Which method is based on a calculation of footage multiplied by a unit cost?

The correct answer is the square-foot method. This method involves calculating the total cost of a project by taking the total square footage of the area to be constructed or renovated and multiplying it by a predetermined cost per square foot. This approach is commonly used in construction for its simplicity and ease of estimating costs based on size, making it particularly effective for residential projects or standard buildings.

The use of footage in this method provides a straightforward way to estimate costs, especially when there are standard costs associated with various types of construction. It helps contractors quickly assess how changes in size or scope might impact the overall budget. The square-foot method is favored in situations where designs are more conventional and the nuances of individual elements may not drastically affect costs.

In contrast, other methods listed do not utilize the calculation of footage multiplied by a unit cost in the same foundational way. The cost plus method focuses on reimbursing the contractor for actual costs plus a fee, and the unit price method involves breaking down the project into individual units with separate pricing, while the fixed price method sets a predetermined cost regardless of actual expenses.