State Farm Estimatics

The formula for determining the area of a trapezoid is:

Select the single best answer:

A. [(Base1 + Base2) ÷ 2] x Height
B. ½ Base x Height

D. 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 (pi r squared)

C. Base x Height

[(base1+base2) / 2] * height
The formula for determining the area of a triangle is:

A. 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 (pi r squared)

Select the single best answer:

B. [(Base1 + Base2) ÷ 2] x Height

C. Base x Height
D. ½ Base x Height
D. ½ Base x Height
The formula for determining the area of a circle is:

Select the single best answer:

B. 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 (pi r squared)

A. ½ Base x height

C. [(Base1 + Base2) ÷ 2] x Height

B. 𝜋𝜋𝑟𝑟 (pi r squared)

D. Base x Height

"On-center" is a term to describe the distance from the center of one framing member to
the center of the next framing member, i.e., studs, joist, rafters.

TrueFalse
True
Select the False statement:

Select the single best answer:

A. Plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), fiberboard, and rigid insulating panels are
widely used for sheathing.
B. Wall sheathing reinforces the wall framing.
C. Sheathing adds rigidity, strength and some insulating qualities to the wall of a
structure.
D. Sheathing provides a flat surface backing for other products, such as siding.
E. The thickness of the sheathing has no affect on the cost of the material.
b. Wall sheathing reinforces the wall framing.
Which of the following components is not a part of a roof truss?
Select the single best answer:
A. Top Chord
B. Bottom Chord
C. Web
D. Bird's Mouth
E. Gussets
Birds Mouth
Spaced (open) sheathing is normally used with composition shingles.
TrueFalse
Composition shingles can be purchased in bundles which could be ⅓ square or ¼
square.
TrueFalse
True
Blanket insulation is an uncut roll of insulation cut to length at the job site. It is used in
walls and attics, and may or may not have a backing material.
TrueFalse
True
Select the false statement.
Select the single best answer:

A. Composition shingle weights range from 120 lb. to 480 lb. per square.
B. Composition shingles are made of fiberglass or asphalt saturated roofing material
embedded with mineral granules.
C. Wood roofing is generally divided into two categories, wood shingles and wood
shakes.
D. Rigid roofing materials include clay, concrete, metal, and slate.
E. All of the above are true.
Composition shingle weights range from 120 lb. to 480 lb. per square.
Non-masonry siding products such as wood, aluminum, vinyl, steel, and vinyl clad
siding are usually measured by the square foot, but the materials are typically sold by
the square (100 SF) or by the piece.
TrueFalse
True
Select the false statement.
Select the single best answer:
A. Vinyl clad siding is steel siding with a vinyl coating over it. It is more dent-resistant
than steel.
B. Vinyl siding is made of a rigid polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) compound. It is tough,
durable, and economical.
C. Aluminum siding has a baked-on enamel factory finished and can provide an
appearance closely resembling painted wood siding.
D. Vinyl clad siding is aluminum siding with a vinyl coating over it. It is more dent
resistant than aluminum and has less tendency to crack than vinyl.
E. Steel siding is more durable than vinyl, aluminum, or vinyl clad siding. Like aluminum
siding, it has a baked-on enamel factory finish.
Vinyl clad siding is steel siding with a vinyl coating over it. It is more den-resistant than
steel.
How many trusses (16" o.c.) are in a 35' 6" long gable roof with no overhang on the
gable ends?
Select the single best answer:
A. 28
B. 27
C. 26
D. 29
28
According to the "Average Size Door Opening Guideline," a missing wall measuring 3'0"
wide x 6'8" high would generally be subtracted from the quantity of drywall needed for
that room.
TrueFalse
False
A room is 15' 3" long, 13' 5" wide with a ceiling height of 8', and the following openings:
Patio door 6'0" wide x 6'8" high
Entry door 2'6" wide x 6'8" high
Window 1 5'0" wide x 6'0" high
Window 2 3'0" wide x 6'0" high
How many square feet (SF) of drywall are on the walls and ceiling?
Select the single best answer:
A. 388.70 SF
B. 458.72 SF
C. 593.36 SF
D. 588.75 SF
B. 458.72 SF
A room is 15' 3" long, 13' 5" wide with a ceiling height of 8', and the following openings:
Patio door 6'0" wide x 6'8" high
Entry door 2'6" wide x 6'8" high
Window 1 5'0" wide x 6'0" high
Window 2 3'0" wide x 6'0" high
How many LF of baseboard are in the room?
Select the single best answer:
A. 51.34 LF
B. 57.34 LF
C. 50.00 LF
D. 48.83 LF
A. 51.34 LF
In the Price List, the paint code, PNT P, does not allow for removal of switch and outlet
covers, dropping light fixtures or moving items away from walls.
TrueFalse
False
In the Price List, the price to remove and replace a turbine type roof vent is:
Select the single best answer:
A. $61.75
B. $60.39
C. $57.50
D. $66.95
66.95
In the Price List, the price to replace a roof mount power attic vent is:
Select the single best answer:
A. $206.35
B. $220.82
C. $217.66
D. None of the above.
206.35
There is a 6" x 6" water stain on the acoustic ceiling (popcorn) texture of a 15' x 15'
bedroom. The drywall and texture are undamaged. Which of the following best
describes the repair to the ceiling?
Select the single best answer:

