Contract Administration

A roofing contractor submits a bid of $45,000 for a project, while two other qualified contractors bid $52,000 and $54,000. As the general contractor, what should be your primary concern?

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 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?

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

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

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?

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?

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?

What is the typical range for contingency allowances on new commercial construction projects in Florida?

A framing crew of 4 carpenters can frame 1,200 square feet per day. If carpenters earn $28 per hour for an 8-hour day, what is the labor cost per square foot for framing?

When should a contractor include allowances in their estimate rather than specific material costs?

A contractor is evaluating whether to rent or buy a bulldozer. The purchase price is $250,000 with a 7-year life. Rental cost is $3,200 per month. At what point does purchasing become more economical than renting?

What information is essential when performing a quantity takeoff for concrete work?

A project contract includes liquidated damages of $500 per day for delays. The project is 12 days behind schedule due to weather delays beyond the contractor's control. What is the contractor's liability?

Which estimating method provides the highest level of accuracy for bidding purposes?

What is the primary purpose of including liquidated damages provisions in construction contracts?

When estimating roofing materials, a contractor calculates 2,400 square feet of roof area. Using a 10% waste factor, how many squares of shingles are needed?

According to Florida construction industry standards, which situation would justify the highest contingency percentage in an estimate?

When performing a quantity takeoff for concrete footings, which unit of measurement is most appropriate?

A contractor is estimating labor costs for installing 2,000 square feet of ceramic tile. The productivity rate is 25 square feet per hour, and the labor rate is $32 per hour. What is the total labor cost?

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

A project requires a crane for 15 days. The rental cost is $800 per day, or the contractor can purchase the crane for $45,000 and sell it after the project for $38,000. What is the cost difference between renting and buying?

You receive three bids for electrical work: $85,000, $92,500, and $78,000. The engineer's estimate is $88,000. Which bid should you investigate further before making a decision?

What percentage contingency is typically recommended for a well-defined commercial construction project?

A crew of 4 workers can install 800 linear feet of chain link fence in 8 hours. What is the productivity rate per worker-hour?

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 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?

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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?

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?

In a unit price contract, excavation is priced at $12.50 per cubic yard. If the actual excavation required is 2,840 cubic yards, what is the total cost for excavation?

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?

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?

Which party typically provides the performance and payment bonds on a construction project?

A subcontractor agreement includes a pay-when-paid clause. The owner becomes insolvent and cannot pay the general contractor. Under this clause, what is the general contractor's obligation to pay the subcontractor?

During contract closeout, what document formally releases the contractor from further obligations under the contract?

An owner requests a change that will add $35,000 to the contract price and 12 days to the schedule. The contractor's markup on changes is 15% for overhead and profit. What should be the total change order amount?

In a dispute resolution clause that specifies mediation followed by arbitration, what happens if mediation fails to resolve the dispute?

A time and materials contract specifies labor at $85 per hour with a 1.5 multiplier for overtime. If a worker works 45 hours in one week (with 5 hours overtime), what is the total labor charge?

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?

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?

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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 contractor discovers an active osprey nest on a cell tower that needs modification. Construction is scheduled to begin during nesting season. What is the most appropriate action?

When is a temporary Certificate of Occupancy typically issued?

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?

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 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 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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

In a quality control program, what is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?

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?

A construction project has activities with the following durations: A=5 days, B=8 days, C=6 days, D=4 days. Path 1 is A-C-D and Path 2 is B-D. What is the critical path duration?

What is the primary purpose of a pre-task safety briefing (toolbox talk)?

During a weekly construction coordination meeting, the electrical subcontractor reports they cannot install panel boxes until the framing is complete. This is an example of what type of dependency?

In quality control procedures, what is the difference between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)?

What does LEED stand for in sustainable construction practices?

In LEED sustainable construction, what is the primary benefit of using locally sourced materials?

Which of the following topics would be MOST appropriate for a toolbox talk on a roofing project?

A safety meeting reveals that 3 near-miss incidents occurred this week involving scaffold safety. What is the most appropriate immediate action?