I85PREP
⌘ K
FL General Contractor study materials
FL General Contractor study resources

FL General Contractor practice questions

One question at a time. Build your FL General Contractor understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Business and Financial Management

Under Florida law, a contractor's license is generally required for a construction project when the total contract price exceeds which threshold?

  1. $30,000
  2. $1,000
  3. $5,000
  4. $500 Correct answer.

Explanation

Florida requires state certification or registration for contractors when the work exceeds $500 in labor and materials combined. Work under that amount is generally exempt from licensure. This threshold appears in Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, and is a common exam point.

Question 2Business and Financial Management

A qualifying agent for a Florida certified contractor leaves the company. What is the company's most accurate obligation?

  1. The business must immediately dissolve and reapply as a new entity
  2. The business may transfer the departed agent's license to any employee
  3. The business must notify the licensing board and, in the absence of a qualifying agent, cease contracting until a replacement is qualified Correct answer.
  4. The business may continue operating indefinitely because the license belongs to the company

Explanation

A business organization's certificate is tied to its qualifying agent, so the loss of that agent triggers a duty to notify the board. The business cannot continue to contract without a qualified agent in place. The license is not freely assignable to another employee.

Question 3Business and Financial Management

Which financial statement element best helps a contractor determine whether the business can meet obligations due within the next twelve months?

  1. Current assets compared with current liabilities Correct answer.
  2. Accumulated depreciation on equipment
  3. Owner's equity at year end
  4. Total revenue compared with total expenses

Explanation

The current ratio, current assets divided by current liabilities, measures short-term liquidity. It directly addresses the ability to pay obligations falling due within a year. Revenue versus expenses measures profitability, not liquidity timing.

Question 4Business and Financial Management

A contractor bills progress payments using a schedule of values. Which practice best protects the contractor's cash position?

  1. Submitting pay applications with accurate completed-work values and approved change orders included Correct answer.
  2. Deferring all subcontractor invoices until final payment
  3. Billing only after the entire project is complete
  4. Front-loading early line items so cash arrives before costs are incurred

Explanation

Accurate pay applications that capture completed work and approved change orders keep billing aligned with actual progress and reduce disputes that delay payment. Front-loading can be rejected as overbilling and damage credibility with the owner. Timely, accurate billing is the reliable way to protect cash flow.

Question 5Business and Financial Management

A Florida contractor records revenue and costs on a project only when the project is fully complete. Which accounting method is this?

  1. Modified cash basis
  2. Percentage-of-completion method
  3. Accrual method with matching
  4. Completed-contract method Correct answer.

Explanation

The completed-contract method recognizes all revenue and costs at project completion rather than over the contract term. It contrasts with percentage-of-completion, which recognizes revenue as work progresses. It is generally acceptable only in limited circumstances because it delays recognition.

Question 6Business and Financial Management

A contractor's surety is evaluating a bid bond request for a public project. Which factor most directly supports the surety's willingness to issue the bond?

  1. A large number of open projects with no completion history
  2. Verbal assurances from the owner about future work
  3. A demonstrated history of completed projects of similar size and type Correct answer.
  4. The lowest bid price among all bidders

Explanation

Sureties underwrite based on demonstrated capacity and experience with comparable work. A track record on similar projects reduces perceived risk of default. Low bid price alone or a heavy backlog without completion history does not reassure a surety.

Question 7Business and Financial Management

What is the primary purpose of a contractor's working capital line of credit?

  1. Bridging the gap between costs incurred and progress payments received Correct answer.
  2. Funding owner distributions
  3. Paying down permanent mortgage debt
  4. Financing long-term equipment purchases

Explanation

A working capital line of credit covers the timing gap between when the contractor pays labor and materials and when the owner pays progress billings. It is a short-term liquidity tool. Long-term equipment and real estate are financed with term debt, not revolving credit.

Question 8Business and Financial Management

A contractor discovers that a project's actual costs are exceeding the estimate by a widening margin at each reporting period. Which action best reflects sound job-cost control?

