Contract Administration

A contractor receives bids from three electrical subcontractors: Company A at $85,000 with 2% prompt payment discount, Company B at $82,500 with no discount, and Company C at $87,200 with 1.5% discount. Which provides the lowest net cost?

What is the primary advantage of using the assemblies method for cost estimating compared to the detailed method?

Which cost estimating method is most appropriate for preliminary budgeting of a standard office building?

Which cost estimating method would be most appropriate for a contractor preparing a preliminary budget estimate for a client during the design development phase?

A contractor needs a crane for 6 months. The purchase price is $180,000 with a 5-year life and $30,000 salvage value. Monthly operating costs are $2,500 owned vs $8,500 rental. What's the monthly ownership cost?

An experienced contractor is estimating productivity for installing drywall in a high-end residential project with many angles and custom details. Compared to standard productivity rates, the adjustment factor should be:

A project specification requires the contractor to include a $15,000 allowance for plumbing fixtures. During construction, the owner selects fixtures costing $18,500. Who is responsible for the $3,500 difference?

A contract specifies liquidated damages of $500 per day for delays. The project is completed 12 days late due to weather delays that were properly documented. How much in liquidated damages can the owner assess?

A contractor needs to estimate the cost of a backup generator for a 30-day rental period. The generator costs $150,000 new, has a 10-year useful life, and the rental rate is $400 per day. What is the ownership cost per day assuming straight-line depreciation?

A roofing crew's productivity rate is 25 squares per day in good weather but drops to 18 squares per day in adverse conditions. For a 450-square roof project scheduled during hurricane season, what is the estimated duration accounting for weather delays?

When using the assemblies method for cost estimating, which level of project development is most appropriate?

When preparing a detailed cost estimate for a commercial project, which cost estimating method provides the most accurate results?

Which factor would justify using a lower labor productivity rate (more hours per unit) in an estimate?

In Florida, when must liquidated damages provisions be clearly specified in the construction contract?

A contractor is deciding whether to purchase or rent a crane for a 6-month project. The purchase price is $285,000 with an estimated resale value of $195,000. Monthly operating costs are $3,200. The rental cost is $8,500 per month including maintenance. Which option is more economical?

A general contractor receives subcontractor bids with the following ranges: electrical $45K-$65K, plumbing $38K-$52K, HVAC $72K-$89K. What should be the primary concern when selecting the lowest bidders?

When comparing the cost of owning versus renting a piece of equipment, which factor is NOT typically considered in the ownership cost analysis?

When using the assemblies estimating method, which statement best describes this approach?

According to Florida construction practices, liquidated damages clauses are enforceable provided they meet which primary requirement?

When performing a detailed cost estimate for a commercial project, which method provides the most accurate results for material quantities?

When performing quantity takeoff for concrete work, a contractor measures 150 cubic yards needed but orders 165 cubic yards. What does the additional 15 cubic yards most likely represent?

During bid evaluation, a contractor notices that one subcontractor's bid includes a specific brand name while others specify 'or equal' products. What should the contractor do?

When using the assemblies cost estimating method, what is the primary advantage over detailed unit cost estimating?

A general contractor is comparing bids from three electrical subcontractors: $45,000, $52,000, and $38,000. The lowest bid is significantly below the others. What should be the contractor's primary concern?

When estimating drywall installation, a contractor calculates 2,400 square feet of wall area. After deducting openings and adding waste, the net quantity is 2,280 square feet. What waste factor was applied?

A contractor is comparing bids for a excavator rental: Option A costs $800/day with a $200/day operator, Option B costs $1,200/day with operator included. For a 25-day project, which option is more economical and by how much?

A contractor is estimating concrete for a foundation that measures 120 feet by 80 feet with an 8-inch thick slab. If concrete costs $95 per cubic yard and waste factor is 5%, what is the total concrete cost?

A construction contract specifies liquidated damages of $1,500 per day for delays beyond the 180-day completion deadline. If the project is completed on day 195, what is the total liquidated damages amount?

When calculating labor productivity rates, which factor has the greatest impact on reducing productivity in Florida construction projects?

During bid evaluation, a general contractor receives subcontractor bids of $45,000, $52,000, $48,000, and $71,000 for the same scope. What should be the contractor's primary concern?

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?

An indemnification clause in a construction contract typically requires the contractor to:

AIA Document A401 is primarily used for:

A subcontractor provides a conditional lien waiver for $25,000 but the check bounces. What is the legal status of the lien waiver?

