Civil engineering estimation — trigger for revised estimate due to price level change: As per standard departmental practice, a revised estimate must be prepared if the sanctioned estimate exceeds the original because of price level change by more than what percentage?

Introduction / Context:
Cost control in public works relies on thresholds that trigger a revised estimate. When prices escalate, the sanctioned cost may exceed the technically sanctioned (TS) estimate, requiring administrative review and re-approval to maintain financial discipline.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Only price level (market rates) is changing; scope and quantities remain the same.
• Departmental rules commonly prescribe a threshold percentage.
• Question asks the standard percentage value used as a trigger.

Concept / Approach:

Departments typically set a clear percentage (commonly 5%) beyond which a revised estimate becomes mandatory to reflect current schedule of rates and secure proper sanction for the increased outlay.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Many exam standards and departmental guides cite 5% as the limit before revising the estimate because of rate revisions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 2.0%, 2.5%, 4.0% are too low and would cause frequent administrative burden without material benefit.
• “—” is not a valid engineering control value.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing escalation triggers with scope-change triggers (which may require revision regardless of percentage).
• Using provisional sums without updating SORs.

Final Answer:

5.0%.