  1. Reallocate costs to a more profitable project
  2. Investigate the cost codes with the largest unfavorable variance and update the estimate to complete Correct answer.
  3. Reduce the schedule of values to hide the overrun
  4. Wait until project completion to analyze the variance

Explanation

Effective job-cost control compares actual costs to budget by cost code and investigates significant unfavorable variances promptly. Updating the estimate to complete allows the contractor to forecast the outcome realistically. Waiting until completion or manipulating records defeats the purpose of cost control.

Question 9Business and Financial Management

Which item is normally classified as a current liability on a contractor's balance sheet?

  1. Accounts payable to suppliers Correct answer.
  2. Construction equipment
  3. Retainage receivable
  4. Paid-in capital

Explanation

Accounts payable are obligations owed to suppliers that are generally due within a year, making them a current liability. Retainage receivable is an asset owed to the contractor. Equipment is a long-term asset, and paid-in capital is equity.

Question 10Business and Financial Management

A contractor's financial statements show net income that is strong, but cash balances are falling. Which explanation is most plausible?

  1. Declining equipment values
  2. Large increases in retainage receivable and unbilled work Correct answer.
  3. A decrease in accounts payable
  4. Payment of a bank loan principal

Explanation

Revenue recognized on completed work can outpace cash collection when retainage and unbilled receivables grow. That gap explains profits on paper alongside declining cash. Loan principal payments and payables changes affect cash but are less tied to the profit-versus-cash divergence described.

Question 11Business and Financial Management

Which contract type places the greatest cost risk on the contractor?

  1. Lump-sum contract Correct answer.
  2. Time-and-materials contract
  3. Unit-price contract with escalation clause
  4. Cost-plus-fee contract

Explanation

A lump-sum contract fixes the price regardless of actual costs, so cost overruns fall on the contractor. Cost-plus and time-and-materials arrangements pass actual costs to the owner. A unit-price contract with an escalation clause shares price risk for specified items.

Question 12Business and Financial Management

A contractor wants to improve its bonding capacity before bidding larger public work. Which step most directly supports that goal?

  1. Increasing the number of simultaneous open projects
  2. Reducing documented experience on the financial statement
  3. Strengthening working capital and demonstrating profitable completed work Correct answer.
  4. Relying on a single large client for all revenue

Explanation

Sureties evaluate working capital, net worth, and a history of profitable completed projects when setting bonding capacity. Strengthening those fundamentals directly supports larger bonds. Overloading open projects or concentrating revenue increases perceived risk.

Question 13Business and Financial Management

Which document typically establishes the schedule of values used for progress payments?

  1. The signed contract and its payment provisions, supported by the contractor's submitted schedule Correct answer.
  2. The surety's indemnity agreement
  3. The subcontractor's lien waiver
  4. The contractor's income statement

Explanation

The schedule of values is developed under the contract's payment provisions and submitted by the contractor for approval. It allocates the contract sum across work items for progress billing. The income statement and surety documents do not establish it.

Question 14Business and Financial Management

Under Florida lien law, a contractor who is not in privity with the owner and who seeks to preserve lien rights generally must serve which notice within the statutory period?

  1. A notice of completion
  2. A notice of commencement
  3. A notice to owner Correct answer.
  4. A notice of contest

Explanation

A notice to owner informs the owner and lender of the claimant's interest and is a prerequisite for lien rights for those without direct contract with the owner. A notice of commencement is filed by the owner, and a notice of contest is used to shorten the lien period. Missing the notice to owner can defeat the lien.

Question 15Business and Financial Management

A contractor is preparing a bid and must account for overhead. Which cost is properly classified as general overhead rather than a direct job cost?

  1. Lumber delivered to the project site
  2. Concrete purchased for the foundation
  3. Wages of carpenters installing framing
  4. Liability insurance for the company's entire operation Correct answer.

Explanation

General overhead covers company-wide costs not attributable to a single project, such as company-wide insurance, office rent, and administrative salaries. Materials and direct labor installed on the job are direct costs. Misclassifying overhead understates the true cost of doing business.

Question 16Business and Financial Management

A contractor's backlog is growing rapidly while its working capital remains flat. What is the most likely risk?

  1. Insufficient liquidity to fund payroll and materials before payments arrive Correct answer.
  2. Improved cash flow from larger billings
  3. Lower surety scrutiny of the company
  4. Reduced need for a line of credit

Explanation

Rapid backlog growth consumes working capital because the contractor must fund labor and materials ahead of progress payments. Without additional liquidity, the company can run short of cash even while profitable. Growing backlog generally increases, not decreases, surety scrutiny.

Question 17Business and Financial Management

Which action best demonstrates proper segregation of duties in a contractor's accounting function?

  1. Field staff submit receipts directly to the bookkeeper who also approves payment
  2. The project manager approves invoices while a separate person issues payments Correct answer.
  3. The owner signs all checks and also records all deposits
  4. The same person prepares checks and reconciles the bank account

Explanation

Segregation of duties separates authorization, custody, and recordkeeping so no single person controls a transaction end to end. Having one person approve invoices and another issue payments reduces fraud risk. Combining check preparation with reconciliation or payment approval weakens internal control.

Question 18Business and Financial Management

Which statement about retainage on a construction project is accurate?

  1. Retainage is a tax withheld by the owner
  2. Retainage is a penalty imposed for late completion
  3. Retainage is a percentage withheld from progress payments until specified conditions are met Correct answer.
  4. Retainage is paid to the surety as a premium

Explanation

Retainage is a portion of each progress payment held back by the owner to protect against incomplete or defective work. It is released when the contract conditions, such as substantial completion and punch-list clearance, are satisfied. It is not a penalty, premium, or tax.

Question 19Business and Financial Management

A contractor expects to incur a loss on a fixed-price contract that is partially complete. Under generally accepted accounting principles, how should the anticipated loss be treated?

  1. Spread the loss evenly over remaining periods
  2. Defer the loss until the project is complete
  3. Recognize the loss only if the owner approves a change order
  4. Recognize the entire expected loss immediately when it becomes evident Correct answer.

Explanation

When a loss on a contract becomes evident, accounting standards require recognizing the full anticipated loss in the period it is identified. Deferring it overstates current income and misstates the project's position. The loss is not contingent on owner approval of a change order.

Question 20Business and Financial Management

Which item would a lender most likely require a contractor to provide when underwriting a construction loan for a specific project?

  1. The company's marketing brochure
  2. A detailed project budget and schedule of values Correct answer.
  3. A list of past clients' phone numbers
  4. The contractor's personal vacation schedule

Explanation

Lenders underwrite construction loans using the project budget, schedule of values, and draw schedule to control disbursements. These documents show how funds will be spent as work progresses. Marketing materials and unrelated personal information are not underwriting requirements.

Question 21Business and Financial Management

A contractor consistently bills the owner at the end of the month but pays subcontractors weekly. What is the most direct effect on the contractor's cash cycle?

  1. The retainage obligation disappears
  2. The contractor must fund several weeks of subcontractor costs before collecting from the owner Correct answer.
  3. The contractor's net income increases immediately
  4. The cash conversion cycle shortens

Explanation

Paying subcontractors weekly while collecting from the owner monthly creates a cash gap the contractor must fund from working capital or credit. This lengthens the cash conversion cycle rather than shortening it. Payment timing does not change net income or eliminate retainage.

Question 22Business and Financial Management

Which practice best supports accurate job costing on a multi-project contractor's books?

  1. Charging all material purchases to a single general account
  2. Recording labor costs only at year end
  3. Assigning costs to specific project cost codes at the time they are incurred Correct answer.
  4. Allocating equipment costs equally across all projects regardless of use

Explanation

Assigning costs to project cost codes when incurred keeps job costs accurate and allows meaningful comparison to estimates. Lumping purchases into one account or delaying labor recording destroys project-level visibility. Equal allocation of equipment ignores actual usage.

Question 23Business and Financial Management

A contractor's quick ratio is significantly lower than its current ratio. What does this most likely indicate?

  1. The company has excessive cash reserves
  2. The company is highly profitable
  3. The company has no current liabilities
  4. A large portion of current assets is tied up in inventory and prepaid items Correct answer.

Explanation

The quick ratio excludes inventory and prepaid expenses from current assets, so a large gap between the two ratios points to heavy inventory or prepaid balances. It says nothing directly about profitability or absence of liabilities. Excessive cash would tend to raise, not lower, the quick ratio.

Question 24Contract Administration and Project Management

Under Florida lien law, a contractor who has a direct contract with the property owner and wants to preserve lien rights must serve which notice within 90 days after the final furnishing of labor, services, or materials?

  1. A Notice of Contest of Lien to the owner
  2. A Notice of Commencement before starting work
  3. A Claim of Lien recorded in the public records Correct answer.
  4. A Notice to Owner on the owner and lender

Explanation

A direct contractor perfects lien rights by recording a Claim of Lien in the county public records within 90 days after final furnishing, then serving a copy on the owner. The Notice to Owner is generally required of subcontractors and suppliers, not the direct contracting party.

Question 25Contract Administration and Project Management

A Florida owner and contractor sign a written agreement that contains no dispute-resolution clause. A disagreement arises over the value of a change order. What does Florida law require before the parties may litigate the dispute?

  1. A mandatory arbitration hearing administered by the court
  2. Submission of the dispute to a mediator or other ADR process Correct answer.
  3. Nothing; they may file suit immediately
  4. A recorded notice of contest filed with the clerk

Explanation

Florida Statutes require that before a party files suit over a construction contract dispute, the parties must submit the controversy to a mediator or another dispute-resolution process unless the contract specifies otherwise. Filing suit without first attempting the required ADR can result in dismissal or abatement.

Question 26Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor is preparing a pay application on a project with a lender. Which document most directly protects the lender by subordinating the contractor's lien rights to the mortgage?

  1. A Notice of Commencement listing the lender
  2. A performance bond naming the lender as obligee
  3. A signed lien waiver for prior draws
  4. A subordination agreement executed by the contractor Correct answer.

Explanation

A subordination agreement is a contract in which the lienor agrees its lien priority is junior to the lender's mortgage. The Notice of Commencement identifies the lender but does not by itself subordinate lien rights.

Question 27Contract Administration and Project Management

A general contractor's schedule shows a critical-path activity slipping two weeks because the owner has not released structural steel shop drawings. Which action best preserves the contractor's right to a time extension?

  1. Verbally advising the superintendent of the delay
  2. Submitting a written notice of delay within the contract's notice period Correct answer.
  3. Continuing work and absorbing the cost to avoid friction
  4. Waiting until final completion to claim the delay

Explanation

Construction contracts typically condition time-extension rights on timely written notice to the owner. Verbal notice or silence until project closeout commonly waives the claim regardless of the merits.

Question 28Contract Administration and Project Management

During a monthly progress meeting, the owner directs the contractor to add a rooftop screen wall not shown in the plans. The contract requires written change orders signed by both parties. What is the contractor's best course of action?

  1. Refuse to perform until the owner signs a formal change order
  2. Perform the work and submit a claim at project closeout
  3. Request written confirmation of the directive and process a change order Correct answer.
  4. Proceed and rely on the meeting minutes as authorization

Explanation

When the contract requires written change orders, the contractor should document the owner's oral directive in writing and route it through the change-order process. This avoids performing disputed extra work without a clear entitlement record.

Question 29Contract Administration and Project Management

A subcontractor has not been paid for work it completed, and the general contractor has received full payment from the owner for that work. Under Florida law, what risk does the general contractor face if it fails to pay the subcontractor?