A dispute arises between the contractor and owner over a $25,000 change order. The contract specifies mediation before arbitration. The owner wants to proceed directly to litigation. What should happen?

A performance bond typically covers what percentage of the contract value?

In a cost-plus-fee contract, what is the contractor's primary obligation regarding project costs?

A contractor receives a $500,000 progress payment with 10% retainage held. If the contractor's overhead and profit margin is 15% and material costs for this billing period were $200,000, what is the total amount of retainage being held?

According to AIA Document A201, when must the contractor provide written notice to the architect of any claim for additional time or money?

A change order increases the contract value by $75,000 and extends the completion date by 15 days. The original contract was $1,200,000 with a 120-day duration. What is the new contract value and duration?

A contractor receives a dispute notice from the owner regarding defective work. The contract specifies mediation before arbitration. What should the contractor do first?

A subcontractor discovers that the general contractor has not paid the material supplier, and the supplier threatens to file a lien. What is the subcontractor's best course of action under a typical subcontract agreement?

In AIA Document A401, what is the standard payment period for subcontractor applications after the general contractor receives payment from the owner?

What is the primary purpose of a performance bond in a construction contract?

According to Florida Chapter 713, how long does a contractor have to file a Claim of Lien after the last day of work?

In a unit price contract for 5,000 linear feet of fencing at $45 per linear foot, the actual quantity installed was 5,250 linear feet. What is the total contract amount?

In an indemnification clause, the contractor agrees to 'hold harmless' the owner. This typically means the contractor will:

AIA Document A401 is primarily used for which type of construction relationship?

A contractor submits an Application for Payment showing 60% completion on a $2,000,000 project. With 10% retainage, what amount should the contractor receive if this is the first payment application?

During contract closeout, what document typically releases the contractor from further warranty obligations?

A time and materials contract specifies labor at $85/hour and materials at cost plus 15%. If 40 hours of labor and $8,000 in materials are used, what is the total billing?

Under Florida lien law, if a Notice to Owner is not properly served, what is the consequence for the potential lienor?

Under Florida Statute Chapter 713, what is the maximum time limit for a general contractor to record a Claim of Lien after the last day of work or furnishing of materials?

Which AIA document establishes the general conditions for construction contracts and defines the relationships between owner, contractor, and architect?

In a unit price contract for roadwork, the bid includes 5,000 cubic yards of concrete at $120 per cubic yard. The actual quantity used is 5,800 cubic yards. What is the total payment for concrete work?

What is the primary purpose of retainage in construction contracts?

A general contractor discovers that the architectural drawings show a conflict between the structural and mechanical plans that will require additional work. The contractor should first:

Under AIA A201, what is the time limit for the architect to respond to a contractor's claim for additional time or money?

A project has a contract value of $2,500,000 with 10% retainage. After the contractor submits Application for Payment #8 requesting $180,000, how much should the owner pay if all previous payments have been made correctly?

A cost-plus contract has a fee of 8% and includes reimbursable costs of $750,000. If the contractor also incurs $25,000 in non-reimbursable costs, what is the contractor's total compensation?

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 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?

Under Florida Statute Chapter 489, what is the minimum experience requirement for obtaining a Certified General Contractor license?

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?

Under Florida Statute Chapter 489, which license classification allows a contractor to perform work on residential buildings up to three stories in height?

During a rough electrical inspection, the inspector finds several code violations. The contractor fixes the violations and wants to schedule a re-inspection. How soon can the re-inspection typically be scheduled?

A project site is located within 1,000 feet of a known bald eagle nest. What type of permit or clearance is most likely required before beginning construction?

Which Florida contractor classification allows work on any building of any height without monetary limitation?

A general contractor is building a 50,000 square foot warehouse. The building permit fee is calculated at $8.50 per 1,000 square feet or fraction thereof. What is the total permit fee?

Which inspection must be completed before concrete can be poured for a foundation?

What is the minimum advance notice typically required to schedule a building inspection in most Florida jurisdictions?

During construction of a single-family home, you discover that the footing inspection was failed due to inadequate concrete coverage over rebar. What is the most appropriate next step?

Which document is required before a new commercial building can be legally occupied by tenants?

What is the maximum monetary limit for a Registered General Contractor in Florida?

Under Chapter 489 F.S., what is the maximum monetary limit for work that can be performed under a Certified Building Contractor license on a single project?

A contractor must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before the building can be occupied. Which entity typically issues the CO?

A contractor needs to build a medical office building on a lot currently zoned for residential use. What must be obtained before applying for a building permit?

