View Full Version : How do you cost your buildings? Help.
I need to start the process of producing a detailed costing of my small family house (http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4651).
I was about to start with an excel file and just build up the information as I go along. How do you architects out there (especially the small practice / solo guys) do it?
Any help or advice greatly appreciated.:cheers:
I found an excel template for this, aimed at UK selfbuilders, but it isn't quite right for me. However it is interesting and I attach it anyway - maybe will be of use for some people?
excel template is the way to go - but more detailed that the example given.
You can obtain cost estimating guides (well in Oz anyway), or use own experience to set up sqm rates. Then it's a "simple" matter of meauring the area/extents and inputting to th spreadsheet.
A little messy at first but the example you have given is a good starting point - just needs to be expanded considerably
nicholas
29-11-2006, 07:23
I need to start the process of producing a detailed costing of my small family house (http://www.pushpullbar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4651).
I was about to start with an excel file and just build up the information as I go along. How do you architects out there (especially the small practice / solo guys) do it?
Any help or advice greatly appreciated.:cheers:
I found an excel template for this, aimed at UK selfbuilders, but it isn't quite right for me. However it is interesting and I attach it anyway - maybe will be of use for some people?
The only real way of costing is to get one from a builder...as at the end estimates are fine, though the market will determine what you have to pay in the end. If you can find a good builder that is interested he should be able to provide quite accurate estimates at an early stage. (leave out proprietary items as you can cost these [install only]) and then just use a couple of other quites to benchmark
The only real way of costing is to get one from a builder...as at the end estimates are fine, though the market will determine what you have to pay in the end. If you can find a good builder that is interested he should be able to provide quite accurate estimates at an early stage. (leave out proprietary items as you can cost these [install only]) and then just use a couple of other quites to benchmark
I take your point about the market setting the price but I'm not going to go to tender, instead subing out parts of the job and managing myself. I therefore need to do the main costing.
I have a lot of information on costs (oh and I recommend the Housebuilders Bible (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Housebuilders-Bible-Insiders-Construction-Jungle/dp/0952485249) which gives some detailed rates for the UK) but I would like to see how best to manage this information
tdmc
do you have an example of one you've done?
gorgo, sounds like the Housebuilder's Bible is similar to the costing books available here - they can be quite expensive - published by Quantity Surveyors (there are a few that do this, although it's bee a while since I used them) - Rawlinsons is one, and I think they are a UK firm too.
The figures are ok, but tend to be a little high - and so "safe" when costing, rather than being tight.
I put together a version a while ago - I'll see if I can find it and I'll post it
ok, who can tell me how to post an excel file?:bang head
ajwtaylor
29-11-2006, 22:34
cant u just zip it like the file above?
I'm using a Mac - and don't think i can zip files????
I'm using a Mac - and don't think i can zip files????
right click on the file> create archive
duh!!!
I just worked it out - first time!!! so just shows that there is always something to learn....:bang head
here it is
Got it thanks tdmc.
Useful but not as detailed as I hoped. Do these sections (1-18) relate to your specification?
[Also I think the one I posted is more detailed (I know none of the details are filled in) but I wanted just to say - you have click the tabs at the bottom to get all the different sections in more detail]
The housebuilders bible I mentioned is aimed at non professionals (home owners) but is really useful :D The "professional" costing books is Spons (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books-uk&field-keywords=spons&results-process=default&dispatch=search/ref=pd_sl_aw_tops-2_books-uk_6612221_2&results-process=default?tag2=gb-en-google-21). It costs a small fortune, is way too detailed and aimed at QSs and at about 800pages thick weights a tonne! :rock on:
gorgon,, I did have a more detailed version but I think it's been lost somewhere.
the version I posted was done for a specific project I seem to recall.
Why not just work though the housebuilder's bible and convert it into your own spreadsheet - that's kind of how I set up my (lost) spreadsheet.
Tip: I also make the estimates in a Excell spreadsheet, but as in my country usually is inflation, and sometimes the proposal are not accepted inmediatly, I use to add in the column of the unitary price (rate) a factor referred to an hidden cell in the sheet, that could automatically be changed updating the budget in a future date.
Pedro Barradas
02-12-2006, 13:21
Gorgon... I have my one template, in xls, but sorry is in Portuguese...
For shure there are several software manufacturers that develop automatic estimates programes, inclunding lots of activities and their costs in a normalized way...
I personnaly donīt use it so they are very complex, and dont use the portuguese normative tree.
:cheers:
I know an spanish software named Presto, that alows to make the whole proposal cost study, and later, when the work starts, it give the support to control the expenses and manage the labour.
I got it but never had to learn and use it, because mi works are ussually low to medium scale.
big :bump:
I found it! I knew I had done a good costing and I found buried in my computer so I thought I should post it here for posterity / resource sakes. It is an execl file with a specification and cross referenced. The bad thing is it's for a refurb of a 1960's school, very simple design, so not that much of interest going on. The costing is very detailed however.
carry on...
gorgon,
thanks for posting and sharing - always handy to have these little things lying around for just when they are needed :craqueur:
One of the main things to have in mind is that every line you write costs money ie the more you break it down the more expensive it gets
If this is for yourself & you want a decent & fair price with a bit of haggling at the end then I suggest you adopt a broader approach .. yes it can leave you open & more accountable, but in the long run you (or the client) should be better off.
BTW I have learned this the hard way.
Here you are an estimate of a communitarian center posted here time ago, as it is used doing here.
every line you write costs money
That's a good quote ReD. You are probably right I wasn't intending to go into this kind of detail with a contractor just do it in advance for myself...:cheers:
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