Cost Comparison Between Different Materials & Systems
Hello Everyone!
I'm wondering where I can find more study material on cost comparatives between different materials, structural systems, etc. For instance when comparing one steel structural system against another concrete structural system.
I understand cost comparatives between different concrete systems (flat plate vs. flat slab), but when comparing two completely different materials/systems, I'm not too sure where to look to.
Thank you,
Ashley
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Cost estimating is a large field and it is unlikely that studying it in depth would yield you many more questions per-hour-of-studying (even if you remember lots of cost-related questions on your last exam. . . there's so much to learn in that field that it is it's own career path).
That said, these rules will help you. . .
What you see most often on construction sites is usually the least expensive option.
OSB sheathing is more common, and less expensive, than plywood sheathing
Plywood is more common as formwork, and less expensive, than insulated concrete forms (ICFs)
Vinyl siding is more common, and less expensive, than wood siding
Asphalt roadway is more common, and less expensive, than concrete roadway
And so on. . .
Another rule: what's commonly done in residential construction is typically less expensive . . .
Fiberglass batt insulation is more common than foam plastic insulation in residential construction, so the fiberglass is less expensive. Similarly, common residential-flavored things like wood framing, minimal code requirements associated with Type V construction, minimal ADA requirements, etc.. . .those cost less money.
For foundations, deep foundations, foundations abutting other buildings, and foundations below the water table are very expensive. So is grading, retaining walls, treating contaminants like heavy metals in the soil, friable asbestos in the renovation, etc.
Paying specialty crews from far away places (hotel rooms!) to weld high in the air, put foundations under-water, build glass walls for aquariums, etc.. .. .that's obviously expensive.
Delays of any kind and anything that requires overtime. . . expensive.
For masonry, buildings with many corners cost a lot more than buildings with few corners; for concrete, the savings comes from re-using formwork. Formwork costs a fortune because you're basically constructing the building twice, once out of wood for the formwork, and a second time out of concrete.
Hope that helps. . . Michael Ermann, Amber Book creator
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I found Architect’s Studio Companion to be hugely helpful. There are charts that help you decide which structural system or mechanical system to select based on building needs, budget, and maintenance costs. Familiarize yourself with the book. It’s an easy read, and a very good resource for PPD.
Extremely detailed cost estimates are not part of the PPD exam. For PPD you are going to need to be selecting major systems.
Hope this helps!
Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB, Step Up ARE Coaching
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