Basement Developments

healthyhomes

Do you think quoting a basement development on a square footage price (for example $50.00 per square foot) is a good idea?

Obviously adding cost for extras such as waterproofing in case of cracks etc.

Why or why not?

Thanks

concretemasonry

The money is in the quality, material options and features desired. If you have a very dry basement to begin with.

Little things like bathrooms, fixtures, flooring and HVAC modifications can run it sf price up. - If you look at the possible options, the list gets very long.

A finished basement can be a saleable item to a homeowner since it does not appreciably increase heating and cooling operating costs.

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Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

neolitic

Are you talking about finishing out
an existing basement for living space?
Or, digging a basement
as opposed to a crawl?

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healthyhomes

I apologize, I should have said: Finishing an existing basement

neolitic

I can't just pull a number
out of the air like that.
I always have to do a
take off and estimate time.
Size, fit and finish, plumbing,
relocating mechanicals....
it all makes a difference for me.

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Bob Kovacs

It's a great idea if you quote the right cost per square foot- it's a horrible idea if you quote the wrong price. The question is, how do figure out the right price???

concretemasonry

Bob -

A square foot price is good for intial talking, but will not fly unless you have a detailed description of what you are required to build. If you just have a general idea, it just gets down to last minute haggling after you have done the work and you know who will win then.

If the owner does not have a plan, he is just using you and then you will have to compete with the guys your price is shopped out to.

Get a plan or description and then figure what it will take in terms of time materials and your overhead for intangibles, profit and equipment.

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Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

Bob Kovacs

I guess I should have put in the sarcasm/humor icon- I know it's a bad idea........

neolitic

I have trouble finding that
one too.

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