A. PNT SP the entire bedroom ceiling.

B. PNT S (4 SF), then PNT P the entire bedroom ceiling.
C. PNT S (4 SF), then PNT AC the entire bedroom ceiling.
D. PNT ACS (2 SF), PNT ACP (6.25 SF) then PNT ACP the entire bedroom ceiling.
PNT ACS (2 SF), PNT ACP (6.25 SF) the PNT ACP the entire bedroom ceiling
In the Price List, the code to seal then paint the exterior is:
Select the single best answer:
A. PNT X2
B. PNT XS, then PNT X1
C. PNT XSP2
D. PNT XSP
C. PNT XSP
What is the category and selector code for a 3'0" x 5'0", single hung, vinyl window with
double glazing and heavy duty vinyl frame?
Select the single best answer:
A. WDV S+
B. WDV S>+
C. WDV S<+
D. WDV S>
WDVS>+
In the Price List, which of the following statements is true regarding the remove unit
price?
Select the single best answer:
A. It includes the labor to put the item in a container (truck, dumpster, etc.) within a
reasonable distance from the structure.
B. It includes labor to remove the item from the structure.
C. It includes the material cost of the item.
D. A and B only.
D
In the Price List, 15" x 36" exterior wood shutters would be replaced using the following
code:
Select the single best answer:
A. SDG SHTRW
B. SDG SHTR>
C. SDG SHTR<
D. SDG SHTR
SDG SHTRW
When estimating to replace wood gates, the price includes fence slats, rails, staples,
hinges, latch, hardware, cement mix, all posts and installation labor:
TrueFalse
False
What is the category and selector code for 3¼" stain grade baseboard?
Select the single best answer:
A. FNC B
B. FNC B3+
C. FNC B3
D. FNC B3H
FNC B3+

Removal of shingles
estimate for the actual number of squares (not square feet). No estimating or rounding
Replacement of shingles
a) Include waste in the calculation
-10% - Composite
-15% - wood
b) Round up to the nearest bundle
-Assume 3 bundles per SQ for composite shingles
-Assume 4 bundles per SQ for wood
What do wood shingle estimates always end with?
fourths. .25, .5, .75, .00
What do composite shingle estimates always end with?
thirds. .33, .66, .00
Calculating Hip Roofs
get main body first. extensions second.
Hip roof triangular ends
are calculated when the main roof is calculated b/c a triangle is accounted for that didn't
actually exist
When calculating extensions on a hip roof
don't count for the triangle, but don't forget the two parrallelograms remaining (there is a
good chance they are identical)
When calculating the main body
Don't assume that you can just find one side of a roof and double it. Why? the rafters
might be different lengths
How do you find the height of a hip roof?
the height of the triangle is equal to the length of the rafter that is forming the
parallelogram

