Verified answer: C. Change 20,000 sq ft of stained concrete to VCT and substitute 10,000 sq ft of VCT for ceramic tile.
Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with all NCARB ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation (PDD) Study Guide References:
Calculate savings for each option by comparing current costs to proposed changes.
Verified answer: C. Change 20,000 sq ft of stained concrete to VCT and substitute 10,000 sq ft of VCT for ceramic tile.
Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with all NCARB ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation (PDD) Study Guide References:
Calculate savings for each option by comparing current costs to proposed changes.


Check if this matches required savings:
No, it's less than $150,000. So let's check others briefly.
Total savings = $100,000 + $52,500 = $152,500 # Meets and exceeds required savings

Options A and B will be less, so the answer should be D.
Summary:
Option D results in approximately $152,500 savings, meeting the $150,000 target.
Reference:
NCARB ARE 5.0 Review Manual, Project Cost Control and Materials chapter Construction cost estimating principles and value engineering strategies Change 20,000 sf stained concrete ($6.00/sf) to VCT ($5.75/sf) Savings per sf = $6.00 - $5.75 = $0.25 Total savings = 20,000 sf × $0.25 = $5,000 Substitute 10,000 sf of VCT ($5.75/sf) for ceramic tile ($15.00/sf) Savings per sf = $15.00 - $5.75 = $9.25 Total savings = 10,000 sf × $9.25 = $92,500 Total savings = $5,000 + $92,500 = $97,500 Check if this matches required savings:
No, it's less than $150,000. So let's check others briefly.
Option D:
Change 25,000 sf stained concrete ($6.00/sf) to sealed concrete ($2.00/sf) Savings per sf = $6.00 - $2.00 = $4.00 Total = 25,000 × 4.00 = $100,000 Substitute 30,000 sf vinyl plank ($7.00/sf) for carpet ($8.75/sf) Savings per sf = $8.75 - $7.00 = $1.75 Total = 30,000 × 1.75 = $52,500 Total savings = $100,000 + $52,500 = $152,500 # Meets and exceeds required savings Options A and B will be less, so the answer should be D.
Summary:
Option D results in approximately $152,500 savings, meeting the $150,000 target.
Reference:
NCARB ARE 5.0 Review Manual, Project Cost Control and Materials chapter Construction cost estimating principles and value engineering strategies