In CMAR, construction cost is determined _____ the design is completed.

• A. During schematic design
• B. Before the design is completed
• C. After design completion
• D. At procurement

Answer: (B)

In CMAR, the construction manager is brought in early during the design process to provide cost estimating, constructability input, and collaboration on budgeting. This early involvement allows a cost baseline to be established while the design is still developing, giving the owner budget certainty and the ability to influence design decisions to control cost. The price is typically refined toward a GMP as design details become clearer, but the key point is that the cost framework is determined before the design is fully completed. Waiting until after design completion would miss the opportunity to steer the project toward cost-effective options that CMAR enables.