I am an insurance appraiser in Los Angeles. I have the unenviable job of appraising historic homes with period details off the Richter scale. Marshal and Swift estimating tools are useless. Who out there can estimate the cost of building a barrel vaulted, beam-coffered ceiling, 45 panels yet, with iron hardware, for a Spanish Colonial home built 1927? (Plus I have photos.) Who out there can estimate the cost of replacing solid mahogany crown and baseboard moldings, mahogany paneled wainscotting and curved mahogany staircases, railings, etc, How about CURVED solid mahogany doors? Whew! Is this type of wood even available? Does anybody know anybody who has a clue? Are these skills obsolete? Obviously anything can be built for the right price I guess………….
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Estimates can be prepared at the right price too.
Those sorts of estimates will be time consuming and expensive to prepare, but rest assured, there are a few carpenters out there who do that sort of stuff for a living still.
Since your in the LA area, Gary Katz springs to mind. I don't know if he's more of a writer or a carpenter these days. See for yourself- his website is http://www.garymkatz.com.
zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
You'll be able to find many finish carpenters who enjoy the more involved aspects of such projects. The skills to make much of what you've described are somewhat common with those used to working on more expensive custom homes.
If you were closer to the rocky mountain area we wouldn't hesitate to gather a few specialists in the different areas and put a bid together. We use a cabinet maker who is well versed in curved cabinets, exotic woods and also produces fantastic carved doors. Other carpenters enjoy building curved stairs, while others are good at curved structural work.
It would be difficult to find someone who could ballpark a number even close to another finish carp in these situations. The catch with bids on on such unique projects is that there is often a greater risk of the unknown/hidden and prices are adjusted upward accordingly.
Best of luck
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
I can't even begin to help you, but I want to say, Thank you for striving to do the right thing for what sure sounds like grand, unique homes that represent a significant thread in the historical fabric of LA.
I would contact the people at the Gamble House or Architectural Detail in Pasedena for some contacts.
Admittedly an unenviable task however, why not think of it as you would a 1927 car? Bluebook the car(house) and if estimated repair exceeds value of house, declare it totaled and move on.
I would google historic renovation homes and see if any contractor sites pop up. Send them an email with your question and for a price, a steep price, maybe they will sign on as a estimating consultant.
Part of me feels for you personally because after all, your just doing your job. On the other hand, you work for the DARK SIDE and this situation sounds like it's a golden opportunity for the small guy to stick it to the big insurance company. Deep and hard!! I hope it's for some big time movie producer or someone with big enough bucks to really put it to the insurance company.