Quick Answer: A framing lumber takeoff counts every stud, plate, header, joist, rafter and sheet of sheathing from the plans, then adds a waste factor of 5 to 10 percent. To estimate framing cost, multiply those quantities by current supplier prices, add labor based on your crew’s production rates and apply overhead and profit. What Is a Lumber Takeoff? A […]
Quick Answer: To complete a roofing cost estimate, measure the roof’s plan area, multiply it by the pitch factor to get true surface area and divide by 100 to get roofing squares. Add a waste factor (about 10% for simple gable shingle roofs, 15% to 20% for cut-up roofs), multiply by material and labor unit costs per square, then add […]
Drywall cost estimating means calculating the total price of a drywall job by adding three things together: the material takeoff (sheets, tape, mud, screws and corner bead), the labor cost to hang and finish the board and a waste factor of roughly 10% to 15% to cover cuts and offcuts. Most residential drywall runs between $1.50 and $3.50 per square […]
Earthwork and excavation typically costs between $5 and $30 per cubic yard for common soil and $40 to $150+ per cubic yard when rock removal, dewatering or difficult access are involved. The final number depends on soil type, haul distance, site access and how much cut and fill balances out on site. Because those variables swing the price so widely, […]
Demolition typically costs between $2 and $30 per square foot, depending on whether the project is residential or commercial, full or selective and whether hazardous materials like asbestos are involved. A standard residential teardown runs $4 to $17 per square foot. Interior or selective demolition runs $2 to $8 per square foot. Large commercial demolition can reach $25 to $30 […]