  1. The subcontractor may record a claim of lien and pursue the general contractor's payment bond Correct answer.
  2. The subcontractor's claim is barred because the owner already paid
  3. The general contractor loses its license automatically
  4. The owner may terminate the general contractor without cause

Explanation

A subcontractor who is unpaid may assert lien rights and, on bonded jobs, make a claim against the payment bond. The general contractor's receipt of owner funds does not extinguish the subcontractor's remedies.

Question 30Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor's CPM schedule shows that a weather delay affected only a non-critical activity with ten days of float. The activity consumed six days of that float. What is the contractor's typical entitlement regarding a time extension?

  1. A full extension equal to the original activity duration
  2. A ten-day extension equal to the total float
  3. A six-day extension because the activity was delayed
  4. No extension because project completion was not affected Correct answer.

Explanation

Excusable delay extends the contract time only when it delays final completion, meaning the critical path is affected. Consuming float on a non-critical activity does not entitle the contractor to a time extension.

Question 31Contract Administration and Project Management

A Florida contractor wants to use a design-build delivery method on a private commercial project. Which statement best describes the typical contractual structure?

  1. A single entity contracts with the owner for both design and construction Correct answer.
  2. The owner holds separate prime contracts with a designer and a builder
  3. The construction manager acts as an agent and holds all trade contracts
  4. The architect contracts directly with each subcontractor

Explanation

In design-build, one entity holds a single contract with the owner to furnish both design and construction services. This differs from design-bid-build, where the owner contracts separately with the designer and the builder.

Question 32Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor is reviewing a proposed subcontract that includes a pay-when-paid clause. What is the practical effect of this clause for the subcontractor?

  1. The subcontractor's payment is conditioned on the contractor receiving owner payment Correct answer.
  2. The subcontractor is guaranteed payment within 30 days of invoicing
  3. The subcontractor waives all lien rights upon signing
  4. The subcontractor must accept the owner's payment bond as sole security

Explanation

A pay-when-paid clause makes the subcontractor's right to payment contingent on the contractor first receiving payment from the owner. It shifts the timing risk of owner nonpayment to the subcontractor.

Question 33Contract Administration and Project Management

An owner terminates a general contractor for convenience under a clause permitting termination without cause. Which item is the contractor typically entitled to recover?

  1. Costs incurred plus reasonable overhead and profit on work performed Correct answer.
  2. The full original contract balance
  3. Lost profits on all unperformed work
  4. Nothing, because termination without cause is a breach

Explanation

Termination for convenience generally entitles the contractor to payment for work performed, plus reasonable overhead and profit on that work and demobilization costs. Anticipated profit on work never performed is generally not recoverable.

Question 34Contract Administration and Project Management

A project is substantially complete, and the owner begins using the facility for its intended purpose. What is the most significant contractual consequence of substantial completion?

  1. The owner assumes responsibility for certain risks and the contractor's remaining work is limited to punch-list items Correct answer.
  2. All retainage must be paid in full immediately without conditions
  3. The contractor is released from all warranty obligations
  4. The contractor's payment bond is automatically cancelled

Explanation

Substantial completion marks the point when the owner can use the work for its intended purpose, shifting certain risk of loss and starting warranty periods. The contractor remains obligated to complete punch-list items and honor warranties.

Question 35Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor discovers an arithmetic discrepancy between the unit price and the extended total in its bid. The solicitation states unit prices govern. How should the contractor's bid be evaluated?

  1. The contractor may choose whichever figure is higher
  2. The extended total controls because it reflects the bidder's intent
  3. The unit price controls and the extension is corrected Correct answer.
  4. The bid must be rejected as nonresponsive

Explanation

When a solicitation states that unit prices govern, the unit price controls and the extension is corrected mathematically. This rule resolves discrepancies predictably and is standard in competitive bidding.

Question 36Contract Administration and Project Management

A general contractor submits a bid to a public owner and later discovers a clerical error that would cause a substantial loss. Which factor is most relevant to whether the contractor may withdraw the bid after opening?

