I am contracting my first home and so far, am having fun with my preparation. I have some good prices for labor, materials in several areas. However, I definitely want to reduce any excessive costs. I would like to be prepared to separate materials from labor should I find a better deal.
If I recall correctly, I was told by a drywall finisher that he estimates the square footage of each room and divides by 3.75 or 4. However, I thought that I had just read in a book of a different method. This was adding up the perimeter and I think multiplying by 4, then subtracting portions of sheets based on the opening.
Does anyone have a preferred, or true method? What about estimating for screws, etc? 9 ft ceilings vs 8 ft ceilings?
Thanks for your input!
Replies
We used to multiply the square footage by 3.7 for 8' ceilings, but everything seems to be vaulted or have at least one area 9' ceilings nowdays so we multiply by 4. Of course, that just gives you square feet. You still have to figure out what gets 5/8", what gets 1/2, greenboard, etc.
Huck said it first. I just agreed with him.
DW is one area where you definately want the installer to order it himself.
Some installers are tight with very little scrap, but others produce almost as much as they hang.
If you order tight and he hang loose, there will be a delay while you go buy more. Delay$ alway$ equal $$$.
A good DWer is going to be buying more material every week of the year than you will be this one time. Do you really think you can find it significantly cheaper?
Even if you found it for $1/sheet less, that's what, less than $200-$300 for the whole house.
SamT
Edited 7/19/2007 9:17 pm by SamT
The best of luck on your home. It should be a rewarding experience.
I personally would call up Dave and ask him how much. He'd tell me the total labor/material and that would be that. He'd hang and finish perfectly. He'd supply the material and his reg. drywall supply (mine too) would stock the house.
I wouldn't touch anything but the pen and checkbook.
But hey, we've worked together now for 10 yrs.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/