted:
AIA Document A401 is primarily used for:
A general contractor is building a 12,000 square foot commercial warehouse. The building permit fee is calculated at $8.50 per $1,000 of construction value. If the project value is $2,400,000, what is the building permit fee?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass