Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) Practice Exam

What percentage of a facility's costs is generally fixed during the planning, design, and build phases?

1. 50%

2. 60%

3. 70%

4. 80%

The correct answer is: 80%

The correct answer indicates that approximately 80% of a facility's costs become fixed during the planning, design, and build phases. This understanding is crucial in the context of project management and facility management because it highlights the significant impact that early decisions regarding design and materials can have on overall project costs. During these initial phases, decisions about the facility's architecture, systems, and materials largely determine the future costs associated with maintenance, operational expenses, and modifications. Once these elements are set, making changes can be costly and complicated, as alterations may require extensive redesign and reconstruction. Thus, it's essential for project managers and maintenance professionals to focus on cost-effective solutions during these early stages to mitigate potential budget overruns later. Recognizing that a substantial portion of costs is fixed helps stakeholders prioritize effective planning and design processes that align with long-term operational goals, emphasizing the importance of reliability and maintenance considerations from the outset.