EXAC COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026 FULL
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● What resources are available to an architect to produce a project cost estimate?.
Answer: CHOP 2.3.3, Techniques There are various types of cost consultants and/or
resources available to the architect to produce a reliable estimate if they do not have the
expertise or resources to produce one in-house. Quantity Surveyors - provide professional
service at hourly rates, or at a fixed or percentage fee of the construction budget. Construction
Managers and other Development/Construction Experts - Other sources of expertise directly
from the construction industry include construction managers, contractors, design-builders,
and developers. Construction Price Index - data usually published by government agencies
and private companies. These publications are useful only as a guide to show trends; usually
some months out-of-date; often presented in graph form for ease of communication.
Publications - available from government agencies, private interest groups, private
companies, and quantity surveyors. The information comes in printed or electronic form, and
the cost varies considerably depending on the amount of detail, completeness, and ease of
use. Data from government agencies are more useful for identifying trends and differences in
national, regional, and local costs than for calculating the cost of a specific building.
● What Factors influence construction cost? (12 answers... If you dare!). Answer: CHOP
2.3.3, Factors Affecting Cost 1. Type of project 2. Overhead 3. Profit 4. Market Conditions 5.
Difficult Access 6. Fast schedule 7. Escalation/Inflation 8. Tax 9. Season and Weather 10.
Change in functional program 11. Contingency 12. Regulations
● What are 3 different methods of construction estimation?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.3,
Methods of Preparing Cost Estimates & Hanscomb Yardstick for Costing, 2004 1. Composite
unit rates (broken into specification sections) Uses very simplified historic data as a basis for
calculating cost. Only reliable if the historic data is comparable. 2. Gross building costs or
area calculation (least accurate) Cost per m2 or per ft2. Architects should limit the use of this
basic information by using it only as a general guide at the pre-design stage. 3. Elemental
building costs (most comprehensive) Quantity surveyors often use this method as the
standard format for presenting cost information. It divides the building into major elements
such as structure, exterior closure; and then applies relevant cost information from similar
projects.
● What is the purpose of progressive release of holdbacks?. Answer: This allows the
release of holdbacks to subcontractors or suppliers in advance of the substantial performance
,of the work.
● what are 5 examples of additional services not covered under RAIC document 6?.
Answer: 1. feasibility studies 2. business cases 3. functional programming 4. submissions to
authorities 5. life cycle cost studies
● what are 3 advantages of water heating distribution systems?. Answer: 1. compact,
easily hidden 2. can be combined with domestic hot water systems 3. good for radiant floor
heating.
● what are 4 advantages of electric heating systems?. Answer: 1. most compact 2. quick
response to temperature changes 3. easily zoned 4. low initial cost
● What are three advantages of air heat distribution?. Answer: 1.quick response 2.can
also perform ventilation, cooling, humidity control and filtering. 3. no equipment in rooms
● What is RAIC Document Six?. Answer: CHOP 2.1.10 - Client-Architect Agreements
Canadian Standard Form of Contract for Architectural Services Between Client and Architect.
It is the accepted national standard contract used by architects.
● What is Functional Programming (or design brief)? Is it part of an architect's basic
services?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.4, p.3 & 8 Functional Programming can be described as the
decision-making process that clearly defines the problem and scope of work for design. The
functional program describes the requirements which a building must satisfy in order to
support and enhance human activities. Architectural fees for functional programming are not
part of "basic services."
● Define access to exit. Answer: NBC Div A, Part 1, 1.4.1.2 Access to exit means that part
of a means of egress within a floor area that provides access to an exit serving the floor area.
● Define exit. Answer: NBC Div A, Part 1, 1.4.1.2 Exit means that part of a means of egress,
including doorways, that leads from the floor area it serves to a separate building, an open
public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building
and having access to an open public thoroughfare.
● Define means of egress. Answer: NBC Div A, Part 1, 1.4.1.2. Means of egress means a
continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or
contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open
space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public
thoroughfare. Means of egress includes exits and access to exits.
, ● What are two possible legal procedures affecting the construction of buildings?.
