I know everyone here hates this question, but I dont do alot of commercial work and i’ve been asked to price a build out on a small office.
The work includes demo (about one day), framing about four offices, drywall, paint & trim.
What i’m looking for is how this is traditionally bid. Do I apply a square foot price to this? If so, what is average (midwest region)?
I’m almost done writing this estimate, I just want to see if i’m close as I normally do residential and I know that commercial id usually higher per foot.
Thanks
Family…..They’re always there when they need you.
Replies
Can you get your hands on a copy of mean square foot? I wouldn't use it to prepare a bid but it would help you see if you're in the ballpark.
I think commercial costs more because unions are often involved. Also commercial outfits have more overhead. Many employ an estimator and have more of a front office.
almost all i do is commercial. Figure your cost, add your fudge factoer and then your mark up.
Commercial tends to cost more as it is a different animal with requirements by code or design for heavier use that simply cost more.
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Edited 9/19/2009 11:36 pm ET by Robrehm
We don't do it as often as we used to but still do several a year for a state agency. I was doing regular estimates on them until the construction manager told me he was paying $110.00 a linear foot in Miami. I went back to some of my old jobs and found that number worked pretty well and was easy to price. This is steel studs, 5/8" Type x drywall. mud, paint and vinyl base. Doors are commercial steel and are an addition each charge, electrical is extra. Usually we install the boxes and conduit and daylight it above the ceiling so the electrician can run wires later. Our biggest issue is that we have to do these in one weekend. No demo is involved.
in my experience.. commercial yes hardware costs more.. but finish /trim level is way down... You aren't in someones home... huge plus... it's get in... get out.. it should cost less... rare that it does.... but profit levels for those doing it should be betteri prefer it
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Me too even if I have to work Saturdays.
RS Means has books on the pricing of commercial work with factors of place in them.
You can get a download from their site! RSMeans.com!