You are planning to build a retail center on a 5-acre parcel zoned C-2 (General Commercial). The project requires a variance for building height. Where should you apply for this variance?

A building permit application is submitted with a construction value of $850,000. The plan review fee is 65% of the building permit fee, and the permit fee is $12 per $1,000 of construction value. What is the total amount due for permit and plan review fees?

Building permit fees for a commercial project total $12,500. If the jurisdiction charges a 3.5% convenience fee for online payments and a 2.8% fee for credit card processing, what is the total amount due when paying online with a credit card?

What is the typical validity period for a building permit in Florida before it expires if construction has not commenced?

Which inspection is typically required before electrical rough-in can begin in residential construction?

A Certified Residential Contractor wants to bid on a four-story condominium project. What must they do to legally perform this work?

Your construction project is located within 500 feet of a known Florida scrub-jay habitat. What type of environmental review is most likely required?

What is the primary purpose of a pre-construction meeting with the building official?

Before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building, which of the following must typically be completed?

A temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued for a retail store, but the final CO is pending resolution of minor punch list items. What is the typical maximum duration for a temporary CO?

A Registered Building Contractor in Florida wants to take on a project valued at $350,000. What action must they take?

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?

A quality control inspection reveals that 15 out of 100 concrete test cylinders failed to meet specified strength requirements. What is the failure rate, and what action should be taken?

As-built drawings are typically required to be submitted:

A project has a total duration of 120 days. If the critical path is compressed by 10 days through crashing activities at an additional cost of $25,000, and the daily overhead cost is $800, what is the net cost impact?

What is the primary purpose of maintaining detailed documentation during quality control inspections?

In CPM scheduling, what is the definition of the critical path?

In a three-point quality control inspection system, who typically performs the final inspection before work acceptance?

During construction of a LEED project, the contractor discovers that a specified low-VOC paint is not available and wants to substitute a conventional paint. What should the contractor do?

A project has activities with the following durations: A(5 days), B(8 days), C(6 days), D(4 days). The network shows A and B can start immediately, C depends on A, and D depends on both B and C. What is the critical path duration?

During a weekly construction coordination meeting, the electrical subcontractor reports they are 3 days behind schedule on a non-critical path activity with 5 days of total float. What should the general contractor's immediate response be?

In CPM scheduling, what does 'total float' represent?

During a coordination meeting, the HVAC and electrical trades report a conflict where their work overlaps in the same ceiling space. What is the most appropriate first step to resolve this conflict?

A safety meeting reveals that 3 workers out of 50 on site have not completed required fall protection training. What immediate action should be taken?

During a coordination meeting, the HVAC contractor reports that ductwork conflicts with structural beams not shown on their drawings. What should be the general contractor's first response?

A mechanical contractor installs ductwork 18 inches from its designed location due to a structural conflict. The original design showed the duct at elevation 12'-6" and it was installed at elevation 11'-0". What should be documented in the as-built drawings?

During a safety meeting, a worker reports that the required fall protection equipment is uncomfortable and requests to work without it on a low-risk task. How should the supervisor respond?

What is the primary purpose of a toolbox talk in construction?

To achieve LEED certification, a project must earn a minimum of how many points?

A contractor is pursuing LEED points for regional materials. The project is located in Miami, and a supplier offers materials manufactured 450 miles away in Atlanta. Do these materials qualify for LEED regional materials credit?

A quality control inspection reveals that 15 out of 200 installed electrical outlets fail to meet specifications. What is the defect rate percentage?

A LEED project requires that 75% of construction waste be diverted from landfills. If a project generates 480 tons of waste and recycles 340 tons, does it meet this requirement?

A quality control plan specifies that concrete strength tests must be performed on every 50 cubic yards of concrete placed. A foundation pour requires 275 cubic yards. How many strength tests are required?

In a CPM schedule with 150 activities, the critical path contains 22 activities with a total duration of 240 days. If one critical path activity is reduced from 8 days to 5 days through acceleration, what is the new project duration?

What information is typically NOT included in as-built drawings?

What is the recommended minimum duration for a construction safety toolbox talk?

Who is typically responsible for ensuring as-built drawings are completed and submitted to the owner?

In CPM scheduling, what is the critical path?

A LEED project requires that 75% of construction waste be diverted from landfills. The project generated 240 tons of waste, and 185 tons were recycled or reused. Does this meet the LEED requirement?

What is the primary purpose of as-built drawings?

A contractor is required to submit as-built drawings within 30 days of substantial completion. The project achieved substantial completion on March 15th. If the contractor submits the as-builts on April 16th, how many days late is the submission?