CSLB C-27 Landscaping ContractorPlanning and EstimatingHard
A C-27 contractor is reviewing a landscape plan that calls for the installation of a 500 square foot paver patio. The plan includes the desired pattern and paver type. To accurately estimate the material quantity for the pavers, the contractor must account for waste. If the chosen paver has a nominal size of 4 inches by 8 inches, and industry standard practice for this type of installation suggests a 7% waste factor, how many total square feet of pavers should the contractor order?
- A500 sq ft
- B535 sq ft
- C570 sq ft
- D600 sq ft
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 535 sq ft
The required area is 500 sq ft. To account for a 7% waste factor, you calculate 7% of 500 sq ft, which is 0.07 * 500 = 35 sq ft. Add this waste to the required area: 500 sq ft + 35 sq ft = 535 sq ft. The paver size is extraneous information as the calculation is based on total area.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Does not account for waste, leading to material shortage.
- C. Incorrect calculation.
- D. Incorrect calculation, overestimating waste.
Material Waste Factor
A percentage added to the net quantity of materials required for a project to account for breakage, cutting, errors, or other forms of loss during installation.
- Varies by material type and installation complexity.
- Commonly 5-15% for hardscape materials.
- Ensures sufficient materials are on-site, preventing delays.
Memory trick: Area plus waste, order in haste, avoid material chase.