Answer: CHOP 1.2.4, p.4 Injunction - sought when a public body applies to the court for an
order restraining a private individual or other body from violating an applicable law. It is often
applied to stop an individual or company from constructing a building contrary to regulations,
codes or bylaws. A typical example is a "stop work order." Mandamus - an order directing a
public body to exercise a public duty, such as the issuance of a building permit. If a
municipality refuses to issue a building permit and forces the client to apply to the court for a
mandamus, the architect must be sure that all building plans and specifications comply fully
with municipal bylaws and building codes.
● What are the implications of restrictive covenants registered on title?. Answer: CHOP
1.2.4, p.6 They can limit what the architect can design on that property. The client should be
advised by the architect to check the "agreement to purchase" for covenants if they haven't
purchased the property already.
● What are the different construction cost class estimates?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.3, p.3 &
19 Class A (5-10%): Based on 100% complete tender documents; done at the end of the
Construction Documents phase; contingency can be drastically reduced compared to Class C
or D. Class B (10-15%): Design Development; based on 66% complete design Class C
(15-20%): Schematic Design, based on 33% complete design Class D (20-30%): Functional
Program; based on concept sketch design, a rough order of magnitude
● What is the formula used by the payment certifier to determine if a certificate of
completion or substantial performance can be issued?. Answer: This depends on
provincial or territorial lien legislation. In BC, in order to qualify for substantial performance,
the extent of work remaining must be evaluated by the payment certifier (usually the architect)
as being capable of completion or correction at a cost of not more than 3% of the first
$500,000 of the contract plus 2% of its second $500,000 plus 1% of the balance. As well, for
purposes of the statute, an improvement is completed if it or a substantial part of it is ready for
use or is being used for the purpose intended. (Lien Act, AIBC)
● If drawings and specifications disagree, which takes precedence?. Answer: CCDC 3,
GC 1.1.7.1 & CHOP 2.3.8, Specifications and Drawings In the event of conflict between the
two, the specifications take precedence over the drawings.
● What is the purpose of specifications?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.8, Specifications and
Drawings • complement and permit simplification of the drawings; • limit the role of the
drawings to address form, shape, dimension, and location; • describe requirements for quality
and workmanship which the drawings may not be able to address; • address compatibility of
materials.
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● What resources are available to an architect to produce a project cost estimate?.
Answer: CHOP 2.3.3, Techniques There are various types of cost consultants and/or
resources available to the architect to produce a reliable estimate if they do not have the
expertise or resources to produce one in-house. Quantity Surveyors - provide professional
service at hourly rates, or at a fixed or percentage fee of the construction budget. Construction
Managers and other Development/Construction Experts - Other sources of expertise directly
from the construction industry include construction managers, contractors, design-builders,
and developers. Construction Price Index - data usually published by government agencies
and private companies. These publications are useful only as a guide to show trends; usually
some months out-of-date; often presented in graph form for ease of communication.
Publications - available from government agencies, private interest groups, private
companies, and quantity surveyors. The information comes in printed or electronic form, and
the cost varies considerably depending on the amount of detail, completeness, and ease of
use. Data from government agencies are more useful for identifying trends and differences in
national, regional, and local costs than for calculating the cost of a specific building.
● What Factors influence construction cost? (12 answers... If you dare!). Answer: CHOP
2.3.3, Factors Affecting Cost 1. Type of project 2. Overhead 3. Profit 4. Market Conditions 5.
Difficult Access 6. Fast schedule 7. Escalation/Inflation 8. Tax 9. Season and Weather 10.
Change in functional program 11. Contingency 12. Regulations
● What are 3 different methods of construction estimation?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.3,
Methods of Preparing Cost Estimates & Hanscomb Yardstick for Costing, 2004 1. Composite
unit rates (broken into specification sections) Uses very simplified historic data as a basis for
calculating cost. Only reliable if the historic data is comparable. 2. Gross building costs or
area calculation (least accurate) Cost per m2 or per ft2. Architects should limit the use of this
basic information by using it only as a general guide at the pre-design stage. 3. Elemental
building costs (most comprehensive) Quantity surveyors often use this method as the
standard format for presenting cost information. It divides the building into major elements
such as structure, exterior closure; and then applies relevant cost information from similar
projects.
● What is the purpose of progressive release of holdbacks?. Answer: This allows the
release of holdbacks to subcontractors or suppliers in advance of the substantial performance
,of the work.
