Revised lumber yard cost estimator work sample

Abstract

To provide a realistic task of cost estimation and materials knowledge involving basic duties a Lumber Yard Cost Estimator and other related professionals encounter on the job. Tentative Design of the Research: A "LumberYard" Cost Estimator Work Sample. It will involve a blueprint and/or three sided drawings of a simple structure, materials list, and price list. The participant will analyze the drawings and materials list and fill in a complete "materials needed" worksheet. If the materials worksheet is completed correctly, the participant will then complete the estimated price/cost form. The information obtained from the materials and price list, blueprints and/or three sided drawings will be used to complete the worksheets/forms. It will be necessary for the participant performing this work sample to have some prior knowledge of the building trades and related materials. Being able to read a diagram or basic blueprint (structural) may be needed to complete this work sample. Also, the participant should be able to use a calculator performing general computations. The worksheets will indicate areas for separate costs of materials, subtotal, tax, commission percentage, and total bid price. The work sample will not deal with extraneous variables, such as delivery costs, or actual construction labor costs. This work sample will be field tested on 15 people to obtain reliability and normative data. Content validity will be determined through job analysis. Proposed use of fndings: To help assess abilities related to cost estimation and the building trades, and aid in determining possible training or work options. This may also be used as a career exploration tool. There are other characteristics in cost estimating jobs other than determining accurate costs and materials. These other tasks include possible supervision of other workers, interaction and negotiation with customers, record keeping, other related paperwork, and using a cash register. A completed job analysis will be included in the manual. The UW-Stout MDC style for the work sample manual will be used. A protection of human subjects' form will be developed. No specific information (name, social security number, etc.) will be on the form that will identify the person. Information obtained will be that of age, education, ethnicity, and related. The participant manual will provide the following: Drawings and structure specifications and materials and price list(s). The participant will be given the price and materials worksheet to complete utilizing the above materials. The materials list will not only provide material names, but descriptions (depending on the material) to aid in proper estimation. The work sample should be administered with distractions present due to the likeliness of a distracting and active work environment.