budgeting for your project
Determining project costs is one of the most important but unfortunately slippery tasks you have to tackle as a Client. You want to get this right though because so much of the project outcome is determined by it. We can help you get an idea of what you can expect to spend, both in terms of Design (soft costs) and construction.
You will want to have a clear idea of what you can\want to spend on your project, based on a realistic look at your finances and the value of the home or building over the course of your ownership. Don’t forget that improvements will often raise your property value. If you will be lending against the property, we recommend working with a real estate professional to provide credible post-improvement comps.
your project parameters
The projected costs on the right will update in real time. Feel free to futz with the numbers and watch how they impact your project costs.
a typical project timeline
Not all projects are the same, but most progress through the various stages of the time-honored architectural project model…
Decisiveness is critical to keeping costs in line, during both design AND construction. At first, It is easy to move lines around on the computer, but it get’s gradually more difficult as the drawings are developed. Final drawings are highly coordinated and annotated and require a great deal of effort to change. Even more difficult (costly) are changes made in the field during construction. Those lines that were once so easy to move have become studs and pipes!
who decides what something costs?
Construction cost is determined by a tapestry of factors. Because a building is a complex assembly, utilizing many different types of materials, technologies, and labor; costs can vary widely from project to project. But there are other factors. A trade embargo in China can affect the cost of materials. A busy market can increase contractor and subcontractor labor cost, not to mention availability. If your house is in a nice neighborhood, that can be a factor!
Hopefully this page can help you plan your project based on the most typical cost factors. We look forward to the prospect of guiding you further!