Configuration & Budgeting

Question 1

What is a “programmatic concept” vs a “design concept”?

Answer 1

A programmatic concept states no physical design measure, it only states a need or goal that the design will eventually fulfill.

A design concept is a general building configuration idea that will help accomplish the program.

Question 2

What are the concept of Expansibility, Convertibility, and Versatility in building configuration?

Answer 2

Expansibility
How ready the building is to be added on to.

Convertibility
How ready the spaces in the building are to be re-purposed.

Versability
The capacity for existing spaces to be used for different purposes without construction changes.

Question 3

What is the Parameter Method of construction budgeting?

Answer 3

• Unit costs * unit quantities for types of elements are use to find a total cost
• Most things are broken out individually, such as type of finish (EG, tile vs carpet), but other things are estimated as an assembly, such as gypsum board walls (by linear foot) or concrete+rebar (by volume)
• Best suited to the DD phase, since it allow quantities and quality of materials to be adjusted to meet the owner’s budget

Question 4

What is the Matrix Cost method of construction budgeting?

Answer 4

• A method of comparing the cost of different optional elements
• On the left axis, all the options are listed
• On the top axis, all the different aspects that could cause/incur cost are listed
• In the matrix, the costs for each aspect for each option are listed at the intersections
• Some options may not have a cost for some aspects. EX: a custom workstation may have a fabrication cost, but a standard workstation would not; both have an installation cost
• The total cost for each options is summed accross to the right

Question 5

What are the types and percent ranges of contractor overhead and profit (according to the AIA/ARE)?

Answer 5

General Overhead
The cost of running the business (EG, office space, administrative staff, ETC)

Project Overhead
The non-construction costs of the project istelf (IE, General Conditions)

Total Overhead: 10-20% of the construction cost

Profit: 5-20% of the construction cost (depending on market, type of contract, ETC)

Question 6

What is the Unit Cost method of construction budgeting?

Answer 6

• unit cost * unit quantity for each individual assembly
• unit cost includes
• the cost of the material
• the cost of labor to receive and install it
• the cost of equipment, services, and other fees
• overhead and profit %
• The method used by contractors to bid and manage the project
• Can only be used once the drawingns and specifications are complete