The Design - Build Process
Estimating Costs
- Estimating costs
- Scheduling
- Framing walk-through
- Final walk-through
Every project is different, so our estimates are custom-tailored for each client.
We will prepare a Preliminary Cost Estimate based on the Preliminary Concept Plan and the Specification Worksheets. The Preliminary Cost Estimate is our best estimate of the total cost of your new home based on the available information.
The estimate consists of a detailed Construction Cost Breakdown, and has 11 categories:
- Non-work Stage Costs include impact fees, building permit fees, water and sewer hook-up fees (and other fees payable to municipalities or utilities), possible architect or designer fees, engineering costs, blueprints, and/or temporary utilities.
- Site & Foundation includes the costs of survey work, grubbing and grading, excavation, foundations, installation of utility lines (sewer, water, gas, electric and telephone) installation of possible under-slab plumbing, HVAC and electrical, installation of foundation drains, and interior concrete floor slabs (such as garage or basement floors).
- Framing & Dry-in includes the costs of framing, exterior doors and windows, roofing, siding, masonry, stucco, and garage doors.
- Rough-ins include the costs of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), manufactured fireplace, electrical, structured cable, intercom, stereo, security, and central vacuum.
- Insulation & Sheetrock includes the cost of floor, wall, and ceiling insulation and the hanging, taping, and texturing of the sheetrock.
- Interior Trim & Cabinetry includes the cost of interior moldings, stairs and handrails, closet shelving, doors, cabinets, and countertops.
- Finish Trades includes the cost of plumbing fixtures and trim, HVAC grilles and registers, fireplace trim, electrical plugs, switches and light fixtures, equipment such as intercoms, stereos, security and central vacuum systems, and exterior and interior paint and stain.
- Tile & Flooring includes the cost of tile work, hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and/or carpet.
- Interior Accessories includes the cost of appliances, finish hardware, bath accessories, mirrors, and shower enclosures.
- Exterior & Landscape includes the cost of exterior decks, flatwork (exterior concrete such as driveways, sidewalks, patios), and pool decks (landscaping and fencing).
- Clean-Up includes the cost of general construction clean up, final cleaning, and pressure washing.
When we have received all of the trade contractor and supplier bids, we will prepare a Preliminary Budget Estimate.
If there are any areas where you have not made a final selection, (such as type of floor coverings) or if a plan has not yet been completed (such as a landscaping plan) then these items will be identified as Allowances in the Preliminary Cost Estimate. This enables us to arrive at a Total Sales Price for your new home or remodeling project while allowing you more time to consider your selections.
Once the scope of work and specifications has been modified to your satisfaction and the Preliminary Cost Estimate is accepted, a contract is drawn up.