CM 3111 exam 3-Questions and Answers | New
2025/2026 Update | With Complete Solutions
Building Construction Estimating
The determination of probable construction costs of any given project.
Design-Build Delivery (DB)
In this delivery system, the contractor acts as both the designer and the general contractor.
Construction Manager Delivery (CM)
In this delivery system, the contractor and some of the key subcontractors are involved in the
design process, providing expertise in construction methods and costs, as well as managing the
construction process.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
In this delivery system, a relatively new delivery system, involving the owners, designers,
contractor and some of the key subcontractors in the design process. Owners, Designers,
Contractor and Key Subcontractors all share governance, risk, contingency, and the profit on the
project.
Conceptual Estimate
An estimate prepared by a contractor based on the project's early plan. Usually drawings are
limited or not available for this type of estimate. The contractor makes assumptions about
virtually every aspect of the project. This estimate is used early in the design process to check if
the owner can actually afford the project.
,Preliminary Estimate
An estimate that is prepared and maintained by the contractor during the design process based on
the current, but incomplete design.
Detailed Estimate
An estimate that includes determination of quantities and costs of everything that is required to
complete the project. (labor, materials, equipment, insurance, bonds, overhead, and an estimate
of the profit) The contractor must have a complete set of contract documents for this type of
estimate.
Assembly Estimating
In this type of estimating the estimator bids the components in groups. This type of estimate can
be prepared in hours instead of days, but this estimate has many broad assumptions and is less
accurate.
Square-Foot Estimates
Estimates that are prepared by multiplying the square footage of a building by a cost per square
foot and then adjusting the price to compensate for differences in the building heights, length of
the building perimeter, and other building components. This type of estimate is helpful to check
whether the project, as designed, is within the owner's budget.
Design Drawings
A single-line floor plan and key elevations.
Parametric Estimates
, These estimates use equations that express the statistical relationship between building
parameters and the cost of the building. The equations used in these estimates are very complex
and may use log functions, ratios of parameter, and multiplication of parameters.
Model Estimating
This type of estimating uses computer models to prepare an estimate based on a number of
questions answered by the estimator. The model makes many assumptions about the design of
the project that it is working on and avoids the site and excavation cost.
Project Comparison Estimates
These estimates are prepared by comparing the cost of a proposed project to a completed project.
The estimator starts with the costs of a comparable project and then makes adjustments for
differences in the project.
Estimator
Often involved solely with the estimating of quantities of materials and the pricing of the project.
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
For these kinds of projects, the General Contractor makes detailed estimates that are used to
determine what the company will charge to do the work.
Design-Build (DB) or Construction-Manager (CM)
Delivery Systems
For these kinds of projects, the General Contractor's scope of work involves providing assistance
to the owners, beginning with the planning stage, and continuing through the actual construction
of the project.
2025/2026 Update | With Complete Solutions
Building Construction Estimating
The determination of probable construction costs of any given project.
Design-Build Delivery (DB)
In this delivery system, the contractor acts as both the designer and the general contractor.
Construction Manager Delivery (CM)
In this delivery system, the contractor and some of the key subcontractors are involved in the
design process, providing expertise in construction methods and costs, as well as managing the
construction process.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
In this delivery system, a relatively new delivery system, involving the owners, designers,
contractor and some of the key subcontractors in the design process. Owners, Designers,
Contractor and Key Subcontractors all share governance, risk, contingency, and the profit on the
project.
Conceptual Estimate
An estimate prepared by a contractor based on the project's early plan. Usually drawings are
limited or not available for this type of estimate. The contractor makes assumptions about
virtually every aspect of the project. This estimate is used early in the design process to check if
the owner can actually afford the project.
,Preliminary Estimate
An estimate that is prepared and maintained by the contractor during the design process based on
the current, but incomplete design.
Detailed Estimate
An estimate that includes determination of quantities and costs of everything that is required to
complete the project. (labor, materials, equipment, insurance, bonds, overhead, and an estimate
of the profit) The contractor must have a complete set of contract documents for this type of
estimate.
Assembly Estimating
In this type of estimating the estimator bids the components in groups. This type of estimate can
be prepared in hours instead of days, but this estimate has many broad assumptions and is less
accurate.
Square-Foot Estimates
Estimates that are prepared by multiplying the square footage of a building by a cost per square
foot and then adjusting the price to compensate for differences in the building heights, length of
the building perimeter, and other building components. This type of estimate is helpful to check
whether the project, as designed, is within the owner's budget.
Design Drawings
A single-line floor plan and key elevations.
Parametric Estimates
, These estimates use equations that express the statistical relationship between building
parameters and the cost of the building. The equations used in these estimates are very complex
and may use log functions, ratios of parameter, and multiplication of parameters.
Model Estimating
This type of estimating uses computer models to prepare an estimate based on a number of
questions answered by the estimator. The model makes many assumptions about the design of
the project that it is working on and avoids the site and excavation cost.
Project Comparison Estimates
These estimates are prepared by comparing the cost of a proposed project to a completed project.
The estimator starts with the costs of a comparable project and then makes adjustments for
differences in the project.
Estimator
Often involved solely with the estimating of quantities of materials and the pricing of the project.
Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
For these kinds of projects, the General Contractor makes detailed estimates that are used to
determine what the company will charge to do the work.
Design-Build (DB) or Construction-Manager (CM)
Delivery Systems
For these kinds of projects, the General Contractor's scope of work involves providing assistance
to the owners, beginning with the planning stage, and continuing through the actual construction
of the project.
