Estimating Costs - Custom Homes

There are different formulas for estimating each aspect of the job. They can include labour, equipment, drag time, materials and be calculated based on square footage, cubic yards etc.

The items that will need to be estimated in a custom home are as follows.

Excavation
Concrete which includes footings, floor slab, foundation, block wall, poured concrete and brick work
Framing which includes floors, walls, roof
Roofing shingles
Siding and sheathing
Cornice material
Insulation
Drywall
Trim work
Flooring
Paint
Cabinets
Wall covering
Millwork and miscellaneous
ETC.

The subcontractors will charge for their services differently. Some will include materials and some will not. Make sure you are clear on each ones policy.

In the end it is easier and a more efficient use of time to get bids from several subs and take it from there. It can take days to calculate an estimate and in the end if you have not done it correctly and none of the bids are close to what your estimate is then you have wasted your time.

Changes to Custom Home Estimates

Changes made on paper before anything starts are the easiest to do
Once product is ordered or delivered you pay for the upgrade or change, restocking fees, delivery and possibly a charge by the sub to change his contract.
Changes made after installation may include damage to removed product, cost for new product, labour for all the installation, removal and reinstallation.
Other things to consider if you make changes are the effect that change has on the rest of the job. For instance changing ceiling height will change the length of the stairs and the number of treads.
Moving walls affects the weight bearing walls all around and can compromise floor structure and also has an effect on the roof framing.
Moving windows or doors affects the outside look of the house and the symmetry of the custom home. Changing the way doors swing can mean that they obstruct other doors or block entrances.
What you put on the outside of the house such as brick or siding or stone cannot be changed once you begin because the foundation and roof design are based on the finish chosen.
At this point it might be helpful to ask your builder for a list of work to be done and the correct sequence for each job. Some subcontractors will only do there job if certain other tasks are completed.
Some custom finishes such as heated floors may require the sequence be very specific where concrete must be poured, pipes laid and walls installed to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. This saves time, money and frayed nerves. If you have an idea of the sequence of the job it allows you to keep track of things when you visit the site.

Estimating Costs - Custom Homes

Changes to Custom Home Estimates

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