Check This Out: Building-Cost.Net

[Joe Birrell (NY)]

Appears to be easy to use on-line cost estimator (based on Craftsman Book Company Cost Manual), and it's free.

I feed in typical average quality ranch, 1092 sf GLA, with finished basement, Hwbb heating, etc. I haven't had time to check it out in detail yet, but first impression is total cost seems low. Obviously dosn't calculate
builder greed factor.

Should I cancel Marshall & Swift yet ?

What's your impression ?

 

[Verne Hebert]

Joe, can you post a more complete address.

I couldn't pull this up.

 

[slacker]

Joe, can you post a more complete address.

I couldn't pull this up.

Verne,

I think this the site:

http://www.building-cost.net/.

 

[Joe Birrell (NY)]

Sorry...................

It's Building-Cost.Net (no "s" after cost).

 

[Nancy in Friday Harbor]

Interesting site.

But, unfortunately, is further off (for this market) than Marshall & Swift!!! :roll: :agrue:

WAAAYYYYY OFF!!

Cost to build 2300+SF house, 10 corners, good quality, tile roof, hardwood floors, etc. is shown at $74/SF. Haven't been able to build an average quality rectangle here for less than $100/SF for the last 7-8 years!! I think this cost service is probably close to 100% low for up here.......

 

[Restrain]

That's what the local cost multiplier is for. We can build that here in Texas for that amount all day long. You can build the basic frame box on slab, CHAC, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no garage for $42.50 per foot.

Roger

 

[Frederick R. Ruffell]

I have been using it for the past 1.5 years and find it to be no better or worse than M&S. I find it easier to use.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Craftsman Books are become more popular with appraisers and insurance people every year. Cost is extremely affordable. I order the books thru Amazon.com. I use it for cost estimating repairs and put the print out in file.

Accuracy? Seems to be as good as M & S in my neck of the woods. M & S here tends to over value. Boeckh was better but the software is a goner. Boeckh cost books are still available but since M & S took over the prices have skyrocketed. Bye Bye M & S. One more price increase and I will not buy any of their product. I will survey local builders first.

 

[Nancy in Friday Harbor]

Does anyone out there use Means Residential Cost Handbook as an additional resource?

 

[Frederick R. Ruffell]

Nancy,
I used to use Means in a former life to bid commercial construction contracts but have not used it in years. Do they have residential data?