NCARB Continuum Education (CE) Practice Exam

Life-cycle cost analysis evaluates what costs over the building's life?

Initial, operating, maintenance, and replacement costs across the building's life. Only energy costs. Initial construction costs. Maintenance costs only.

Correct Answer:

Maintenance costs only.

Explanation:

Life-cycle cost analysis looks at all costs that occur over the building’s life, not just a single phase. It includes the upfront construction cost, ongoing operating costs (like energy), maintenance and repairs, and eventual replacement of components as they wear out. In some analyses it also considers financing, taxes, and end-of-life disposal, but the essential idea is to capture initial, operating, maintenance, and replacement costs across the building’s life. This broad view lets you compare design options that may have higher upfront costs but lower long-term costs, such as an energy-efficient envelope or durable systems. Focusing only on maintenance or only on initial costs misses other major cost streams and can lead to poor long-term decisions.

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