Come accross a fortunate situation where a client has hired me to build the a house. Its about 1500+sqft. Have provided estimates for smaller jobs without to many problems, but this is dfferent. This is what Ive done so far.
I have the planes and have been figuring out how many of everything I need (studs plates,sheething,ect.). Being my first takeoff of a house Ive also sent a copy of the plans to a supplier, see what they can come up with. Vet friends of mine tell me that the suppliers takeoff is usually too low. So, I figure if I compare the two Ill take the larger figure. Experienced ones, what do ya say. Im not running away from this opportunity, trying to do it right. Thanksssss, Bobby
Replies
the estimator at the lumber yard has a vested interest in keeping the bottom line low because you are likely to look at that in comparison with other yards so he won't figure any extras.
you, on the other hand, have a good reason to figure high so you won't get stuck.
Studs - I figure close and then add 15% for waste because of quality of lumber
Ply and other sheet goods. Study plans according to way it will be used instead of taking total sq ft covered and dividing by 32. Add for one or two cover sheets. Sombody will damage one and you'll need a lunch or work table or way to get across the mudhole.
Paint - How weill it be applied? An airless sprayer uses twice as much.
Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks much Piffin,
The response is greatly appreciated. Yeah, I want to go to the bank with the specs being a little higher than lower, obviously. I have been adding 10%, maybe not enough?
Bobby
That's just my average waste figure for studs.
2x8 or x10 gets some better.
Excellence is its own reward!
Don't forget to allow for the unexpected. I'd add something like 5% to your material estimate to cover for things you forgot, didn't think about, etc. There's no way you can think of everything.
Same for labor.
If blind people wear dark glasses, why don't deaf people wear earmuffs?
About labor, The framing crews around Asheville,NC are getting about 7$ asquarefoot. Thats on the higher end. I was thinking about using that figure. If I try calculating the time (Hrs) it will take-youknow one month/month and a half for 3 people. Figure both take the average? Alright
You won't find many people around here who think square foot pricing is a good idea, including me.
Ther are lots of discussions in the business folder about pricing, if you want to take the time to look for them.There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves we feel that no one else has the right to blame us. [Oscar Wilde]
;)
I'll have to add that line to my estimates...
FF
Forgetful Fee.
Excellence is its own reward!