CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION CLEAN-UP CONTRACTOR LICENSE EXAM (C-61/D-63)
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. What is the first step in estimating a construction clean-up job?
Answer: Conducting a thorough site walkthrough to assess the scope of
work.
2. When calculating the cost of debris removal, what must be included?
Answer: Labor, equipment, dumpster/hauler fees, and dump/tipping fees.
3. What does "tipping fee" refer to?
Answer: The fee charged by a landfill or recycling center to dispose of waste.
4. How do you estimate the time required for pressure washing a large
exterior?
Answer: Calculate the square footage and divide by the equipment's
production rate (sq. ft. per hour).
5. What is "mobilization" in a cleaning estimate?
Answer: The cost and time required to transport crew, equipment, and
materials to the job site.
6. When bidding on a post-construction clean, what is a "phase clean"?
Answer: Cleaning the site in stages (e.g., rough clean, final clean) as
construction progresses.
7. What should be included in a "rough clean" estimate?
Answer: Removal of large debris, sweeping, and basic trash removal before
final finishes are installed.
8. What is a "final clean" or "detail clean"?
Answer: The meticulous removal of dust, fingerprints, smudges, and minor
debris right before the owner takes possession.
9. How do you estimate the cost of floor stripping and waxing?
Answer: Calculate the square footage of the floor and multiply by the cost
per square foot for labor, chemicals, and materials.
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,10. What factor most affects the cost of removing construction debris?
Answer: The type of debris (e.g., heavy concrete vs. light drywall) and site
accessibility.
11. What is a "change order"?
Answer: A written document authorizing a change in the scope of work,
price, or schedule.
12. If a client adds extra windows to be cleaned after the contract is signed,
what must you do?
Answer: Issue a written change order and get the client's signature before
proceeding.
13. What is the purpose of a "punch list"?
Answer: A list of minor tasks or corrections that must be completed before
final project acceptance.
14. When estimating for hazardous materials (like lead dust), what must you
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, do?
Answer: Factor in specialized PPE, containment, specialized disposal, and
certified labor costs.
15. What is "overhead" in a business estimate?
Answer: Ongoing business expenses not directly tied to a specific job (e.g.,
office rent, insurance, office salaries).
16. What is "profit margin"?
Answer: The percentage of the total job cost added to cover overhead and
generate profit.
17. How do you calculate the total square footage of a multi-story building
for cleaning?
Answer: Measure the length and width of each floor, calculate the area of
each floor, and add them together.
18. What is a "bid bond"?
Answer: A guarantee that if you win the bid, you will sign the contract and
provide the required performance bonds.
19. What is a "performance bond"?
Answer: A guarantee that the job will be completed according to the
contract terms.
20. What is a "payment bond"?
Answer: A guarantee that subcontractors and suppliers will be paid for their
work and materials.
21. When estimating for window cleaning, what is the "first clean" vs. "final
clean" difference?
Answer: The first clean removes heavy construction grime; the final clean is a
detailed polish.
22. How do you estimate the cost of carpet cleaning?
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QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. What is the first step in estimating a construction clean-up job?
Answer: Conducting a thorough site walkthrough to assess the scope of
work.
2. When calculating the cost of debris removal, what must be included?
Answer: Labor, equipment, dumpster/hauler fees, and dump/tipping fees.
3. What does "tipping fee" refer to?
Answer: The fee charged by a landfill or recycling center to dispose of waste.
4. How do you estimate the time required for pressure washing a large
exterior?
Answer: Calculate the square footage and divide by the equipment's
production rate (sq. ft. per hour).
5. What is "mobilization" in a cleaning estimate?
Answer: The cost and time required to transport crew, equipment, and
materials to the job site.
6. When bidding on a post-construction clean, what is a "phase clean"?
Answer: Cleaning the site in stages (e.g., rough clean, final clean) as
construction progresses.
7. What should be included in a "rough clean" estimate?
Answer: Removal of large debris, sweeping, and basic trash removal before
final finishes are installed.
8. What is a "final clean" or "detail clean"?
Answer: The meticulous removal of dust, fingerprints, smudges, and minor
debris right before the owner takes possession.
9. How do you estimate the cost of floor stripping and waxing?
Answer: Calculate the square footage of the floor and multiply by the cost
per square foot for labor, chemicals, and materials.
Page 1 of 27
,10. What factor most affects the cost of removing construction debris?
Answer: The type of debris (e.g., heavy concrete vs. light drywall) and site
accessibility.
11. What is a "change order"?
Answer: A written document authorizing a change in the scope of work,
price, or schedule.
12. If a client adds extra windows to be cleaned after the contract is signed,
what must you do?
Answer: Issue a written change order and get the client's signature before
proceeding.
13. What is the purpose of a "punch list"?
Answer: A list of minor tasks or corrections that must be completed before
final project acceptance.
14. When estimating for hazardous materials (like lead dust), what must you
Page 2 of 27
, do?
Answer: Factor in specialized PPE, containment, specialized disposal, and
certified labor costs.
15. What is "overhead" in a business estimate?
Answer: Ongoing business expenses not directly tied to a specific job (e.g.,
office rent, insurance, office salaries).
16. What is "profit margin"?
Answer: The percentage of the total job cost added to cover overhead and
generate profit.
17. How do you calculate the total square footage of a multi-story building
for cleaning?
Answer: Measure the length and width of each floor, calculate the area of
each floor, and add them together.
18. What is a "bid bond"?
Answer: A guarantee that if you win the bid, you will sign the contract and
provide the required performance bonds.
19. What is a "performance bond"?
Answer: A guarantee that the job will be completed according to the
contract terms.
20. What is a "payment bond"?
Answer: A guarantee that subcontractors and suppliers will be paid for their
work and materials.
21. When estimating for window cleaning, what is the "first clean" vs. "final
clean" difference?
Answer: The first clean removes heavy construction grime; the final clean is a
detailed polish.
22. How do you estimate the cost of carpet cleaning?
Page 3 of 27
