Remodeling Cost Book
I have good contractors to handle about any aspect of a rehab project and they are clost friends so I can trust them when getting bid or information. My problem is that I cannot pick their brain with every deal I look at.
Can anyone recommend (or ones to stay away from) a remodeling cost book or software? Something where I can ballpark some of the repairs after I go through a property before spending too much of mine or my contractors time.
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan,
There a plenty of books out there but it seems to what you need is experience at estimating (time & material) which no book can really give you.
The material aspect is easy to figure out.
Its the time factor where most people,
even professional remodelers get burned on if they are not careful.
Novices will typically estimate the time
and multiply it by 2 or 3......then its a matter of the hourly wage etc.
I suggest you get up with a "handy man" .
Not only can he assist with the work but after a while you will start getting a feel of the time frame involved.
On a side note; I would leave the friends out of it......your right, it gets to be annoying for the friend/remodeler to come out estimate these type of jobs.
You may want to also look at using a professional inspector (with professional building experience) that can not only let you know of the problems but also the basic cost involved.
If they dont have to spend alot of time doing a full blown inspection, then they will often cut their prices..........their is a wealth of information you can glean from them.........again after awhile you will get the knack / experience of it.
Good Luck.
Hi Dan
You might want to check out Home Repair and Remodel Cost Guide by Marshall & Swift. It is published annually and will give you a ballpark figure on all types of remodel work. It has local multipliers by zip code to accommodate different areas of the country. You will find that the estimates in the book are on the high side but I think the book could help in getting a general idea of the cost of a project before you bring your contractors in.
Improvenet has some simple estimators for basic rehab projects. Also, you can visit Home Depot or Lowes and start a book of your own with material costs for the basic stuff...doors, windows, etc. Even better if you have a salvage place nearby where you can buy used stuff, sometimes which can be nearly new. For anything extensive or complicated or structural, I would always get an estimate from a contractor.
Thanks all, great info.
Dan
I have found that the "national construction cost estimator" was something I benefited from for my first few years of rehabbing properties. it's updated every year and comes with a book estimator to carry around and a cd for your computer.and as stated by one of the other posts, you can get a materials and labor estimting cd from home depot...for free...good luck