(only true if the pitch of the roof is identical and the angles on the hip roof are 90
degrees)
Do you round when removing a roof?
No, removal is always the exact number
What calculations can you use to replace?
x1.10 for composite
x1.15 for wood
.33 for composite
.25 for wood
"drop and roll"
the method for estimating carpet
How wide are carpet rolls?
12 feet
What carpet allowance must you make in estimates?
You must add an additional 3" for length. If you forget this, then you get the question
wrong!
It is ok to change the way carpet seams are run in a house
False
How do you calculate the removal of carpet
It is the actual square footage
What do Removal of carpet & Replacement of carpet pad have in common?
they both are the actual square footage
Xactimate doesn't calculate waste on what three things?
Carpet (Not carpet pad), need to add waste
Shingles
Vinyl sheath flooring
How much square footage is it to move and replace the carpet pad?
The answer: square footage
To calculate floor removal:
divide up into squares/rectangles and determine specific amount to be removed
To calculate replacement of floor:
1) notice seams in flooring
2) drop and roll a 12' roll of carpet
3) add 3" to length (.25)
To calculate linear feet of trusses
1) are they installed 24" of center?
2) convert 24" to feet
3) length of roof (30ft) / 2ft = 15 (the number of trusses)
4) Add 1 for the truss not yet accounted for: 30/2 = 15. Then 15 +1 = 16. 16 trusses
How much would it cost to replace the linear feet of truss on this roof?
(total number of trusses) X (width of roof w/out overhangs) = linear feet of roof trusses
What section of a truss are you using to calculate linear feet?
the bottom chord...which does not include the overhangs
How thick are stud walls?
4 inches
How do you calculate the painting of walls and ceiling?
You will always have 3 measurements
Baseboards are linear feet
Just add up the length of the walls (openings only matter if they are larger than 3'0 x
6'8" or 20.01)
Category Code (Xactimate)
similar to trade breakdown (DRY = Drywall, RFG - roofing, etc.)
Selector Code (Identifies a specific item within a category)
1/2 = 1/2" drywall, hung, taped floated ready for paint; P = paint - one coat; P2 = paint -
two coats
Quality/ Size Ratings
++ Premium Grade
+ High Grade
Average Grade
- Standard Grade (Standard grade is below avg)
< or > refers to size
This is a 3x5 vinyl window, how much would it cost to replace?
Do the math, find its a 15sf window, look up the grade, find the correct size, botta bing
Xactimate descriptions are "general" or average.
False. They are extremely specific. they are literal. If its in there, then its in there. If its
not listed, then its not in there. don't assume!!
There are this many squares (41.6) to remove. How much is the removal cost?
Look at price list under "remove" and multiple by that number (31.18): 41.6 x 31.18 =
1297.088
How will they try to trick me in the pricelist?
The line will have some information that is either supposed to be there, or not supposed
to be there. It's literal. don't let them trip me up!
Trapezoid
[(Base1 + Base 2) / 2] x Height
Triangle
1/2 (base x height)
Circle
PAI-r-squared (r squared first, then multiply by PAI)
Rectangle
base x height
What size door (any opening) do we deduct for?
3'0" x 6'8"
What is the square footage of a 3'0x6'8" door?
20.01
Where do we take a measurements from on an opening?
inside jamb to inside jamb
What are out of the other ordinary openings?
fireplace/mantle, back splash, bookcase, garage door
Opening?
A place there is no trim. Only deduct for 3/0x6/8
When estimating doors
include the door (and all related items) to the room it opens in to. This will keep you
from having to address it on the other side
Painting around openings and trim
professional painters rarely mask...don't include it in the estimate
What are the parts of a truss?
1) Top Chord (Roof rafter)
2) Bottom Chord (Ceiling Joist)
3) Webbing (Bracing tying top and bottom chords together)
4) Gussets (wood or metal plates that hold joints together)
Span
length of the bottom chord on a truss. Usually the width of a building. does not include
eves/overhangs
What is not a component of a truss?
000
O.C. of the trusses
On Center of the framing member is the distance from the center line of one framing
member to the center line of an adjacent framing member. Common spacing is 24" or 2'
Length of building
from end wall to end wall. (not overhang)
Total LF of trusses
# of trusses x span of one truss
# of trusses
[length of building in inches / O.C. in inches] + 1
Main parts of a roof
Deck
Rake
Flashing
Valley
Ridge
Dormer
Eave

