Chapter 1 of 821% of exam

Planning and Estimating

CSLB weights Planning and Estimating at about 21% of the C-15 exam: reading plans and specifications, judging materials, job arithmetic and job site readiness. A calculator is provided. This page is a short survey; the PrepPass C-15 study guide teaches the section with worked estimates and a full practice exam at CSLB's weights.

Plans and specifications

The room finish schedule says which floor goes in which room; the specification says what each product is and how it is installed; the manufacturer's written instructions govern the installation and warranty.

Room finish schedule
The drawing sheet that lists the floor covering for each room.
Armstrong F-5061, Ch. 11
Fire rating
Class I floor finish is 0.45 W/cm² or more; Class II is 0.22 W/cm² or more.
2025 CBC §804.4
Changes in level
Up to 1/4 in. vertical; 1/4 to 1/2 in. beveled no steeper than 1:2; over 1/2 in. ramped.
2010 ADA Standards §303; 2025 CBC Ch. 11B

Estimating

Sheet goods and carpet are estimated by strips or cuts in the roll width, then converted to square yards; tile and plank by square feet plus waste, then cartons.

Units
9 ft² = 1 yd²; 144 in² = 1 ft².
NIST Handbook 44, App. C
Sheet strips
Add 3 in. to each strip for fitting; 1 lineal ft of 6-ft goods = 2/3 yd².
Armstrong F-5061, Ch. 11
Tile waste
Armstrong's guide runs from 14% for rooms up to 50 ft² down to 3% for 1,000–5,000 ft².
Armstrong F-5061, Ch. 11

Job site readiness

Install after other trades, in an enclosed building with HVAC running and materials conditioned to the manufacturer's range.

Resilient conditions
65–100°F for 48 h before, during and 48 h after (Armstrong).
Armstrong F-5061, Ch. 2
Radiant floors
Surface no hotter than 85°F.
Armstrong F-5061, Ch. 2
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