  1. Whether the contractor notified its surety
  2. Whether the error was a mathematical mistake apparent on the face of the bid Correct answer.
  3. Whether the contractor has a valid license
  4. Whether the contractor has performed similar projects

Explanation

Relief from a mistaken bid generally depends on whether the error is a clerical mistake that is apparent from the bid documents and whether withdrawal would prejudice the owner. Unilateral internal errors not apparent on the face of the bid are harder to withdraw.

Question 37Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor's quality-control plan requires three inspections before a concrete pour. The superintendent skips the third inspection to maintain schedule. What management response best addresses this deviation?

  1. Ignore it because the pour met strength requirements
  2. Document the deviation and conduct a root-cause review with corrective action Correct answer.
  3. Terminate the superintendent immediately without further review
  4. Waive the inspection requirement for future pours

Explanation

A quality deviation should be documented and investigated to identify root causes, followed by corrective action to prevent recurrence. Immediate termination or waiving future inspections bypasses a measured corrective process.

Question 38Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor's safety program requires weekly toolbox talks. Which documentation practice best supports defense of a later workers' compensation or OSHA matter?

  1. A general statement in the company handbook
  2. Signed attendance sheets with topics and dates Correct answer.
  3. Verbal reminders at the morning huddle
  4. A note in the superintendent's personal log

Explanation

Contemporaneous records showing who attended, what was covered, and when provide credible evidence of a functioning safety program. General statements or verbal reminders are far weaker proof of actual training.

Question 39Contract Administration and Project Management

An owner requests a 20-day acceleration of a project that is already behind due to owner-caused delays. The contractor agrees in writing to accelerate for an added fee. What is the primary risk the contractor should manage?

  1. The owner may later deny the acceleration directive
  2. The contract time will automatically revert to the original date
  3. The contractor's bond will be released early
  4. The compressed schedule may increase safety, quality, and cost impacts Correct answer.

Explanation

Acceleration compresses activities and can increase labor, supervision, and safety risks along with cost. A written agreement helps address the directive, but the operational risks of acceleration still require active management.

Question 40Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor's application for payment includes stored materials at an off-site location. Which practice best protects the owner's interest before paying for those materials?

  1. Verifying materials are stored, insured, and properly identified for the project Correct answer.
  2. Waiting until materials are installed to pay anything
  3. Accepting the contractor's verbal assurance
  4. Paying the full amount without documentation

Explanation

Owners typically require verification that stored materials are properly identified, insured, and secured before paying for them. This protects against loss or diversion of materials that have not yet been incorporated into the work.

Question 41Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor submits a claim for extra costs caused by unusual subsurface conditions differing materially from the geotechnical report. Which element is most essential to support the claim?

  1. Proof that the contractor is the lowest bidder
  2. Confirmation that the owner visited the site
  3. A statement that the contractor lost money
  4. Documentation that the conditions differed materially and were not reasonably anticipated Correct answer.

Explanation

A differing-site-conditions claim requires evidence that actual conditions differ materially from those indicated in the contract documents and could not reasonably have been anticipated. Cost records alone do not establish entitlement.

Question 42Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor is required to provide a performance bond and a payment bond on a public project. What distinguishes the payment bond from the performance bond?

  1. The performance bond protects subcontractors and suppliers
  2. The two bonds are identical in coverage
  3. The payment bond guarantees the contractor will complete the work
  4. The payment bond protects subcontractors and suppliers against nonpayment Correct answer.

Explanation

A payment bond secures payment to subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers, while a performance bond secures the owner against the contractor's failure to complete the work. Each addresses a distinct risk.

Question 43Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor's project is 60 percent complete when the owner's lender stops funding. The contractor has an unpaid progress payment. Which step best preserves the contractor's ability to stop work and pursue remedies?

