I’m planing to build a simple 36′ x 26′ house ( it’s called a Canadien style house up here, in Quebec). I’m looking for a complete list of materiel, from fondation to finish! Just to make sure i’m not forgeting something! Does a list like that exist? Is there a free estimation software available on the web? Maybe something that has been published on finehomebuilding.com?
Thanks
Fred
Replies
Some of the fancy 3d cad programs have a materials list feature built in, but there are flaws in the logic.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Just count the sticks as you build it in your head.
Hire a professional who does it for a living
...or go to your local Timbr Mart and purchase one of their house plans.
SketchUp by google will do all that for you. It's a free program that you can draw houses with, including the basement, drywall etc.
Short answer: No.
Long answer: If you want someone who has built this type of house (like me) to estimate the materials cost from your design, you're going to have to pay for that service, same as you would if you wanted an architect to design the house in the first place. Doing an accurate materials take off from plans is difficult work which requires a great deal of experience. For a project of that size, I estimate it would take me about 40 hours to generate a complete bill of materials, assuming your plans and specs were complete, clear, and did not call for any special engineering.
Some ACAD programs purport to do a take off from plans drawn with the program; however the assumptions inherent in such software may or may not reflect those which are integral to your design. As Fast Eddie remarked, they can leave a lot to be desired.
Some lumberyards will do a take off from your plans if you persuade them you're going to buy all the stuff from them. If you're in rural Quebec, chances are you've got either a local RONA or a BMR, or, if you're lucky, one of each. Try there; maybe you'll get lucky. (But remember: they're in business to sell materials; that take off is not going to contain materials they don't sell....)
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....