Practice Test Question: Q 53 Exam 1

Hello-
I just took a practice exam- one of the questions pertaining to cost estimating services of the architect. The explanation for the question states that “the architect does not provide cost estimating services at each phase of a project” yet the AIA and other sources have stated otherwise that cost estimating services are to be preformed at each stage of the project. This was question 53 on exam 1. Can you help to explain as I have had confusion with this topic due to varying responses…

Welcome to the ARE Community @Lauren.elia! Thank you for reaching out with your question.

I am having trouble locating the specific question and explanation you are referring to, as the questions do shuffle within a form each time. Can you please send me a private message with a screenshot of the question or some additional information? There may be some context within this question in which this scenario would apply, but I am unable to confirm that without seeing the actual question. Alternatively, you may email this to support@blackspectacles.com.

Please note that we do not allow screenshots of our paid content to be shared on this forum.

To answer your question generally, you are correct in that the architect shall provide an estimate of the Cost of the Work in accordance with Section 6.3, as a Basic Service. See Section 6.1 for a list of what the Cost of the Work entails. Section 6.2 indicates that this estimate shall be conceptual in nature.

It is noted in § 4.1.1.12 that Detailed cost estimating beyond that required in Section 6.3 is considered a Supplemental Service, should the owner require it (i.e. material takeoffs) and is therefore, not a typical service provided.

Hope this helps!

Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles