Does anyone have a new house checklist that they really like?
I’m kind of an unorganized guy and I’d like some sort of list that I could use to make sure I include every item necessary for developing an estimate to spec a house?
Is everyone using software now, or are some oldtimers still using legal pads?
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information…don’t listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Replies
I've got one I can email you. I don't believe I can do attachments through the email system on this website, so contact me via this website and I'll email you back with it. It's a pretty good piece of paperwork that covers dang near everything.
Diesel, just email it to [email protected] That's the email that I used to register here.
I'll trade you a joint venture investor proposal that I'm working on....
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Just sent it along. Lemme know what you think of it. Hope it helps.
I got it Diesel...I think...thanks. It looks good. I'll scrutinize it to see if anything is missing. Itwasn't signed Diesel...so I'm not sure if you are you...the initials were T.E.
I also got one from Brian M. Thanks Brian.
Also..Hasbeen has offered me one by snailmail...thanks Has!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Oh yeah, forgot that.... I'm Brian.
Thanks Diesel...I already sent yours onto Frank too.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
That what you were looking for at all?
Yeah dies...I just wanted some form of checklist. I know I could make one, but I really didn't want to. I'm just going to send the list onto Frank and have him load up the numbers. I'll look it over and see if anything is missing.
I'm actually easy to please and very low tech...
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Bump....
You there Blue?
some sort of list that I could use to make sure I include every item necessary for developing an estimate to spec a house?
No I dont have a list. Ive been in a job to judge others spec houses. I guess I should write it down while my memory is fresh. Even better , I should have had a log. Anyway, Ive got some things to say.
Seems to me that the lot has a lot to do with the spec. I mean , the price of the spec determines the list. The house has to belong in the area chosen.
I wrote that the dollar alone is figgured in a spec and nothing else. I still believe that . I picked up some ideas that are valuable I didnt have before.
The material chosen is a big factor believe it or not. The people doing the work is a huge factor on passable quality and speed. The time spent on the project is huge in pricing. The price is over all the biggest factor in competing for a buyer. Ways to shave price for the least the buyer accepts for the size of home is the answer.
On a certain size home in a certain addition brick may be a must , but in a non addition there are no rules. Strange whats accepted and whats not . Gas fire places are now accepted here as norm and wood frie places are accepted top be too expensive for their need. Concrete siding hasnt made it here and vinyl and metal trim are still accepted. The latter is cheaper in price and quality. Why buck acceptence of the norm? Normal size jet tubs are in and the garden whirl pool bath is not necesary. Carpet still sells and its cheaper. Tile is a must in wet areas. The walkin closet and extras in them sell and so do 3-4 bedrooms featuring a computer room/study /office. Zone central systems with split bedroom plans sell. Noone wants less than three bedroom even if they need one. Its a plus to close 2 bedrooms and a bath off for a couple or privacy for a couple with kids. Three garages in bigger specs. The front or back country porch sells here in bigger specs. Cheap sells first time home buyers and retired moderately. Theres a lot more I know about here , but here is not there .
Saving time and money is the biggest factors for survival.
I build small enough to rent if it doesnt sell and cheap enough to sell or make an affordable rental.
Tim Mooney
Tim Mooney
Thanks for the design input Tim.
We've already deteremined out target market, client and location...as well as style of the house. I just want a laundry list of every expense that might occur.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
I've got checklists galore. I'll just have to sort through my stuff and pull out what I think might help you a little. I'll give a look tomorrow since I have an office day in front of me.
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I'll appreciate that Jerrald!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
When you get your best one , email it to me please?
Tim Mooney
If you ever get the time (though I'm guessing you won't), talk to a shrink. A "kind of an unorganized guy" in this biz probably has ADHD. There are things (drug and non-drug) that can be done to help, making life just a little easier.
Thanks for the idea DanH. I'm not that scattered brained....I'm just undisciplined. I'm hoping the list will keep me on track.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Like I said, ADHD.
Okay...I'll bite...what's ADHD?
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Soory, Blue you got it.
So do I and a LOT of folks.
It's a sign of intelligence. We're thinkin about too much all the time and can't make what seems like good sense out of it to others.
Look it up. I remember you relating to me about not being able to sit still in school.
EricI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
What fixes it Firebird?
Should I smoke some weed? I don't want to...I get paranoid....afraid OSHA will find me....
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
No fix Blue, just try to be dumb next time.
I hear they're gonna start random ADHD testing soon..............better watch out!!!
EricI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
ADHD is nothing to tease or harrass about . Its real and its serious. I have a little boy that has it . Would one tease about polio, or cancer?
Tim Mooney
Tim, I've been diagnosed with ADD and I stutter. I find jokes about either to be hilarious, as it's best to laugh about one's shortcomings. If I had cancer I'd probably joke about that too. Really.
Oh darn..Mike....he was saying that I had to be smart to have that AHAD thing....I was taking it as a compliment...now your telling me it's a shortcoming!
Geez...bubble burster!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
If it was really a bad thing, wouldn't they call it MINUS instead of ADD?
Tim,
I did not mean my post to be a joke in responce to Dan H.'s suggetion to Blue that he might have ADHD.
I understand that these diseases do not exist in Europe, that they are unique to our continent. Go look it up. I don't know.
I have issues, many of us do. It's being able to recognize that and how you choose to deal with it. Some grasp at it and will never let go, it becomes what defines them.
I'm moving on. Slay the dragon.
Did not mean to offend anyone. There are enough problems like this in my life and family. I need to have a sense of humor about it or it may consume me.
EricI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
I hear they're gonna start random ADHD testing soon..............better watch out!!!
Oh geez Firebird...I better start studying!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Well I had (or still have and just can't locate) a real thorough whole house estimating checklist that I did in up in both Excel and FileMaker back in the late '90s that was a compilation of things I gleaned from R. S. Means' Spec-Aid and from an estimating checklist I got from some now extinct Craftmans Books book on Remodeling. I just can't find it. It must be on a zip or CD somewhere.
I stopped using it since it was so large and so comprehensive and we were getting into more specialized projects such as kitchen, baths, casework, stairs, and railings. So we switched to working off of more project specific checklists.
I'll attach a scan of that old Craftmans Books checklist.
Over on JLC there is the April 1999 Strictly Business: An Estimating Checklist article by By Sal Alfano and it has a more compact estimating whole house checklist too.
As for "Is everyone using software now, or are some oldtimers still using legal pads?" While it certainly is faster, more precise, and more efficient to use estimating software over a legal pad you still need the checklist or a very thorough template to make sure you've covered everything.
Listen if your not going to use a commercial estimating product please please please tell me you are at least going to use Excel or some other spreadsheet to build this estimate.
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Thanks Jerald.
Check on planning and zoning costs if any changes are necessary. Costs 200 dollars here to get heard by the board on any thing .
Water meter tap fee
Sewer tap fee
Electric meter
Utility deposits
Building permits fees
engineering fees acessed by the city for review of site plan.
Engineering fees from your own.
Soil engineer fees if the ground is of questionable character.
Building plan review / by building official and fire marshal.
Electrical permit
Plumbing permit
HVAC permit
Buy a copy of the planning and zoning book
Get a list from the building official of all inspections required with city ordinances so you don't have to catch a curve ball. FREE
A list of questions you may have answered from the building official so the work goes with out a hitch and nothing is turned down over your lack of understanding. Very important . We want the job to move on for you and us. Although some may think different , the official is there to help you and him make it a joint effort and a pleasant one. We want you to be able to move on and make money. The ultimate goal is to create a very strong business relationship that all parties can gain knowledge for a better product that meets the safety of the public and helps to insure lasting quality to the owner. And of course protects the builder and his subs from liability.
A copy of the building codes for your area. Ours for example is the International Building Code 2002. It is the contractors responsibility to build by code and to be able to reference them if asked by the building official. I turned it around on you huh? <G>
Provide a list of all subs , their names and ALL phone numbers to make it a smooth venture on your part. I don't need to talk to you if you didn't do it . <G> I have to have a list of the licensed subs for they will have to sign their respective permits. I will deal with them and take that burden off you. If you request , I will keep you posted with any information, but Ill let you call your subs in that arrangement. Makes me no difference as long as I'm dealing with one source. I recommend the first option for several reasons.
Tim Mooney
Jerrald, thanks for that checklist.
I can't promise anything...because I hate to break promises. I did the last one with the yellow legal pad...and yes, I was all messed up....but hey...it's still standing.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!