Planning & EstimatingQuestion 309 of 360
Why do estimators apply a difficulty or productivity factor to base labor units on some jobs?
a.Because base labor units already include all overhead and profit
b.Because real conditions like high ceilings, congestion, or occupied buildings slow production compared to ideal conditions
c.Because the code sets the factor at 2.0 for all work
d.Because material cost changes the labor unit directly
Explanation
Base labor units assume normal working conditions, so factors adjust them upward for tough conditions such as working overhead, in tight spaces, or in an occupied building. Applying a realistic factor keeps the labor estimate from being too low. Underestimating labor is a leading cause of jobs losing money.
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