Plumbing Estimating Class
📝 Final Test — Plumbing Estimating
60 questions total: 36 multiple‑choice (4 per module, M1–M9) and 12 essay prompts. MC is auto‑scored. Essays reveal model answers after you draft your response. Print or save as PDF when finished.
How it Works
- Answer all MC items. Click Check Answers to reveal correct choices + explanations. You can re‑try missed ones.
- Draft your essay answers. Click Reveal Model Answer to compare once you have written your response.
- Use the buttons at the end to Print to PDF or create an email summary for your instructor.
Multiple Choice (36 items, 4 per module)
Select one answer per question. Domains are labeled M1–M9.
M1Which item is most critical to verify first in a plumbing bid invitation?
M1The cleanest way to organize a plumbing takeoff is:
M1Allowances are used primarily to:
M1Before submitting your number, you should map totals to:
M2Which sheet type best reconciles vertical stacks and vents?
M2Primary purpose of fixture tags (e.g., WC‑1, LAV‑2) is to:
M2Which location most often hides scope‑affecting requirements?
M2Fixture schedules are essential because they:
M3First step in a DWV takeoff usually is to:
M3Typical slope for 4" sanitary pipe unless noted is:
M3Which view best clarifies vertical changes in DWV?
M3Floor drain assemblies commonly require:
M4Common copper type for domestic water in specs is:
M4Sanitary piping inside the building is most often:
M4Which cost bucket is most commonly missed on fixtures?
M4When switching from soldered to press fittings you should:
M5Which factor usually reduces plumbing productivity?
M5Purpose of a crew plan is to:
M5Labor burden differences are driven primarily by:
M5Work primarily from scissor lifts will:
M6Why separate OH, contingency, and profit in pricing?
M6Alternates in a bid are best described as:
M6Unit prices are typically used for:
M6Scope clarifications should:
M7Best export format from digital takeoff for budgeting is:
M7The main advantage of a template library is:
M7Which workbook tab should include links and revision logs?
M7For PM handoff, map your totals primarily to:
M8Best practice for change order pricing is to:
M8Backflow/RP stations frequently require:
M8Purpose of a submittal log is to:
M8CO markups should be applied based on:
M9Primary objective of case study review is to:
M9Variance logs should track:
M9After each project, you should update:
M9Best metric to compare estimate vs. actual is:
Essay Prompts (12)
Write your answer in the box. Click Reveal Model Answer when you are done drafting.
M1Define the estimator’s handoff package to PM/field and explain why each element matters.
Scope narrative; cost code roll‑up mapped to SOV; alternates/unit prices; allowance/contingency rationale; assumptions & exclusions; RFI list; quote log with validity; long‑lead submittal list; preliminary crew plan & schedule risks. Each item ensures traceability, realistic procurement, and alignment with PM controls.
M2Describe a repeatable drawing review sequence for plumbing and how it reduces misses.
Cover sheet → general notes → legends → floor plans → risers/isometrics → schedules → specifications. The sequence establishes context, confirms symbology, reconciles vertical systems, then validates counts and trims against schedules and specs, cutting duplicates/omissions.
M3Write a step‑by‑step for doing a DWV takeoff on a two‑story TI, including slope and venting considerations.
Type L copper: higher material cost, reliable press/solder labor, excellent code acceptance; PEX: lower material cost, fast labor with crimp/expansion, limits on commercial risers/return temps; CPVC: moderate cost, solvent‑weld labor, temperature/chemical limits; always confirm spec/UL listings and insulation.
M5Create a productivity factor table for three ceiling conditions (open structure, T‑bar congested, hard lid) and explain impacts.
Open structure: 1.00 baseline; T‑bar congested: 1.20–1.35 (reduced access, coordination time); Hard lid: 1.35–1.50 (limited access, cutting/patching, more lift moves). Explain assumptions and apply per zone/height.
M6Write a sample clarification/exclusion section for a small clinic TI that protects your number without appearing non‑responsive.
Includes: DWV/water/gas per plans/specs; carriers, trims, insulation, testing, disinfecting; seismic supports per code. Excludes: utility fees, patch/paint outside our penetrations, controls by others unless noted. Alternates: WH tankless vs. storage; RP assembly with bypass. Unit prices: core drills by size; hangers per LF for added runs.
M7Outline a workbook structure (tabs + fields) for an in‑house estimating template and justify each tab.
00_Index (links/rev log), 01_DWV, 02_Water, 03_Gas, 04_Storm (LF/EA + size/type), 05_Fixtures (tag matrix), 06_Labor (units/factors), 07_Pricing (rollups, OH/Cont/Profit), 08_Proposal (inclusions/exclusions). Each supports traceability and quick exports.
M8Provide a change order pricing narrative for adding two floor drains in an existing restroom.
Scope: add 2 FDs with trap primers, branch tie‑ins, coring, firestopping, testing, patch by others. Takeoff: FD assemblies (EA), branch LF with fittings. Labor: rough‑in + finish, lift factor. Costs: material, equipment (core drill), tax/freight. Markups: OH/profit per contract. Attach plan sketch, takeoff page, labor calc, and schedule impact (night work).
M9Explain how to conduct a lessons‑learned session after a project where fixture trim was under‑scoped.
Compare trim in schedule/spec vs. estimate; quantify miss by tag; identify root cause (reading sequence or schedule change); update template assembly (include stops/supplies, ADA kits); add checklist item; share with team; monitor next two estimates for similar scope.
GENDesign a quote log format for fixtures and equipment and explain fields needed for compliance/lead time control.
Fields: Item, Tag/Spec section, Vendor, Quote #, Date, Valid‑thru, Lead time, Basis of design vs. equal, Inclusions/exclusions, Freight/tax, Alt pricing, Contact info. Control: follow‑ups prior to bid and before buyout.
GENCreate a risk register for a three‑story TI with occupied floors. Include at least five risks and mitigations.
Risks: shutdown windows, infection control, access/parking limits, night work premium, long‑lead fixtures, unforeseen cores. Mitigations: schedule allowances, premium labor factor, early submittals, coordination meetings, allowances for patch, detailed clarifications.
GENWrite a one‑page scope narrative for plumbing on a small clinic TI (assume typical plans/specs).
Furnish/install DWV, domestic water (C/H/recirc), and gas per plans/specs; fixtures per schedule including carriers, trims, ADA provisions; insulation per spec; seismic supports; sleeves and firestopping; testing, disinfecting, and closeout docs; excludes utility fees and patch/paint unless noted; includes unit prices for cores/hangers and alternates for WH type and RP bypass.
GENPropose a format to compare estimate vs. actual manhours by cost code and describe how you would use it to improve future bids.