  1. Abandon the site immediately without notice
  2. Serve the required notice of nonpayment and follow contract suspension procedures Correct answer.
  3. Continue work indefinitely and hope funding resumes
  4. Record a lis pendens against the owner's property

Explanation

Contracts and Florida lien law generally require written notice of nonpayment before a contractor may suspend work and pursue remedies. Following the contractual suspension procedure preserves rights while avoiding a wrongful abandonment claim.

Question 44Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor is negotiating a contract with a one-year warranty period. Which statement best describes the contractor's typical obligation during that period?

  1. The contractor must replace the entire building if any defect occurs
  2. The contractor is responsible only for defects the owner reports within 30 days
  3. The contractor has no obligations after substantial completion
  4. The contractor must repair any defect in workmanship or materials that appears Correct answer.

Explanation

A warranty period generally obligates the contractor to correct defects in workmanship or materials that appear during the stated period. It does not require wholesale replacement of the building for isolated defects.

Question 45Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor's schedule of values significantly front-loads costs for early activities. How does this practice most affect the owner?

  1. It accelerates project completion
  2. It increases the owner's financial exposure if the contractor defaults Correct answer.
  3. It reduces the total contract price
  4. It eliminates retainage requirements

Explanation

Front-loading the schedule of values causes the owner to pay more than the value of work actually in place. If the contractor defaults, the owner may have paid ahead of performance, increasing financial exposure.

Question 46Contract Administration and Project Management

A contractor receives an unsigned field directive from the owner's representative instructing a minor change. Which response best balances progress and contractual protection?

  1. Implement the work and confirm the directive in writing the same day Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the next monthly payment cycle to document it
  3. Ignore the directive until a formal change order is issued
  4. Ask a subcontractor to issue the change order

Explanation

Confirming an oral or unsigned directive in writing promptly creates a record of the instruction and supports later change-order processing. Ignoring the directive can cause delay, while delayed documentation weakens the claim.

Question 47Structures and Structural Systems

Under the Florida Building Code, which structural load combination is used for allowable stress design (ASD)?

  1. 1.4D
  2. 0.9D + 1.0W
  3. D + L + (Lr or R) Correct answer.
  4. 1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5(Lr or R)

Explanation

Allowable stress design uses nominal, unfactored loads combined so the total effect does not exceed allowable stresses. The basic ASD combination adds dead, live, and either roof live or rain load. The combinations beginning with 1.2D or 1.4D are strength-design (LRFD) load cases.

Question 48Structures and Structural Systems

A contractor is framing a two-story wood-frame house in Florida. Which element is required to transfer lateral wind load from the roof diaphragm down to the foundation?

  1. A continuous load path through shear walls and connections Correct answer.
  2. A capillary break in the footing
  3. A minimum 12-inch roof overhang
  4. A vapor retarder beneath the slab

Explanation

Wind and seismic forces travel through a continuous load path: roof sheathing to diaphragm, to shear walls, to the foundation. Each connection along that path must be designed and installed to carry the load. Interrupting the path at any point compromises the whole structure.

Question 49Structures and Structural Systems

What is the primary structural function of a bond beam in a concrete masonry wall?

  1. To provide a continuous horizontal tie that resists lateral loads and ties the wall together Correct answer.
  2. To serve as the finished exterior architectural band
  3. To insulate the wall cavity from thermal bridging
  4. To allow drainage of water from the wall cavity

Explanation

A bond beam is a grout-filled, horizontally reinforced course of masonry that ties the wall together and distributes lateral loads. It works with vertical reinforcement to resist out-of-plane wind pressure. The reinforcement makes it a structural element, not a decorative or drainage feature.

Question 50Structures and Structural Systems

In a wood-frame floor system, which component spans between beams or bearing walls to support the subfloor?

  1. Rim joist
  2. Sill plate
  3. Floor joist Correct answer.
  4. Anchor bolt

Explanation

Floor joists are the repetitive framing members that span between supports and carry the floor loads. The subfloor is fastened across the top of the joists. Sill plates, rim joists, and anchor bolts serve other roles at the perimeter or foundation.