Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

What is typically included in project overhead costs?

1. Construction and final cleanup

2. Office staff salaries

3. Utilities and dumpsters

4. Regular office supplies

The correct answer is: Utilities and dumpsters

In project overhead costs, expenses that are necessary to support the project but are not directly tied to any specific work activities are included. Utilities and dumpsters are examples of such expenses, as they are required to maintain the site and facilitate the construction process without being directly attributable to labor or materials in a specific construction task. Utilities ensure that the construction site has the necessary power, water, and other services to operate effectively, while dumpsters are essential for waste management during the project. Other options, while they may incur costs related to the overall operation of a business, are more closely associated with either direct project costs or ongoing administrative and operational expenses rather than being classified under project overhead. For instance, office staff salaries may include their own overhead but are typically accounted for separately as labor costs on the project. Regular office supplies may contribute to general operational costs, but they do not directly impact the construction project itself in terms of site management or waste disposal needs.