All unit costs in the MacNail construction estimating
software are based on our experiences with Turtle Creek Construction. We mainly did residential
room remodeling and additions, most often in moderately "high end" neighborhoods, but occasionally
pretty far down in the "low end". Our typical projects ranged from $60 to $120 per square foot (adjusted
to 1991 prices), with a total project cost between $500 and $100,000.
From user feedback,
we've found that our database works well for nearly all remodeling projects, and for fairly
custom new construction or additions.
You may need to make adjustments for the following types of projects:
- Tract housing-- our
framing costs will definitely be too high. Foundations, roofing, siding, trim and
some other unit prices may also be high, especially if you use high-volume specialty subcontractors.
- Extremely custom work-- many
of our unit prices will be too low. Unless you do nothing but high-end work, you may want to set
up a "high
end" database with fancier specifications and increased prices, and use the
existing MacNail database for your more normal projects.
- Commercial work-- our database works fairly well for "light
commercial" projects such as restaurants,
offices and retail stores. You may also need to add hardwood trim, formica work, or other specialties, depending
on the exact style of finish that you 're
using.
- Renovation work-- for mid-range projects, our estimators should
work fairly well as is. If you are doing historic rehab work, "the sky is the limit" and you'll
probably want to add some items to our database!
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