What is the cost per square foot for the existing system?

To determine the cost per square foot for the existing system, it's crucial to understand the context of the question and how costs are typically assessed in construction or architectural projects. The cost per square foot is calculated by dividing the total cost of a project or system by the total square footage it covers.

Choosing the answer of $3.75 indicates that this is either a common industry rate for certain types of systems or specifically derived from data about the existing infrastructure being evaluated. This figure could align with average prices seen in the market for similar systems, taking into account various factors such as materials, labor, and installation complexities.

Accurately assessing cost per square foot is essential for budgeting, project proposals, and financial analysis in architectural practice. Thus, selecting the appropriate cost reflects an understanding of industry standards and the specific characteristics of the system in question. In contrast, the other values may either represent lower or higher costs relative to the conditions of the existing system, which might not reflect the reality of the existing situation.