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Small Project Design Forum at AIA24

  • 1.  Concept/Schematic Design Opinions of Probable Cost

    Posted 07-11-2016 09:06 AM

    Early in the process, I find it helpful to test the client's hopes and dreams against their budget.

    For residential projects, new, addition and remodel, where do people find reliable cost information to use?

    Thanks

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    Kathleen Sullivan AIA
    Hastings on Hudson NY
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  • 2.  RE: Concept/Schematic Design Opinions of Probable Cost

    Posted 07-12-2016 06:18 PM

    Kathleen

    For residential cost estimates try Building-Cost.net -- free residential building cost calculator    You are prompted to answer a series of questions. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to go through this process.   At the end a fairly comprehensive cost estimate is produced.    You can then print the report.    If the estimate is above your budget you can go back through the series of questions and produce a new report in which  modify your answers to lower the cost of the building.   This building cost is free.    Hope this helps.

    Building-cost remove preview
    Building-Cost.net -- free residential building cost calculator
    Find the value of your home or building at Building-cost.net
    View this on Building-cost >
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    Michael Cullen AIA
    Owner
    Michael B. Cullen AIA
    Elmhurst IL

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Concept/Schematic Design Opinions of Probable Cost

    Posted 07-12-2016 06:31 PM

    l have a good relationship with several contractors willing to look at a project when plans and elevations are developed.

    The same contractors bid most of my work. While not perfect, their estimates are much better than what l can provide.

    Based on my experience with each contractor l adjust their estimates if l think their estimated cost is low or high.

    This usually takes about a week to get  their numbers.  My clients feel a contractors estimate is closer to the real  costs.

    All  contractors gives a breakdown of the costs . l add a contingency then.

    Jay Sparks AIA

    Sparks Design Inc.

    St Louis, MO

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    J. Sparks AIA
    Sparks Design, Inc.
    Saint Louis MO

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Concept/Schematic Design Opinions of Probable Cost

    Posted 07-12-2016 07:05 PM

    It has become my standard procedure to bring in a General Contractor once the schematic drawings are solidified in order for them to do a preliminary cost estimate.  This way, if the job looks like it will be over the clients budget we can make mid-course corrections in the design before I run up my fee doing CD's. Contractors are much closer to the actual construction costs than we architects are.  Usually they will agree to help out in this way in order to get their proverbial foot-in-the-door to get the job.

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    Robert Larsen AIA
    Principal
    Robert R. Larsen, A.I.A.
    Denver CO

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Concept/Schematic Design Opinions of Probable Cost

    Posted 07-13-2016 01:37 AM

    Hey Kathleen,

    So I know there are a number of different cost estimating resources out there from preliminary to more detailed cost information. I like to use Building-Cost.net -- free residential building cost calculator for basic info. (sorry not sure how the link will come through but building-cost.net). I've also taken a few resources and built a custom Revit schedule (everything I do is in BIM) that will automatically take the type of project I assign in comparison to the square footage and break down a rough "low, average, high" end construction costs.

    Like you mentioned, just to see how it plays against their budget and what numbers actually scare them.

    Building-cost remove preview
    Building-Cost.net -- free residential building cost calculator
    Find the value of your home or building at Building-cost.net
    View this on Building-cost >
    ------------------------------
    Neil Silva AIA
    President, Principal Architect
    8TFive Studio, LLC
    East Freetown MA

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Concept/Schematic Design Opinions of Probable Cost

    Posted 07-13-2016 09:35 AM

    I have aligned myself with some local contractors in my region.  They have been a valuable resource for real job cost feedback, providing square foot cost ranges for various project types.  I use this information when first meeting clients to establish a rough program and apply square foot cost range and come up with an initial budget.  Being that this is a very rough budget it has to be qualified at this stage…. it is only to be used as a reality check to see if the client's desired plans are possible within their expected budget.  If the project goes forward we do a more accurate budget check at various stages during the schematic design.  Final bids are only done using the final construction documents.

     

    Mike Dolce, AIA Architect

    Forest Hill, MD

     

     




    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Concept/Schematic Design Opinions of Probable Cost

    Posted 07-13-2016 10:57 AM
    I speak to a lot of contractors and even have contractors review early schematics so they can give a sense of what the project may cost. It also helps to start winnowing down the list of potential bidders. I also rely on past jobs for cost information.

    Daniel Alter, AIA
    DANIEL ALTER ARCHITECT PLLC






    Original Message