● what are 5 examples of additional services not covered under RAIC document 6?.
Answer: 1. feasibility studies 2. business cases 3. functional programming 4. submissions to
authorities 5. life cycle cost studies
● what are 3 advantages of water heating distribution systems?. Answer: 1. compact,
easily hidden 2. can be combined with domestic hot water systems 3. good for radiant floor
heating.
● what are 4 advantages of electric heating systems?. Answer: 1. most compact 2. quick
response to temperature changes 3. easily zoned 4. low initial cost
● What are three advantages of air heat distribution?. Answer: 1.quick response 2.can
also perform ventilation, cooling, humidity control and filtering. 3. no equipment in rooms
● What is RAIC Document Six?. Answer: CHOP 2.1.10 - Client-Architect Agreements
Canadian Standard Form of Contract for Architectural Services Between Client and Architect.
It is the accepted national standard contract used by architects.
● What is Functional Programming (or design brief)? Is it part of an architect's basic
services?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.4, p.3 & 8 Functional Programming can be described as the
decision-making process that clearly defines the problem and scope of work for design. The
functional program describes the requirements which a building must satisfy in order to
support and enhance human activities. Architectural fees for functional programming are not
part of "basic services."
● Define access to exit. Answer: NBC Div A, Part 1, 1.4.1.2 Access to exit means that part
of a means of egress within a floor area that provides access to an exit serving the floor area.
● Define exit. Answer: NBC Div A, Part 1, 1.4.1.2 Exit means that part of a means of egress,
including doorways, that leads from the floor area it serves to a separate building, an open
public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building
and having access to an open public thoroughfare.
● Define means of egress. Answer: NBC Div A, Part 1, 1.4.1.2. Means of egress means a
continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or
contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open
space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public
thoroughfare. Means of egress includes exits and access to exits.
, ● What are two possible legal procedures affecting the construction of buildings?.
Answer: CHOP 1.2.4, p.4 Injunction - sought when a public body applies to the court for an
order restraining a private individual or other body from violating an applicable law. It is often
applied to stop an individual or company from constructing a building contrary to regulations,
codes or bylaws. A typical example is a "stop work order." Mandamus - an order directing a
public body to exercise a public duty, such as the issuance of a building permit. If a
municipality refuses to issue a building permit and forces the client to apply to the court for a
mandamus, the architect must be sure that all building plans and specifications comply fully
with municipal bylaws and building codes.
● What are the implications of restrictive covenants registered on title?. Answer: CHOP
1.2.4, p.6 They can limit what the architect can design on that property. The client should be
advised by the architect to check the "agreement to purchase" for covenants if they haven't
purchased the property already.
● What are the different construction cost class estimates?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.3, p.3 &
19 Class A (5-10%): Based on 100% complete tender documents; done at the end of the
Construction Documents phase; contingency can be drastically reduced compared to Class C
or D. Class B (10-15%): Design Development; based on 66% complete design Class C
(15-20%): Schematic Design, based on 33% complete design Class D (20-30%): Functional
Program; based on concept sketch design, a rough order of magnitude
● What is the formula used by the payment certifier to determine if a certificate of
completion or substantial performance can be issued?. Answer: This depends on
provincial or territorial lien legislation. In BC, in order to qualify for substantial performance,
the extent of work remaining must be evaluated by the payment certifier (usually the architect)
as being capable of completion or correction at a cost of not more than 3% of the first
$500,000 of the contract plus 2% of its second $500,000 plus 1% of the balance. As well, for
purposes of the statute, an improvement is completed if it or a substantial part of it is ready for
use or is being used for the purpose intended. (Lien Act, AIBC)
● If drawings and specifications disagree, which takes precedence?. Answer: CCDC 3,
GC 1.1.7.1 & CHOP 2.3.8, Specifications and Drawings In the event of conflict between the
two, the specifications take precedence over the drawings.
● What is the purpose of specifications?. Answer: CHOP 2.3.8, Specifications and
Drawings • complement and permit simplification of the drawings; • limit the role of the
drawings to address form, shape, dimension, and location; • describe requirements for quality
and workmanship which the drawings may not be able to address; • address compatibility of
materials.
