Construction Cost Estimation Services

Hi! We’re working with an architect on some light-medium renovations (not a full gut), and recently heard from them that our estimated construction costs will be 2x what we originally planned for (the original budget seemed pretty safe).

Rather than immediately cut things from the project, we’re trying to get some additional data points on costs. Are there any services that can do cost estimation based on the plans? Or, are in-progress plans sufficient to start talking to contractors and getting quotes? Thanks!

vemrzhjcsfwirjod

in General Discussion 3 years and 2 months ago

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randolph | 3 years and 2 months ago

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I would take the GC quote and add 50% to the price and double the timeframe.

irfan | 3 years and 2 months ago

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We were told to start at 150 per sq foot for the most basic reno, without major plumbing electric or mechanicals. We’re doing all new electric, plumbing, adding 2 bathrooms, hvac, asbestos roof replacement, but not moving/messing with any structural walls except opening up the back of parlor floor and adding a deck and a mix of medium and high finishes and it will be closer to 300/sq ft. Prices have gone up in the last couple months as well.

There are some project managers that can ballpark costs for you but you won’t know until you have plans and get GC quotes and choose finishes what prices will be.

irfan | 3 years and 2 months ago

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We were told to start at 150 per sq foot for the most basic reno, without major plumbing electric or mechanicals. We’re doing all new electric, plumbing, adding 2 bathrooms, hvac, asbestos roof replacement, but not moving/messing with any structural walls except opening up the back of parlor floor and adding a deck and a mix of medium and high finishes and it will be closer to 300/sq ft. Prices have gone up in the last couple months as well.

There are some project managers that can ballpark costs for you but you won’t know until you have plans and get GC quotes and choose finishes what prices will be.

vemrzhjcsfwirjod | 3 years and 2 months ago

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We haven’t spoken to any GCs yet; at the moment all we have are detailed design plans, and not full construction drawings (which I was led to believe were needed for GCs to bid). Will contractors be willing to bid based on less-detailed plans?

randolph | 3 years and 2 months ago

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have you had any GCs bid on the project? i would not trust the architect to be able to make this sort of determination.