PDD practice exam question 33

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chrislaggis

February 25, 2025 21:41

I wasn't able to find any other posts about this question on this forum.  So here goes:

Question 33

 

 

Refer to the exhibit.

 

An architect is designing a new school. Following the development of the schematic design estimate, the construction manager tells the architect that the cost of metal wall panels has increased to $45 per square foot. To cut costs, the architect decides to replace the metal wall panel system at Classroom Wings A and B with an architectural precast wall panel system. 

 

What are the net cost savings of using precast wall panels instead of metal wall panels?

A.	$58,200
B.	$194,000
C.	$252,200
D.	$446,200

Your answer: A

Correct answer: C

 

I find the NCARB explanation/calculation to be flawed.  By my math, total cost of metal wall panels is 19,400 x $45 = $873,000.  Total cost of pre cast system over same square footage is  19,400 x $42 = $814,800.  Net savings to using metal is A. $58,200.

 

Note 2 found under the table to me is irrelevant.  We are comparing the costs of 2 complete systems and so it would be incorrect to break out the cost of the wall framing and sheathing which are required components of the metal wall system.

 

Am I wrong?

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  ttrr79 February 27, 2025 21:44

  This is really difficult to comment on or provide clarification without the exhibit that most likely gives the details of the problem.

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  abruno168 February 28, 2025 14:47

  The note is relevant because it's telling us the base cost of the metal panels alone ($25/sf) and the total cost if it's a system installation (25+10=$35/sf). The increase in cost of metal wall panels (25+20=$45/sf) is noted in the problem. The new total cost of the system installation (45+10=$55/sf) is found with this information.

  Therefore, system installation of metal panels for both wing additions is calculated at 55/sf for 19,400 sf, for a total cost of $1,067,000. The precast system ($42/sf) for the same area is $814,800, with a difference/savings of $252,200 as the answer.

  Exhibit for reference:

  

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  chrislaggis February 28, 2025 15:33

  abruno168 evidently, you are correct in your interpretation but the problem doesn't mention an increase of $20 (25+20=$45 as you note).  It just says metal wall panels increased to $45.  The only hint is that the problem states "metal wall panels" and not "metal wall panel system".  I just think it's not a very well written question.

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  abruno168 February 28, 2025 16:01

  The exam gives you the information to interpret and make use of, or ignore depending on the situation and relevancy to the question. For this question, the note is relevant because it establishes a baseline cost for metal wall panels only at $25/sf. The question mentions that "the cost of metal wall panels increases to $45/sf", not the entire system.

  Note 1 is also relevant because in the table, the Cost/SF shows that the metal wall panel system costs $35/sf, and that is derived from the numbers added in Note 2. The new cost replaces the metal panels' standalone cost from $25/sf to $45/sf, and ripples through to the Cost/SF where it leaps to $55/sf.

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