Sheathing
a)Attached to top chord of truss and supports roof rafters
b) forms the deck
What is solid sheathing used for?
composition shingles because it is smooth in application
What is spaced sheathing usually used for?
wood shingles or shakes
What size spaced sheathing is usually used with 5.5" wood shingles?
5.5"
What is a benefit of spaced sheathing?
the gap between boards allow wood roofs to ventilate and evenly dry

also allows shingles to be nailed to the center of the spaced sheathing board
Can you use solid sheathing for wood shakes/shingles?
Yes. sometimes it is required in order to keep wind driven rain/snow from penetrating
the top of the house
What are the three most common composite shingles?
1) T-Lock (angular cuts)
2) 3 tab (plain jane)
3) Laminated (give a layered...wood like look)
What are comp shingles made of?
fiberglass or asphalt-saturated embedded with mineral annuals
What is the weight base of comp shingles?
100 sf or 1 square
3 Tab Butt Square facts:
a) 3 bundles per square
b) range from 200 to 240 lb
c) light to medium weight shingles
Laminated Shingles facts:
a) AKA "Architectural" shingles
b) "layed" look like a wood roof
c) range from 250-500 lb
d) come in 3 or 4 bundles per square
e) medium to heavy weight
Shingle test question: it is possible to buy 3 or 4 bundles per square
True
What type of fiberglass roof can be rigid? corrogated or greenhouse?
I have no idea, but its a test question
Wood shingle facts:
a) manufactured in random widths
b) typical widths are 16, 18, or 24"
c) Butt ends vary in thickness from 1/2" to 3/4" but are uniform for a shingles length
d) Taper sawn in order to lay flat
Wood Shake Facts:
a) Hand split, taper split, or straight split
b) All "split" surfaces are rough
d) "Hand split and resawn" have a sawn or smooth back and rough face (smooth back
lay flatter)
e) widths are random
What are standard lengths of wood shakes?
18 or 24"
How many bundles per square do wood shakes/shingles come in?
4
What are rigid roofing materials?
shingles/tiles made of: clay, aluminum, steel, copper, fiberglass, concrete, slate or
plastic
How is rigid roofing sold?
by the piece, in bundles or in squares
Rigid roofing does not
deteriorate easily

are more durable than other roofing materials

What roofing material is heavier?
Rigid roofing is heavier.
What roofing material requires more labor to install?
rigid roofing
What do roof vents do?
Allow heat and moisture to escape the attic. Slowing down deterioration and increasing
the life of the roof
What are three basic roof types?
1) Ridge vent
2) Roof vent (or Turtle vent) - normally box shaped and made of aluminum or vinyl.
usually installed on the back slope
3) Turbine Vent - include turbine shaped louvers that are spun by the wind
What are additional roof vents? do i know what they look like?
Gable Vent
Soffit Vent
What is a cupola vent?
Usually seen in barns, but can be in homes too. Looks like a tower top

Power Ventilators (vents)

-larger than roof vents
-bubble shaped cover
-Electric motor/fan controlled by thermostat that turns on at a preset temperature
What do exterior finishes do?
-protect framing, insulation, and interior from weather
What are the two categories of exterior finishes?
a) Masonry
b) non-masonry
Masonry siding products:
brick veneer
stucco
concrete block
stone
glass blocks (for some windows)
(Masonry) common stone products
granite, sandstone, marble, slate, limestone
Is brick always a veneer?
No, in earlier construction it could also have been a structural part of the walls and
exterior finishes
Non Masonry products include
wood, aluminum, vinyl, steel, vinyl clad and hardboard
How are non-masonry products usually sold?
by the square, or
by the piece
What are common wood siding products?
cedar shingles
plywood sheets
beveled or lap
drop
board and batten
reverse board and batten
t1-11
Whats the main problem with wood siding?
Its more vulnerable to deterioration and needs periodic paint or stain to protect it
Aluminum siding
has a baked on enamel factory finish that can look like wood

requires little maintenance

Vinyl siding
Made of PVC (Rigid Polyvinyl-chloride)
durable and economical
can be different thicknesses
What can vinyl siding be installed with?
A backer board for:
-insulation
-rigidity
-strength
-increases the R-Value
Steel siding
-More durable than vinyl, aluminum, or vinyl clad siding
-Steel can be discovered by use of a magnet
What is Vinyl clad siding
Aluminum siding with a vinyl coating

it is more dent resistant than aluminum

less likely to crack than vinyl

hardboard siding
-aka Masonite Siding
-comes in sheets 4' wide x 8,9 or 10' long
-7/16 is most common thickness
-primed at factory & painted on site
Fiber cement
-a newer product
-Aka "hardie" plank or board
-installed like wood siding
-more resistant to weather & insects than wood or hardboard siding
-got its name from its creator "James Hardie Company"
Where is soffit located?
underneath side of the roof overhang or eave in a closed cornice

What is soffit made of?

usually plywood, aluminum or vinyl
What type of soffit will likely have a vent cut into them?
Wood soffit
what soffits will be solid or have a perforations?
vinyl and aluminum
who installs wood soffits?
Usually the carpenter
Who installs aluminum or vinyl soffits?
a siding contractor, usually.
How is soffit material estimated?
by the square foot
What is the fascia?
The finish board (wood, aluminum or vinyl) trim piece that covers the sub fascia and/or
the end of the rafter or truss tails
Fascia facts
-wood types - redwood, cedar and pine (requires paint)
-aluminum and vinyl called "Maintenance free"
-alum. and vinyl can be installed on top of wood to keep maintenance out of the picture
-wood purchased by the linear foot
-al/vinyl purchased by the 10-12' piece
Gutters
troughs attached to eaves to catch/divert water run off INCLUDEDS downspouts

typical materials: aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl, copper or wood

measured by LF
What is insulation?
Any material that resists the passage of heat into or out of a building
Where is it?
Surrounds living or work areas and foundations

installed in floors, walls, ceilings or attics

What is the R-Value?
Resistance to heat transfer

(generally, the thicker the insulation, the more resistant to heat transfer)
Rigid polystyrene
usually white or blue board.
glued or nailed or glued in place and used to insulate concrete footings and slabs, and
concrete or concrete block foundations or basement walls
Batt Insulation
a roll of precut thicknesses to fit standard wall cavities
Batt insulation specifics
1) Paper- (kraft) backed insulation has paper on one side
2) Paper is a vapor barrier
3) paper also acts as a air infiltration reducer and keeps water from being trapped in the
barrier
4)moisture in insulation reduces it r value
5) foil backed insulation - does the same as paper but reflects heat back into the room
6) Unfaced - (Aka friction fit) has no backing. Usually contractor will cover with plastic in
order to provide a vapor barrier
Blanket insulation
an uncut roll of insulation cut to length at the jobsite

used in walls and attics

(may/may not have backing)

Cellulose insulation
a treated, ground up newspaper that is blown into wall cavities and attics. normally grey
in color
shredded-styrene insulation
is a white, Styrofoam-type material used primarily to fill cavities in masonry-block walls
Vermiculite Insulation
is a tan, Styrofoam-type material used primarily to fill cavities in masonry-block walls
Shredded-fiberglass Insulation
is blown into wall cavities and attics; it is normally white in color